The Warsaw Board of School Trustees said goodbye to a board member Monday and welcomed new initiatives to keep the school system moving forward.
Member Delores Hearn took her seat with the board for the final time Monday evening. Superintendent Dr. David Hoffert discussed Hearn’s background, noting everything she has done for not only the school system but also the community.
In 1991, she opened the Children’s Clinic to provide child guidance for families with children experiencing difficulties. She also began a countywide program for families in 1996.
She was also a member of various community boards, including Bowen Center Advisory Council, Mental Health Association, New Frontier’s-Riverwood Ranch, Child Abuse Prevention Council of Kosciusko County, Step Ahead Interagency Coordinating Council and Syracuse Board.
She also started the Lakeland Day Care Center and worked with Kosciusko Literacy for six years. She was award the “Heart of Gold” award in 2006. In 2009, she was elected for the Warsaw Board of School Trustees.
“We will miss your expertise,” Dr. Hoffert said. “You will always be greatly appreciated.”
The board awarded Hearn with a plaque and gave her a standing ovation.
“I’m tired,” Hearn said with a laugh. “I’ll always be around, the board is a special group of people and I will miss you. Thank you very much.”
This time last month, Hoffert was visiting Washington, D.C., representing Warsaw Community Schools, which the White House considered a “top 100 school system.” Dr. Hoffert said every school was there for a very unique reason. He was able to speak with other superintendents and compare initiatives that are working for different schools across the country.
“We are the first public school to own a mobile STEM lab and to be able to put that out,” Hoffert said. “We are very excited where this is leading.”
Another strategy that is proving successful for Warsaw Community Schools is recruiting and training the right teachers from Indiana and surrounding states, he said.
“We are seen as the poster child for what a school system should be doing,” Hoffert said.
Hoffert said a consistent theme in Washington, D.C., was higher education and how to assess project-based learning.
“When I walked away from Washington, D.C., being out there gave me a chance to take a step back and say, ‘wow, we really are moving,” Hoffert said.
Hoffert said he is excited to learn more from the other superintendents he met and he’s very proud with where this school system is.
“We’ve very excited how we’re preparing students and we’re excited where we’ve come from and more excited where we’re going as we continue to move forward,” Dr. Hoffert said.
The board also heard that there will be a board of school trustees organizational meeting Jan. 6.
(Story By The Times Union)
