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WABASH COUNTY, Ind. – Studies for advancement once again dominated the after discussion of the Metropolitan School District of Wabash County board meeting Tuesday night. At least one member of the public wanted more information on where the board was on making a decision on whether to hire a consultant, and what exactly that scope of work would look like. Michael Rigney, Lafontaine, referenced a point made in MSD’s work session on Feb. 6 where consultant Administrator Assistance asked the board to develop 10 questions it would like to have answered in a study for advancement. Rigney asked that the questions be made public before they were given to Administrator Assistance, so that the public would know what was being asked. Rigney also asked that the public be shown the cost of such a study before the board move forward. “We were given (a study) that was free, and the public needs to know how much extra this is going to cost, especially when the other one was going to be free,” Rigney said. Rigney surmised that the board wanted an independent study because it was perceived that just consolidation was going to be studied in the Community Foundation of Wabash County’s study for advancment, and added concern about the effectiveness of such a study without the cooperation of surrounding school districts. “There are other avenues to look at, but I don’t see how the study you’re going to do now is going to look into consolidation,” Rigney said, “because you’re not going to get an accurate depiction of what that’s going to be if both parties aren’t in on the study. … If that’s the case, why are you even doing the study?” Board chair Kevin Bowman assured Rigney that no decision had been made on the hiring of a consultant or which consultant might be hired to commission a study, and board member Todd Dazey remarked that the questions were to be developed at the request of Administrator Assistance in an attempt to keep the cost of the study down for MSD. It was revealed during the public comments section of the meeting that Superintendent Mike Keaffaber will be meeting with other potential consultants in the coming days, and would relay back to the board what his findings were in a public setting before any decision would be made. Superintendent Mike Keffaber said, “Many students, parents, other relatives, and staff attended the School Board meeting to recognition and celebrate the many accomplishments by our students and staff. We are thankful for all of those who are engaged with these recognitions. MSD of Wabash County will continue to investigate educational consultants to assist with Strategic Planning. “ The 90-plus minute meeting touched on an array of subjects before the public comments section. Among the highlights: The All-State Cross Country nominees from the school district were honored, and third grade teacher Jamie Haupert was honored with the staff spotlight, being nominated by Cindy Harlow, the grandmother of Haupert’s student, Chad, for the impact she’s made in the student’s life. “She has taught him this year that he can strive work towards the top and master most anything,” Harlow said. “She’s given him the encouragement and know how of how to help others.”
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