The Vincennes Community School Corporation Board of School Trustees met Monday, October 12, 2026.
School board Vice President Lynne Bobe and Secretary Aaron Bauer were out for this month's meeting.
During the meeting, students and employees were recognized, approving personnel recommendations, adopting the corporation's 2027 budget, and reviewing financial challenges and ongoing facility improvement projects.
VCSC Highlight of the Month: Tecumseh-Harrison Elementary
Tecumseh-Harrison Elementary School students were recognized as the VCSC Highlight of the Month for an inspirational project completed in Mrs. Tabler's fourth-grade English Language classes.
Students selected meaningful quotes from hundreds of options and created illustrations representing the messages behind their selections. The project encouraged creativity, a growth mindset and student ownership while providing positive reminders for students and staff.
The completed posters are displayed along the school's stairways, allowing their messages to be seen throughout the school day.
Tecumseh-Harrison Employee of the Month
Tecumseh-Harrison Elementary recognized Stefanie Frame as one of VCSC's Employees of the Month.
Frame is in her fifth year at Tecumseh-Harrison, having previously taught fifth grade before becoming the school's Title I Lead Teacher.
Principal Jono Connor highlighted her knowledge of literacy instruction and the science of reading, as well as her commitment to ensuring instructional assistants are thoroughly trained to support classroom teachers.
Frame was also recognized for leading after-school academic teams and programs that provide students with additional learning opportunities.
Franklin Employee of the Month
Franklin Elementary recognized Beth Lindsey as one of VCSC's Employees of the Month.
Lindsey has served VCSC for 20 years, including the past 14 years at Franklin Elementary. As the school's social worker, her responsibilities extend well beyond traditional student support services.
She teaches Second Step lessons to kindergarten through second-grade students, meets with students and families, assists with attendance concerns, coordinates with community agencies and connects families with resources.
Lindsey is also actively involved in Franklin's PTO, school events, social media and student activities, including the Smencil Cart.
Principal Andrew Malone recognized her dedication to building relationships with students, families and staff, as well as her willingness to help wherever needed.
Consent Agenda
The Board approved the consent agenda, which included meeting minutes, claims, financial and investment statements, personnel updates, fundraisers, facility-use requests and donations.
Personnel Updates
Resignations
The Board accepted the resignations of Melissa Miley, Riley Elementary instructional assistant; Mercedes Loyd, Vigo Elementary instructional assistant; Carly Godare, Tecumseh-Harrison instructional assistant; and Ashlee O'Dell, Tecumseh-Harrison Math Bowl coach.
Recommendations
The Board approved several personnel recommendations, including Emma Sievers and AvaLeigh Johnson as Life Skills aides at Vigo Elementary and Hannah Ravellette as an instructional assistant at Riley Elementary.
Additional recommendations included athletic coaching positions at Lincoln High School and Clark Middle School, along with tutoring assignments through the United Way programs at Franklin and Vigo elementary schools.
Transfers
The Board approved Lori Graham as principal of Washington Learning Academy. Graham previously served as the school's interim principal and will now transition into the permanent position.
The Board also approved moving Lacea Anderson from a part-time classroom assistant position to a full-time position at Little Alice Learning Center.
Leaves
The Board approved medical leave requests for two teachers.
Donations
The Board accepted two donations supporting VCSC students and programs.
First Bank donated $500 to the Secret Alice Fund, while Duke Energy contributed $5,000 to Washington Learning Academy for enrichment and engagement opportunities.
Fundraisers
The Board approved several fundraising requests supporting student activities and athletic programs throughout the corporation.
The Lincoln High School Girls Varsity Golf team received permission to host a Bingo Night in partnership with the VFW.
Riley Elementary PTO received approval for several fundraising activities, including McTeacher Night, restaurant fundraising nights, T-shirt sales, Butter Braids and candle sales. Proceeds will support student activities throughout the school year.
The LHS Cheer Parent Group also received approval to hold its "Paint the Town Green" fundraiser during sectionals, painting local business windows to raise money for team needs.
Decision Items
$1.5 Million Transfer to Rainy Day Fund
The Board approved a resolution authorizing the transfer of $1.5 million from the Education Fund to the Rainy Day Fund to assist with annual cash flow and operational expenses.
According to Superintendent Greg Parsley, the transfer is necessary because the corporation does not generate enough revenue directly within the Operations Fund to meet its financial obligations.
The funds will help support expenses including custodial services, maintenance, grounds, utilities and liability insurance.
