Warsaw Community Schools

Community Spotlight: Honoring Transportation Retirees

The board meeting began with a recognition of several dedicated members of the Transportation Department as part of the Community Spotlight. The Board honored Clelda Benning, Karen Loubert and Jackie Clase for their exceptional service and commitment to Warsaw Community Schools.

Clelda Benning was celebrated for her many years of dedication, including her return to driving after an initial retirement. Her willingness to come back and support the district for several more years, before officially retiring again at the close of the 2024–2025 school year, speaks volumes about her dedication to WCS students and families.

Karen Loubert was recognized for her positive attitude and strong service record. Karen began her career with WCS as a bus paraprofessional and soon transitioned to a driver role, where she became known for her reliability and uplifting spirit.  Even through a difficult few years of battling cancer, she refused to miss work unless absolutely necessary. 

Although unable to attend in person, Jackie Clase was also acknowledged for her years of service. Her contributions to the Transportation Department were noted with appreciation and gratitude.

Transportation Director Mark Fick and Superintendent Dr. David Hoffert shared personal reflections and words of thanks for each retiree, recognizing the lasting impact they’ve had on WCS.

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Academic Spotlight: Enrollment Forecasting & Demographics

The Academic Spotlight featured Ms. Susan Brudvig, Forecasting Consultant, who attended the meeting virtually to present a comprehensive Demographic Report to the Board. Her presentation offered valuable insights into current enrollment trends and long-term projections for Warsaw Community Schools.

Ms. Brudvig shared that while the number of housing units and adult residents in the district has increased over the past decade, the number of children under the age of 18 has decreased by 2%. She highlighted several factors that could influence enrollment in the years ahead, including the availability of family housing, commuting patterns and transfer enrollment trends.

Ms. Brudvig also provided a comparative overview of enrollment trends across the broader region and neighboring school districts. This helped illustrate how demographic shifts in WCS align with (and differ from) districts in surrounding communities.

Looking forward, she forecasted a small decline over the next ten years, but characterized this outlook as “stable” given the pace and scale of change. Her report offers a data-informed perspective for future planning around facilities, staffing and academic programming. 

Dr. Hoffert offered thoughts about how WCS’s innovative programming impacts enrollment trends and keeps WCS’s numbers steady. 

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Student Council Update

Kristina Kolembe provided an update on current student council class activities.

Seniors are in the process of selecting their class colors, flower, and quote, as well as planning for the upcoming Senior Semi-Formal, tentatively scheduled for January. The team is coordinating to ensure it aligns well with the timing of Snowball, which may take place the week before or after.

Juniors are focused on preparing for Prom, currently discussing potential themes and planning logistics for the spring event.

Sophomores are also involved in early Snowball planning and brainstorming theme ideas.

Freshmen are actively supporting Boomerang Backpacks, organizing fundraisers to benefit the program, which provides weekend meals for local students in need.

Kristina also shared about her role in leading the President’s Council, a collaborative group that brings together the presidents of various clubs and organizations at WCHS. This initiative fosters communication, coordination, and unity across student leadership teams.

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Finance & Budget

Chief Financial Officer Steven Boyer presented a series of resolutions to adopt the 2026 budget, including:

• The Resolution for 2026 Budget Appropriations and Tax Rates (Form 4)
• The 2026 Bus Replacement Plan, which includes the purchase of a new Special Education school bus
• The 2026 Capital Projects Plan
• Budget Reductions, Classification Transfers, and Fund Transfers from the Education Fund to the Operations Fund

In addition, Mr. Boyer presented resolutions related to the 2025 Obligation Bonds, including an Appropriation Hearing, Appropriation Resolution and a Final Bond Resolution.

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Next Meeting

The next board meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 11 at 3pm (Board Work Session) with the Regular Board Meeting scheduled for Monday, November 17 at 7pm.