The Vincennes Community School Corporation (VCSC) Board of School Trustees held its regular meeting on February 2, 2026, which included a public hearing, staffing updates, financial actions, and annual board business.
Public Hearing on Proposed 2026 Facilities Project
The meeting kicked off by the school board holding it's second and final public hearing related to a possible 2026 secondary school buildings and facilities renovation, repair, and upgrade project during its recent meeting.
VCSC Superintendent Greg Parsley, along with Hannah Clendening and Jeff Qualkinbush of Barnes & Thornburg and Jeff Hammond of Baker Tilly, presented details of the proposed project. Phase one of the work is anticipated to begin this coming summer, with bids expected to be taken and approved between this winter and early spring.
The project, formally titled the 2026 Secondary School Buildings and Other Facilities Renovation/Repair/Upgrade Project, addresses significant needs identified more than a year ago at VCSC’s secondary facilities, including Lincoln High School and Clark Middle School, as well as other administrative and support buildings. Planned improvements include renovations, repairs, upgrades, equipment acquisition, site improvements, and related work.
To finance the project, the school corporation plans to issue General Obligation Bonds and/or enter into lease agreements with a local nonprofit building corporation, which would issue First Mortgage Bonds secured by lease payments. The total maximum principal amount of all bonds would not exceed $16,230,000, with bond terms up to 20 years and lease terms up to 22 years. Interest rates are estimated not to exceed 5.50 percent, with total interest costs projected at approximately $14.5 million. The maximum annual combined principal, interest, and lease payments are estimated at $2.7 million, with a total maximum cost over the life of the leases of $59.4 million.
The school corporation’s current certified debt service tax rate is $0.5342 per $100 of assessed value. Following issuance of the bonds, the projected maximum tax rate would increase to $0.6548 per $100 of assessed value, beginning no earlier than 2026 pay 2027, assuming no change in assessed value. The rate is expected to remain at or below that level through 2036 pay 2037. Petitions requesting the application of the petition and remonstrance process may be filed with the Knox County Voter Registration Office within 30 days of publication, in accordance with Indiana law.
VCSC Highlight of the Month
Riley Elementary School’s Student Council was recognized as the VCSC Highlight of the Month. The council is composed of 11 students from third through fifth grade and is co-sponsored by Mrs. Kellee Worland and Mrs. Kathy Clinkenbeard.
Students were selected through an application process, faculty recommendations, and classroom voting. The council meets twice a month and focuses on projects and ideas that benefit both the school and the community.
This year, the Student Council has participated in the Salvation Army Food Drive, collecting more than 600 items, hosted fundraisers benefiting the Vincennes Pet Port and Shop With a Cop, assisted with the school’s annual Thanksgiving lunch, and organized holiday activities. Proceeds from candy cane sales will be used to purchase books for Good Samaritan Hospital to distribute to new parents. The group also assists weekly with Backpacks of Love and serves as morning greeters. Additional fundraising efforts are planned later this winter.
VCSC Employees of the Month
The Vincennes Community School Corporation recognized two Employees of the Month during the meeting.
At Vigo Elementary School, Principal Jill Staggs introduced Mr. Gage Cooper as Employee of the Month. Cooper is in his first year as the K–5 Life Skills teacher and was selected for the honor through a staff vote, a rare distinction for a first-year teacher. A Lincoln High School graduate, Cooper previously served as a Life Skills instructional assistant at Vigo Elementary for four years while earning his degree from Indiana Wesleyan University. He is also a VCSC swim coach and is known for building strong relationships with students, supporting inclusion, and maintaining a positive presence throughout the school.
At Lincoln High School, Principal Dr. Shea Duke recognized Mrs. Becky Bouchie as Employee of the Month. Bouchie was honored for her leadership in organizing one of the largest high school career fairs in southern Indiana and for her ongoing efforts to connect students with local employers and career opportunities. She was also recognized for her compassion and advocacy for students, frequently going beyond her job responsibilities to support students and families in need.
Consent Agenda and Personnel Items
The Board approved the consent agenda, which included minutes, claims, financial and investment statements, personnel matters, use of facilities, and fundraisers.
Personnel actions included the retirement of Jennifer Jewel, a second-grade teacher at Tecumseh-Harrison Elementary, effective May 21, 2026. Jewel began her career with VCSC during the 1993–94 school year and will retire after more than 32 years of service as an elementary teacher at Riley Elementary and Tecumseh-Harrison Elementary.
The Board also approved several resignations, new hires, coaching appointments, substitute and tutoring positions, and staff transfers.
The next VCSC Board meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 9, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in the Administration Building.