2027 Budget Hearing Authorizations
The Board approved a resolution allowing the corporation to make necessary reductions to its advertised 2027 budget following the Department of Local Government Finance's final review.
VCSC annually advertises its budget at a higher amount to preserve flexibility within allowable property tax levies. The resolution authorizes adjustments once the state determines the final approved budget amounts.
Education to Operations Fund Transfers
The Board approved renewing an annual resolution authorizing transfers from the Education Fund to the Operations Fund.
The resolution allows the corporation's business office to transfer up to $300,000 per month, along with interest earnings, to help cover operational expenses such as utilities and building equipment.
The resolution is identical to the one approved for the previous year.
Tax Anticipation Warrant
The Board approved a resolution authorizing the potential issuance of a tax anticipation warrant in 2027.
The warrant provides the corporation with a financing option if needed, with an estimated $350,000 in interest included in the 2027 Debt Service Fund budget.
The resolution authorizes the warrant's issuance if necessary but does not require the corporation to use it.
2027 Budget Adoption
The Board officially adopted the corporation's $47.46 million budget for 2027, following a public hearing held in September.
The adopted budget includes:
Fund | 2027 Budget |
|---|---|
Education | $25,981,535 |
Debt Service | $6,535,000 |
Operations | $10,941,865 |
Rainy Day Fund | $4,000,000 |
Total | $47,458,400 |
The advertised budget represents an increase from the approximately $43.08 million final approved budget for 2026.
The Department of Local Government Finance will review the adopted budget and determine the final approved amounts by December 31.
Other Business
Financial Outlook and Property Tax Changes
The Board received information regarding VCSC's financial position and the potential impact of property tax changes at the state level.
The information was prepared for the county's Municipal Unit Strategic Taskforce, which is reviewing financial challenges facing local government entities.
One of the corporation's most significant concerns is the continued loss of property tax revenue through Indiana's circuit breaker tax caps.
In 2026, VCSC's estimated circuit breaker loss totals approximately $2.56 million, representing more than half of the corporation's certified Operations Fund property tax levy.
The corporation also anticipates additional financial pressure from Senate Enrolled Act 1, which introduces new property tax credits.
VCSC estimates an initial annual impact of approximately $257,000, with the full impact potentially approaching $700,000 annually by around 2028. These figures are planning estimates and remain subject to further financial analysis.
The corporation also identified declining population and enrollment as ongoing concerns. While enrollment may decrease, expenses related to facilities, transportation, technology, utilities and debt do not decline at the same rate.
VCSC continues working with financial advisors to evaluate these challenges and develop long-term financial plans.
Facility Improvement and Bond Projects
The Board received an update on facility improvement projects funded through the corporation's ongoing bond programs.
Nearly all Phase 1 projects have been completed, representing approximately $15.6 million in improvements.
Completed projects include the Lincoln High School culinary arts kitchen and serving area, roof and solar improvements, sprinkler upgrades, replacement chillers, door hardware improvements, Alice Arena railing improvements, Washington Learning Academy façade restoration and an additional playground at Franklin Elementary.
Work planned or underway in subsequent phases includes additional renovations to the culinary arts dining area, LHS locker rooms and restrooms, Ader Auditorium, band and choir facilities, practice fields, sprinkler systems and other building infrastructure.
Future projects also include improvements to athletic facilities, generators at Lincoln High School and Clark Middle School, and a potential cafeteria expansion at Clark Middle School.
The corporation estimates the total cost of projects across all four phases at approximately $40 million.
Inman Field Renovation Plans
VCSC also outlined a revised approach to the future of Inman Field.
While relocating the football facility had previously been considered, the estimated $17 million relocation cost, combined with growing financial uncertainty surrounding property tax revenue, has made that option unlikely for the foreseeable future.
Instead, the corporation is focusing on potential improvements to the existing facility.
Those improvements could include renovations or replacement of the home bleachers, upgrades to locker rooms, concessions, storage and fencing, and other necessary improvements.
VCSC indicated that relocating the football facility is being set aside as the corporation develops a broader 10-year capital improvement plan.
That long-term plan will account for future facility needs, including roofing and mechanical systems at Clark Middle School, as well as other infrastructure and equipment needs throughout the district.
The corporation emphasized the importance of maintaining financial flexibility while addressing necessary building improvements and existing debt obligations.
The next VCSC Board meeting is scheduled for Monday, November 9, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. at the VCSC Administration Building located at 1712 S. Quail Run in Vincennes.