On Monday, the Vincennes Community School Corporation Board of School Trustees met for its monthly meeting to review updates, discuss initiatives, and share highlights from across the district.
2025 Budget Overview:
The final 2025 budget for Vincennes Community School Corporation totals $39.8 million, with $8.8 million in maximum estimated funds coming from property taxes. The largest portion of the budget goes to Education at $23.6 million, followed by Operations at $7.5 million, Debt Service at $4.6 million, and the Repair and Replacement (RDF) fund at $4 million. The tax rate for 2025 is 0.9148, which is lower than the previously estimated 1.3784.
Student Presentation:
LHS freshman Vera Mattingly shared a presentation about Sandy Hook Promise, an organization focused on educating and empowering youth and adults to prevent violence in schools, homes, and communities. Vera is the daughter of Jeff and Krisi Mattingly.
VCSC Highlight of the Month:
Dr. Shea Duke, principal of Lincoln High School, highlighted the PTECH (P-CAP) program. This program combines strong relationships, hands-on learning, and career-connected opportunities to help students succeed in both school and future careers. PTECH has seen improvements in student grades, attendance, and engagement. The program also partners with local businesses and organizations, including Hershey’s, Futaba, Vincennes University, and Schott-Gemtron. This year, the program launched a pop-up school spirit store in collaboration with Life Skills students, giving them practical experience in business, customer service, and teamwork. PTECH serves as a model program for other schools across Indiana. The pop-up school spirit store received local media coverage, with stories by We Are Knox County, WTWO/WAWV, and WTHI-TV showcasing the students’ hands-on learning, teamwork, and school pride.
Employees of the Month:
At Lincoln High School, Kathi Berry, Culinary Arts teacher, was recognized for her resilience, kindness, and dedication. Despite losing her classroom kitchens, she continued to support students and staff with professionalism and positivity.
At Vigo Elementary, Skyla Velasco, an instructional assistant in the Title I lab, was recognized for her commitment to students and families. Skyla has learned Spanish to assist families and is currently learning Haitian Creole to support the school’s growing Haitian community. She goes above and beyond in her role, building strong relationships and assisting wherever needed.
Consent Agenda Highlights:
The Board approved minutes, claims, financial statements, personnel actions, donations, field trips, and fundraisers. Notable personnel changes included resignations from Craig Klitz, Macy Cliver, Glenda Marsh, and Kreg Battles, as well as new hires and transfers of multiple tutors, special education teachers, and volunteer coaches. Donations included $6,000 from Vincennes Rotary for the LALC Media Center. Approved field trips include a six-day trip to Washington, D.C., for 7th and 8th graders. Fundraisers were approved for art supplies, class activities, and student enrichment.
Policy and Administrative Updates:
The Board reviewed and approved revisions to numerous policies and administrative guidelines to stay compliant with current federal and state laws. Key updates include policies on dress and appearance, graduation requirements, student promotion and retention, bullying, career and technical education, food service, and school safety. Some policies were consolidated or rescinded for clarity, and new administrative guidelines were added for handling investigations by the Department of Child Services, interactions with other governmental agencies, and procedures for insufficient funds checks.
The next VCSC Board meeting is scheduled for Monday, October 13, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. in the administration building.