By SYDNEY KENT
The staff at Norwell Community Schools continues to grow after several new positions were approved at the Tuesday board meeting.
Mindy Schumann, Norwell’s new education services director, was present at the meeting to give updates regarding special education programming for the district. Schumann reported there are currently six children receiving services this school year. The district has plans to increase the caseload.
“We want to do this the right way,” Schumann explained. “We are not equipped yet. We need a nurse, occupational therapy, those kinds of things. We want to start with life skills kids first.”
In Norwell’s process for withdrawing from the Adams Wells Special Services Cooperative on July 1, 2024, the district has now hired intense intervention teachers for all levels of the program. Two of the three teachers are already on staff for the 2023-2024 school years. April Roberts was formally hired as the Norwell Middle School Intense Intervention Teacher for the 2024-2025 school year. Roberts currently works in a different school district.
“Families really love April,” Superintendent Mike Springer said. “She’s going to stay in her position this year for consistency for families and then transition to Norwell for the 2024-2025 school year.”
Springer commented on the progress Schumann has made before the school year officially began, calling her “remarkable”.
Board member Corey Krug then asked what feedback was given from parents.
“They’re very excited to know I’m here,” Schumann said. “From what I’ve heard in the past, communication and support just wasn’t there and now there is. The Ossian Elementary special education teachers are rockstars. It’s been really good.”
Springer also announced a list of additional resignations and recommendations, all of which were approved. Ked Moser, long-time campus life director, was approved for the guidance counselor position at Norwell High School.
Jamie Feldheiser was unanimously approved for the newly created 6-12 assistant administrator position. Feldheiser thanked the board at the meeting Tuesday evening.
“I feel like the right position for Jamie and the right timing,” Springer said.
The board congratulated him on the position.
“I want to fully express my appreciation,” Feldheiser said. “Thank you for the trust you have in me for this new position. I am a product of the corporation, from k-12. I have taught math and coaching in high school. I have never had a bad day.”
“Who is going to announce high school basketball games?” President Angie Topp joked. Feldheiser laughed and assured the board he will do his best.
The board also discussed potential policies to implement, or rather, a structure to follow during discussions to ensure the public has the opportunity to be heard. Springer explained the function of a school board and commitment as superintendent.
“Providing an opportunity for public comment on decisions you’re going to make is important,” said board member Chad Kline.
Board member Gene Donaghy also broached the subject of childcare resources in the county.
“For our community to be able to bring people in, childcare is a real issue,” Donaghy said.
Kline stated that a local nonprofit that formed in May, Imagine Early, is working to address regional and local concerns related to access to quality early childhood education. The organization recently received funding from the Wells County Board of Commissioners.
“The next step is that we’ll be hiring a coordinator for Wells County,” Kline said. The nonprofit is not affiliated with the district.
Springer added that this is the first year the district has doubled the amount of students for the pre-K program and offered full-day classes to better serve parents.
sydney@news-banner.com
