The Vincennes Community School Corporation Board of Trustees met on May 12, 2025, at the Administration Building. The meeting included several special recognitions, updates on school programs, and approvals related to staffing, summer school, and technology.
Celebrating Students and Staff
The board meeting began by spotlighting the Little Alice Learning Center (LALC), where teachers and students shared classroom routines and lessons focused on building early literacy and social-emotional skills. LALC staff also highlighted their use of the Creative Curriculum to support learning through play and exploration.
Two LALC staff members were recognized as Employees of the Month:
Jeanette Johnson, a veteran early childhood educator, was honored for her lifelong dedication to young learners. This fall, she will begin teaching early childhood dual credit courses through Vincennes University at Lincoln High School.
Savannah Tedrow, a classroom assistant in the pre-K program, was also recognized. She recently earned her bachelor’s degree in early childhood education and received an award from Purdue University Fort Wayne.
Students who competed in the Future Chefs Competition were also recognized. Eight students from across the district prepared healthy, creative main dishes. The winning recipe came from Avonlea Morrison, a 5th grader at Franklin Elementary, who made “Cheeky Chicken Salad.”
Other students who participated in the program include Brixton Davis (Franklin), Levi Frame (Tecumseh-Harrison), Nick O'Dell (Vigo), Brynnlee Quaterman (Tecumseh-Harrison), Adelynn Smith (Riley), Roman Strader (Vigo), and Kylee Webber (Riley).
Several VCSC employees were also honored for outstanding achievements:
Renae Wild, a second-grade teacher at Franklin Elementary, was praised for her quick action in performing the Heimlich maneuver on a student who was choking.
Parker Newman, a special education teacher at Tecumseh-Harrison, was named Educator of the Year by the Knox County Chamber of Commerce.
Tricia Hall, assistant principal at Clark Middle School, was named IASP District 11 Assistant Principal of the Year.
Chief Aaron Luce, who helped launch VCSC’s new police department, was recognized as Public Servant of the Year by the Knox County Chamber of Commerce.
Summer Meal Program
Food Service Director Tara Lips shared plans for the district’s summer meal program, which will again offer free meals for students. Meals will be available through delivery, pick-up, or mobile routes to better serve families who face transportation challenges.
Staffing Updates
Personnel changes were approved, including:
Heather Kirchoff’s retirement after a 30-year teaching career.
Several resignations and new hires across the district.
Approval of staff for summer programs like Camp Wildcat, Camp Eagle Feather, and Jumpstart.
Technology Purchase Approved
The board approved the purchase of 600 Chromebooks and 50 laptops for teachers to support student learning and staff needs.
Financial and Contract Approvals
The board approved several contracts and financial resolutions:
Renewed preschool services with KCARC’s Civitan Children’s Center.
Continued services for student evaluations and mobility support.
Approved the transfer of funds between the Education Fund and Rainy Day Fund for cash flow during summer projects.
Approved the purchase of land next to Franklin Elementary for a future playground expansion.
Public School Transfer Capacity Approved
Superintendent Greg Parsley presented details on student capacity limits for each VCSC school as required by Indiana House Bill 1381. The board formally approved the district’s capacity numbers, which state how many students each school is able to accept.
The enrollment capacities are as follows:
Lincoln High School: 1,200 students (300 per grade)
Clark Middle School: 801 students (267 per grade)
Franklin, Tecumseh, Vigo Elementary Schools: 810 students each (135 per grade)
Riley Elementary: 300 students (50 per grade)
While VCSC welcomes new students, Parsley noted that class size, attendance, and discipline expectations will still apply, particularly for students transferring from outside the district. If those expectations are not met, students may be required to return to their home school district.
Culinary Arts Project Moves Forward
The board approved Seufert Construction’s bid for the LHS culinary arts renovation project. The project will improve the learning environment for students interested in food service careers.
Board Grants Authority to Hire
To avoid delays in hiring before the new school year, the board gave Superintendent Greg Parsley permission to hire staff over the summer as needed.
Next board meeting is on Monday, June 9, 2025 at 8:00am.
You can rewatch the meeting in it's entirety here.