The Vincennes Community School Corporation (VCSC) Board of School Trustees held its regular meeting on January 12, 2026, which included a public hearing, staffing updates, financial actions, and annual board business.
Public Hearing on Proposed 2026 Facilities Project
The Board conducted the first required public hearing related to a possible 2026 Secondary School Buildings and Other Facilities Renovation, Repair, and Upgrade Project. The project focuses on needed improvements at Lincoln High School, Clark Middle School, and other VCSC administrative and support facilities.
Representatives from Baker Tilly and Barnes & Thornburg explained the process and financial structure of the proposed project. Phase one of construction is expected to begin in summer 2026, with bids planned for winter to early spring.
To fund the improvements, VCSC may issue General Obligation Bonds and/or enter into lease agreements through a local nonprofit building corporation. The total bond amount would not exceed $16.23 million, with repayment spread over up to 20–22 years. If approved, the estimated debt service tax rate would increase beginning in 2027, remaining at or below projected levels through 2037.
A second public hearing on this matter is scheduled for the February 2, 2026 Board meeting. Community members also have the right to file a petition requesting a remonstrance process within 30 days of the public notice.
Consent Agenda and Personnel Updates
The Board approved the consent agenda, which included minutes, financial reports, and personnel actions.
Several staff members announced their resignations or retirements, and the Board expressed appreciation for their service to the school corporation.
New hires and recommendations included teachers, instructional assistants, social workers, and numerous tutors participating in the United Way/Duke Energy Tutoring Program. The Board also approved staffing transfers and a long-term substitute assignment at Vigo Elementary.
Notable new staff additions included:
• A new social worker at Lincoln High School
• A first-grade teacher at Vigo Elementary
• A long-term substitute teacher filling a mid-year vacancy
The Board also approved requests for student fundraisers, field trips, and use of facilities, including events supporting cheerleading, preschool activities, and staff gatherings.
Financial and Operational Decisions
The Board approved the renewal of property, liability, and workers’ compensation insurance coverage. By adjusting deductibles and selecting competitive providers, VCSC was able to maintain comprehensive coverage with less than a 1 percent overall premium increase compared to last year.
Several resolutions were approved to transfer funds within the Education and Operations budgets. These routine transfers allow the school corporation to properly close out the 2025 fiscal year without increasing total spending.
The Board also approved:
• An annual resolution allowing monthly transfers from the Education Fund to the Operations Fund to cover utilities and building expenses
• Permission to run a second claims docket when necessary to ensure timely vendor payments
• An annual confidentiality resolution reaffirming Board members’ responsibility to protect sensitive information
Board Reorganization for 2026
As part of its annual reorganization, the VCSC Board of School Trustees approved changes to its officer roles for 2026.
Current Board Vice President Karla Smith was elected President. Current Board Secretary Lynne Bobe was elected Vice President. Current Board Treasurer Aaron Bauer was elected Secretary. Current Board Member Kolby Kerzan was elected Treasurer. Current Board President Pat Hutchison will continue serving on the Board as a Board Member.
All other board appointments and representative roles remain unchanged. These include:
• Treasurer: Michele Fleck
• Deputy Treasurer: Mindi Decker
• School Attorneys: Jonathan Feavel and Andrew Porter
• Special Education Cooperative Representative: Lynne Bobe
• Interest-Based Bargaining Representatives: Aaron Bauer and Pat Hutchison
• ISBA Legislative Liaison: Karla Smith
• ISBA Policy Liaison: Pat Hutchison
• SIEC Representative: Greg Parsley
• Twin Rivers Vocational Area Representative: Greg Parsley
• Common Wage Committee Member: Pat Hutchison
• Hoosier Heartland School Trust (HHST) Representatives: Greg Parsley and Casey Butler
These appointments will serve for the January through December 2026 term.
The next VCSC Board meeting is scheduled for Monday, February 2, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in the Administration Building.