Board approves tech director hire, coaches and virtual academy staffing; online academy enrollment at 11
July 15, 2026 | Southwestern Con Sch Shelby Co, School Boards, Indiana
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The board approved personnel items including resignations and new hires, and received an update on enrollment for the district’s new online program.
Staff reported two resignations: Brian Ebersole, head tennis coach (effective June 24), and Amber Heesbeck, an instructional assistant (effective immediately). The board moved, seconded and approved those resignations.
The board voted to hire Jen Releke as tech director to replace interim director Zach Sprout and approved a pay increase for Carolyn Dunnigan to serve as coordinator of the Spartan Virtual Academy. The board also approved a slate of returning and new coaches: Caleb Tennell (varsity volleyball), Grace Lakers (JV volleyball), Kendall Mangrum (varsity cross country), Derek Stutes (junior high cross country), Taylor Meredith (varsity soccer), Devin Razor (junior high soccer), Gary Waldoone (girls varsity golf), Connor Jewell (varsity soccer assistant) and Joel Parker (junior high soccer assistant). Motions were made, seconded and recorded in the meeting minutes.
When asked about enrollment for the online program, staff said the district had identified 11 students so far — eight previously in the district who are moving to the online school and three out‑of‑district students. Staff characterized that number as an early enrollment figure that will be reported again as it changes.
Board members approved the personnel motions by voice vote as recorded in the meeting transcript. The board also took time to thank custodial staff for summer work on the HVAC project and announced community events and volunteer opportunities, including the Spartan Food Pantry leadership change.
Staff reported two resignations: Brian Ebersole, head tennis coach (effective June 24), and Amber Heesbeck, an instructional assistant (effective immediately). The board moved, seconded and approved those resignations.
The board voted to hire Jen Releke as tech director to replace interim director Zach Sprout and approved a pay increase for Carolyn Dunnigan to serve as coordinator of the Spartan Virtual Academy. The board also approved a slate of returning and new coaches: Caleb Tennell (varsity volleyball), Grace Lakers (JV volleyball), Kendall Mangrum (varsity cross country), Derek Stutes (junior high cross country), Taylor Meredith (varsity soccer), Devin Razor (junior high soccer), Gary Waldoone (girls varsity golf), Connor Jewell (varsity soccer assistant) and Joel Parker (junior high soccer assistant). Motions were made, seconded and recorded in the meeting minutes.
When asked about enrollment for the online program, staff said the district had identified 11 students so far — eight previously in the district who are moving to the online school and three out‑of‑district students. Staff characterized that number as an early enrollment figure that will be reported again as it changes.
Board members approved the personnel motions by voice vote as recorded in the meeting transcript. The board also took time to thank custodial staff for summer work on the HVAC project and announced community events and volunteer opportunities, including the Spartan Food Pantry leadership change.
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