Compiled by Noah Alatza
The Westfield Washington School Board met July 18. The next meeting is Aug. 7. For more, visit wws.k12.in.us
What happened: WWS Supt. Sherry Grate marked one-year tenure, made brief remarks for ‘superintendent’s message.’
What it means: Grate officially marked one year at the helm of WWS earlier this month. Under her leadership, two referendums were passed. Along with a growing student population, Grate oversees expansion on three Westfield Schools. She also named a new principal for Maple Glen Elementary to replace former principal and incoming director of operations Joe Montalone. “Marybeth Riley is a nine-year Westfield resident,” Grate said. “She really stood out to us in interviews. Her time as a former assistant principal in Noblesville has prepared her well.”
What happened: The board approved construction contractor Skillman Corp.
What it means: The school board unanimously approved construction contractor Skillman Corp. for construction management and expansion projects, such as overseeing construction on the intermediate, middle and high schools in 2018.
What happened: Board approved funds for soccer field turf replacement.
What it means: Despite passing funds for the crumbling turf at the soccer fields unanimously, Vice President Dan Degnan criticized how the plan was implemented.
“High school leadership raised most of these issues to the board,” Degnan said. “These are all things that were known or could have been known much earlier. We could have started the planning in May. This came before the board in late June, early July. There is absolutely no reason in my mind that we did not accept a single bid.”
Degnan added that he was disappointed in the delay of the replacement, saying in part for future reference he hopes it will be handled differently.
What happened: The board accepted Westfield Education Foundation scholarships.
What it means: Outgoing Director of Business Operations Nick Verhoff thanked the foundation. “All the hard work the foundation does to help our graduating seniors is very much appreciated,” he said.
The scholarships were granted unanimously. The board also approved bonds to help pay for special education courses at elementary schools across the district.
