Wabash board approves grants, personnel moves, coaches, international trip and preschool fee increases

The Wabash City School Board on Feb. 3 approved a series of routine actions: distribution of an Early Literacy Achievement Grant, personnel hires and resignations, spring coaches, a Japanese student exchange and new preschool tuition rates for 2025–26.

Grants and stipends: The board approved distribution of the Early Literacy Achievement Grant totaling $5,976.18 to teachers and support staff who provided literacy instruction through grade 3 in 2023–24. Staff recommended replicating last year’s approach and awarding qualifying teachers and paraprofessionals a $145 stipend; benefits on the stipends will be paid from the grant. One board member recorded an abstention on the motion; the motion carried.

Personnel and contracts: The board approved the transfer of Alexander Stahl from a permanent substitute role at the middle and high school to a WMS paraprofessional (fifth grade). It accepted resignations from Tristan Musick (effective Feb. 28, 2025) and Lisa Barnes (effective Feb. 13, 2025), and approved hiring Caitlin Snell as a 3‑year‑old paraprofessional at $12/hour pending a background check.

Coaches and extracurriculars: The board approved the 2024–25 spring coaches roster across baseball, track, tennis, golf, softball and middle‑school sports, including volunteers. A board member asked if background checks had been completed; staff confirmed checks and noted most head coaches returned from last spring.

Dual credit and instruction: The board approved a $1,250 dual‑credit stipend for Natasha Whitney to teach IVYT 106 (Student Success), a required course for students pursuing an associate degree; the stipend was previously paid to Sierra Tresca before her resignation.

International exchange: The board approved sending 20 Wabash High School Japanese-language students to a partner school, Yamate Gahuan High School, from July 18 to Aug. 2, 2025. The trip is paid by students, fundraising and city support and will be chaperoned by Kim Hodson and her husband Todd Hudson.

Residency support: The board approved supporting teacher Yamara Rodriguez’s permanent residency process. Staff said Rodriguez has taught with the district since 2020, that the residency process is a multi‑year procedure with an estimated district financial commitment of about $6,200, and that the DLI grant would likely cover necessary fees; Rodriguez is expected to sign an agreement to remain with the district for five years or reimburse prorated fees if she leaves early.

Preschool tuition: The board approved increases to 2025–26 preschool tuition. Staff described the changes as: half‑day 3‑year‑old fees up $25/month ($250/year), full‑day 3‑year‑old fees up $50/month ($500/year), and 4‑year‑old 'Little Apaches' fees up $75/month ($750/year). Staff noted the district remains slightly lower than surrounding districts and provided approximate monthly rates of $194.44 (half‑day), $388.89 (full‑day) and $416.67 (4‑year‑olds).