Dear Editor:
I appreciate the community’s passion and support for our radio/TV program and Mr. Jeremy VanLue.
The impact of 93.7 The Mix, and Mr. VanLue’s dedication over the past decade, has been significant in providing students with invaluable, hands-on experience while contributing to the positive public image of our schools.
The decision to discontinue radio/TV at Wawasee has not been made lightly. Over the past few years, we’ve observed a steady decline in student enrollment in the radio/TV program, particularly with Wawasee students. The majority of students in the program now come from Fairfield High School or other CTE Co-Op partners. Throughout this time period, we have had ongoing conversations with Mr. VanLue about the program’s enrollment trends and the long-term sustainability of radio/TV at Wawasee.
Earlier this spring, Fairfield hired its own radio/TV teacher to offer similar programming at their school, resulting in the return of 10 Fairfield radio/TV students to their home district for next year. This leaves only three Wawasee students enrolled in our program for the 2025–2026 school year.
In a challenging fiscal environment, we have been faced with the difficult task of reducing 8–10 full-time positions from our education fund in order to maintain a balanced budget for next school year. If enrollment continues to decline, further reductions may be necessary. It would be financially irresponsible to maintain a program that only serves three students, even one as valued as this.
With that said, our commitment to providing quality career and technical education remains steadfast. The radio/TV program will continue through our Pathways CTE cooperative, but will now be hosted at Fairfield. Wawasee students interested in this pathway will still have access to it, just at a different location. Additionally, we plan to continue live-streaming Wawasee events on our YouTube channel, offering Wawasee students opportunities to engage in media production here at their home school.
We understand the community’s concerns and value the role that programs like 93.7 The Mix have played in our school’s identity over the last decade. Our decisions aim to balance our educational mission with fiscal responsibility so we can best serve all Wawasee students.
If you have questions or seek additional clarification, I’d be happy to speak directly with you. Please feel free to contact me at our district office or by email.
Sincerely,
Dr. Steve Troyer
Superintendent
Wawasee Community School Corporation
