The Vincennes Community School Corporation (VCSC) Board of School Trustees held its regular meeting on September 14, 2026.

Vincennes Rotary Appreciation Drive

The Vincennes Rotary Club was recognized for its support of VCSC teachers after collecting school supplies throughout August. Eric Peters presented the donated supplies on behalf of the Rotary to the Board, with VCSC thanking the organization for its continued support of local schools and educators.

2027 VCSC Budget Public Hearing

The Board held a public hearing on the proposed 2027 VCSC budget, giving members of the public an opportunity to comment on the corporation's Education, Debt Service, Operations and Rainy Day funds.

The advertised budget totals approximately $47.46 million, including $25.98 million for Education, $10.94 million for Operations, $6.54 million for Debt Service and $4 million for the Rainy Day Fund. The Board previously approved advertising the budget in August, with final adoption scheduled for October. The Department of Local Government and Finance will ultimately review and approve the final budget.

VCSC Highlight of the Month – LHS Midday

Lincoln High School's new LHS Midday program was featured as the VCSC Highlight of the Month.

Rather than having daily announcements read over the intercom, students are taking the lead in communicating what's happening at LHS through a daily video produced as part of the Alice Announcements class. Students write, film and produce the broadcasts, gaining hands-on experience in writing, communication, video production and teamwork while keeping their classmates and staff informed.

Administrators highlighted the program as an opportunity for students to develop real-world skills while showcasing their creativity, personalities and school spirit.

LHS Employee of the Month

Lincoln High School recognized Kait Reding as its Employee of the Month. Reding has taught Spanish at LHS for 14 years and was recognized for creating engaging and accessible learning opportunities for her students.

Administrators also highlighted Reding's work mentoring new teachers and serving as an interpreter for Spanish-speaking students and families. Her ability to build lasting relationships with students and advocate for them both during and after their time at LHS was also recognized.

Vigo Employee of the Month

Vigo Elementary recognized Cindy Lettshagen as its Employee of the Month. Lettshagen works with students through Vigo's Book Nook and as a classroom assistant in second grade.

She was recognized for her commitment to fostering a love of reading, organizing the school's annual book fair and helping ensure all students have access to books regardless of their family's ability to purchase them. Administrators praised her willingness to go above and beyond to support Vigo students and families.

Consent Agenda

The Board reviewed the consent agenda, which included meeting minutes, claims, financial and investment statements, personnel recommendations, transfers and leaves, donations, and fundraisers.

Personnel Updates

Resignation

The Board reviewed the resignation of Elizabeth Jones as the Clark Middle School boys cross country coach. VCSC expressed appreciation for her service and contributions to the corporation.

Recommendations

The Board reviewed several personnel recommendations, including teachers, instructional assistants, support staff, coaches and extracurricular assignments.

Among the recommendations was Peyton Loveless as a kindergarten teacher at Vigo Elementary. A graduate of Oakland City University, Loveless previously worked as an instructional assistant with Princeton Community Schools, where she provided targeted math and reading intervention. Administrators highlighted her ability to build positive relationships with students, develop effective lessons and create a positive classroom environment.

Additional recommendations included Delorse Valenzuela and Kaitlyn Williams as instructional assistants, Lindsay Pinkstaff as a Tecumseh-Harrison Life Skills aide, Pennie Jones as a VCSC bus driver, and Valerie Barmes as the corporation's EL Teacher of Record. Several coaching, supervision and extracurricular assignments were also presented.

Leaves

The Board reviewed medical leave requests for Christy Hall, from October 21 through November 16, and Holly Flaningam, from September 10 through October 19. The agenda places these names under "Transfers," but the listed actions are medical leaves.

Donation

The Board reviewed a donation of playground equipment from DawsForce Technology to Franklin Elementary School.

Fundraisers

The Board reviewed a number of fundraising requests supporting student activities, athletics, classrooms and PTO programs throughout VCSC.

Fundraisers included efforts benefiting LHS Boys Tennis, Girls Tennis, Life Skills, Audio/Video Productions and the Class of 2028; CMS Cheer; and PTO programs at Vigo, Franklin and Tecumseh-Harrison. Funds raised will support needs including athletic equipment and uniforms, prom and Homecoming activities, classroom supplies, field trips, student rewards and teacher appreciation.

Discussion Items

The agenda lists no discussion items for the September meeting.

Decision Items

Facilities Services to Return In-House

The Board considered a recommendation to bring VCSC's maintenance, grounds and custodial services back in-house, ending the corporation's facilities contract with Sodexo after approximately 15 years.

VCSC currently pays more than $2.5 million for the facilities contract. While Sodexo offered concessions to reduce the cost, the corporation believes it can operate those services more cost effectively internally. The move is part of VCSC's efforts to reduce expenses amid the financial impact of Indiana Senate Enrolled Act 1.

Under the proposal, Sodexo's facilities services would conclude October 31, 2026, and VCSC would employ an interim facilities director to assist with the transition. The change applies only to maintenance, grounds and custodial services; Sodexo will continue as VCSC's food service provider.

2026-2027 School Calendar Revision

The Board considered revisions to the current school calendar in response to updated Indiana Department of Education requirements concerning potential school cancellations.

VCSC is required to identify two potential makeup days on its calendar. The corporation designated February 12 and April 23 as those dates. VCSC will continue to have the ability to use synchronous e-learning when necessary after exhausting its three asynchronous e-learning days, meaning the change is expected to have limited practical impact on the district.

Policy, Guideline and Form Revisions

The Board conducted a second and final reading of a comprehensive set of policy and administrative guideline revisions recommended by Neola. Many of the changes reflect recently enacted state and federal legislation and update VCSC policies to remain consistent with current law.

Among the revisions are updated rules surrounding personal communication devices, including smartwatches and other wearable technology. Indiana's updated law requires school corporations to establish either a "no device" or "storage" policy and restricts communication devices during the school day except for specified circumstances such as emergencies, disability accommodations and translation services.

Other revisions address extracurricular coach training, employee background checks and discipline, teacher evaluations and contracts, mandatory curriculum, student discipline, volunteers, school safety and cybersecurity. The information security updates also strengthen requirements surrounding ransomware response, vendors, staff training and annual assessments of data-security risks.

The next VCSC Board meeting is scheduled for Monday, October 12, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. at the VCSC Administration Building located at 1712 S. Quail Run in Vincennes.