Academic Spotlight: Elementary Dissection Series

Emily Gough, WCHS science teacher, and Derek Pike, Elementary STEM Coach, presented an Academic Spotlight on the Elementary Dissection Series. Started by Rose Love in 2019 and now led by Gough, the STEM dissection program connects elementary students with high school student “instructors” for hands-on science experiences.

What began with the STEM elementary schools has expanded to include all WCS elementary buildings (thanks to the support of Zimmer Biomet). For the STEM schools, students follow a progression that includes daffodils in Kindergarten, earthworms in first grade, grasshoppers in second, crayfish in third, squid in fourth, blue crabs in fifth and frogs in sixth. Other elementary buildings participate at select grade levels.

Previously held in elementary buildings, the dissections now take place at WCHS as field trips. The WCS transportation team has been a tremendous help in coordinating logistics.

As part of their class, the high school students create their own lessons, presentations and worksheets and connect the learning to potential STEM careers.

Washington students Owen Rodriguez and Caleb Zingale shared what they enjoyed about the experience, particularly their squid dissections. WCHS student Zoey Perkins offered a unique perspective, having participated as a Washington elementary student and now helping teach fifth graders with their dissections. Zoey shared that the program has helped her develop public speaking skills and that she especially enjoys answering students’ questions.

Human Resources and Financial Update

The October 2026 Personnel Report, financial reports and September 2026 school board meeting minutes were presented for Board consideration.

The donations listed on the agenda totaled $13,662, in addition to a Secured School Safety Grant of $86,000. 

The WCHS Cancer Care Fund received contributions of $7,000 from Kari Tapani Vilamaa, $1,192 from the Warsaw Rotary Club and $500 from Weigand Construction. Memorial donations totaling $1,970 were also designated for the WCHS Dream Council in memory of Kristin Mills.

2027 Budget Adoption: Mr. Steven Boyer

Steven Boyer, CFO, presented the 2027 budget adoption package, including the ordinance or resolution for budget appropriations and tax rates, the 2027 Bus Replacement Plan and the 2027 Capital Projects Plan. The package also included resolutions authorizing budget reductions, budget classification transfers and fund transfers from the Education Fund to the Operations Fund.

Construction Update: Mr. Jim LeMasters

Jim LeMasters shared that the state’s air quality evaluation of the WCHS gymnasium returned positive results, describing the findings as passing with “flying colors.” The report found no mold growth and no air quality issues in the gymnasium. The full report can be found on the warsawschools.org website under public notices. 

The Lakeview construction project remains on target. HVAC work has been major priority this fall, with chilled-water work scheduled for November. Bids for next summer’s projects are coming in, with Jim noting an increase in the number of bids, which is a major positive.

Eisenhower’s HVAC work is scheduled for completion by August 1 with Harrison scheduled the following year.  Additional summer plans include deep cleaning the TRAC track flooring and exploring turf installation for the varsity soccer fields.

LeMasters also celebrated the Feed My Starving Children event, which brought more than 5,000 people to campus. The effort supported children in need around the world while also collecting food for our local community.

Superintendent’s Report

Superintendent Dr. David Hoffert celebrated the Warsaw Marching Tiger Pride’s sixth-place finish at State Finals, its highest placement in the last decade. He also recognized strong finishes by the boys’ and girls’ soccer teams, volleyball’s sectional championship and cross country’s advancement to regionals.

Dr. Hoffert discussed a recent meeting with Claypool teachers regarding the WCS demographic report and enrollment trends. Claypool’s enrollment is currently 203, reflecting population shifts and declining birth rates rather than students choosing other schools.  No official decisions have been made regarding Claypool’s future, and WCS is not considering reductions in force regarding staff.  Warsaw Schools will continue evaluating enrollment, building capacity and student services. Any potential changes would be planned in advance with no midyear changes. Supporting the important work taking place at Claypool during the 2026–27 school year remains a priority.