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Wabash City Schools board approves hires, contract cancellations, equipment purchase and continued insurance premium payments
Summary
The board approved a package of personnel moves, hired multiple teachers and coaches, approved a roughly $29,888 mower purchase and voted to continue health insurance premium payments for Dr. Sibley through year-end or until alternative coverage is obtained.
At its May 18 meeting, the Wabash City Schools Board of Education approved multiple personnel actions, a procurement of grounds equipment and a motion to continue paying health insurance premiums for an administrator.
The board approved the purchase of lawn-mowing equipment after staff presented three quotes and recommended TRULIN Equipment of Wabash with a net price of $29,887.81 after trade-in. A staff member told the board TRULIN’s quote was the lowest of the three (GreenMark in Warsaw and Reynolds Farm Equipment in Atlanta, Indiana were the other bidders).
Administrators recommended and the board approved several staffing changes and hires for the 2026-27 school year, including certified and classified transfers and new hires: Gabby Wagner to kindergarten teacher; Caitlin Cornett to special education teacher; Hannah Bridal to first grade; Bethany Sizelove to art/PLTW para; Sherilyn Rensberger to music/PE para; Don Saunders as LHC administrative assistant; Bailey Yaden as girls varsity soccer coach; Justin Denny as varsity boys tennis coach; Lucas Helton as WMHS special education teacher at a salary of $44,500; Kyle Kelsheimer as WMHS athletic director at a salary of $71,000 on a 205-day contract; and Trent Daughtry as WMHS science teacher at a salary of $42,000 on a 185-day contract. The board also accepted several resignations and a contract cancellation (probationary teacher Brenda Ballinger) after staff said the position had been grant-funded and the grant is ending.
On a personnel benefits matter, the board voted to continue payment of medical, dental and vision insurance premiums for Dr. Sibley until he secures other coverage or Dec. 31, 2026, whichever comes first. A board member sought clarification that this action represented reimbursement for premiums being paid; staff confirmed that administrators’ premiums are being paid by the district and that the motion continued that practice for the named individual.
All motions recorded in the meeting were approved by voice vote with no oppositions announced on the record.
Votes at a glance
- Consent agenda (minutes, claims, financials): approved by voice vote. - Purchase of lawn-mowing equipment (TRULIN Equipment, $29,887.81 after trade-in): approved by voice vote. - Waive rental fees for Wabash County CASA back-to-school bash (July 25, 2026): approved by voice vote. - Cancel Brenda Ballinger’s probationary contract (position grant-funded): approved by voice vote. - Accept termination of Justin Turner (food service delivery driver, effective May 8, 2026): approved by voice vote. - Accept resignation of Britney Holloway (special education teacher): approved by voice vote. - Summer food service staff, summer school staffing changes, certified and classified transfers, summer custodians and coaching hires: all approved by voice vote. - Continue payment of medical/dental/vision premiums for Dr. Sibley until coverage obtained or Dec. 31, 2026: approved by voice vote.
Board members offered brief praise for staff and outgoing employees. Staff repeatedly noted the district followed legal processes where required (for contract cancellations) and thanked departing employees for their service. The board’s next regular meeting is June 9 at City Hall.
