Washington’s school board learned about Indiana’s new high school diploma system and how Washington High School is already meeting most of the new requirements. Washington High School principal Brian Holland told the board members that the new diploma system goes into effect for the Class of 2029, this year’s 8th graders. Indiana is moving to a single-base diploma with “seals” for readiness for post-secondary education, entering the workforce, or enlistment in the military. Holland said that the new state-mandated requirements reflect what Washington High School has been doing to prepare WHS graduates for various post-high school paths with an emphasis on work-based learning. Holland said WHS is “in the forefront and far ahead of the game” compared to most other schools in Indiana in meeting the new requirements.
In conjunction with Holland’s report, a group of WHS teachers, with Matt Riney and Val Clarke as spokesmen, reported on the implementation of “Pathway Days” at WHS beginning next year. Pathway Days will give students the opportunity to explore career opportunities and topics and will encourage discussion about career exploration.
In other business, the board accepted two monetary gifts donated to Washington Primary. An anonymous donor gave $100 to the Dual-Language Immersion Program, and Alpha Psi Chapter of Psi Iota Xi Sorority, through a Community Foundation grant, gave $500 to provide a book and a “book buddy” to every kindergarten student to celebrate Read Across America week. The lard thanked the donors for their commitment to the students and the community.
In personnel matters, the board accepted the resignation of high school math teacher Emily Johnson. The board also approved a list of teachers working on summer remediation and eight ECA appointments.
At the end of the meeting, the board set June 23rd through July 5th as the athletic moratorium period, approved a STEM trip to Boston and M.I.T. over Spring Break of 2026, and approved the WHS band attending this year’s WGI Winds World Championship.
The Board also recognized the Staff Members of the Month: Laura Allison, an ELL teacher at Washington Primary; Tammy Braun, a member of the maintenance staff and bus driver; and Breigh LaMar, a resource teacher at Washington Upper Elementary. The Staff Members of the Month receive a Yeti tumbler and a $50 Amazon gift card, compliments of Habig Injury Law.
