VCSC Highlight of the Month – Vigo Elementary
Student Council
Vigo Elementary’s Student Council featured two elected members from each grade (3rd–5th) and was led by Mrs. Caitlin Beaman and Mrs. Kelly Eck. Council members took on various responsibilities, such as distributing food bags and helping with Friday Morning Meetings. Their projects included assembling picnic tables with the LHS baseball team, making classroom coping boxes, creating expectation videos, and raising funds for the Vincennes Pet Port. The program emphasized student leadership and responsibility.
Bulldog Buddies
New this year, Bulldog Buddies was created by Mrs. Staggs and Mrs. Gardner to pair older students with peers in life skills classrooms. Mentors supported schoolwork, games, and crafts, while promoting inclusion and friendship. Students practiced encouraging language like “Nice hands” and “Walking feet,” and many built lasting bonds that extended beyond the classroom.
Clark Middle School Employee of the Month
Clark recognized Mrs. Jo Ann Lane, a 37-year educator with 35 years at Clark, for her patience, leadership, and dedication. Known for teaching Health and Language Arts, Mrs. Lane’s positive impact on students and staff was commended by Principal Ryan Clark and the VCSC Board.
Transportation Department Employee of the Month
Mr. Jim Evans, a bus driver for Franklin Elementary (Route 13), was honored for his commitment to students and his compassionate presence. Since moving to Vincennes in 2009, Jim and his wife Darlus have been active in ministry and mentoring.
Consent Agenda Summary
Retirement
Gretchen Bruner, VCSC teacher – Retiring after 35 years in education, including 25 at VCSC. Celebrated for her work in fine arts and leadership.
Resignations
Melissa Pancake – Franklin Elementary Principal
EJ Staggs – Vigo Life Skills Teacher
Shelby Davis – LHS English Teacher & Cheer Coach
Audrey Spradling – TH K–2 Special Education Assistant
Mackenzie Chickadaunce – Riley Title I Aide
Sharon Green – Vigo Functional Skills Aide
Chase Trueblood – LHS Boys Assistant Tennis Coach
Recommendations / New Hires
Katie Daughtery – KCSEC Speech Aide
Jeannette Hooper – TH K–2 Special Education Assistant
Noble Boger – LHS Boys Varsity Soccer Head Coach
Caleb Merrifield – LHS Girls Soccer Head Coach
Joe Betsch, Fred McCormick – CMS Volunteer Baseball Coaches
Chad Fisher, Macey Fisher – CMS Volunteer Girls Tennis Coaches
Ann Marley, Carol Keusch – CMS Volunteer Girls Track Coaches
Ellie Blue – VCSC After School Daycare Sub
Micheala Ditmore – Vigo Instructional Assistant
RECN Stipend Recipients: Karisa Bauer, Norbert Brown, Tim Helfen, Janis Hert, Sally Fulk, Steve Toy, Bryce Crane, Shea Duke
Transfers
Susan Marchino – From KCSEC to Franklin Interim Principal
Gage Cooper – Vigo 3–5 Life Skills Long-Term Sub
Addie Blome – LALC Instructional Assistant
Leaves
Meagan Stevens – Maternity (7/24/25–9/30/25)
Amy Tewell – Medical (through approx. 5/5/25)
Cheyanne Gunder – Medical (4/9/25–5/22/25)
Donations
Bauer Jewelers – $250 to Secret Alice Fund
Pat & Theresa Hutchison – $100 to Secret Alice Fund
Field Trip Approved
LHS Boys Basketball – Rib City Shootout in Poplar Bluff, MO (June 18, 2025)
Fundraisers Approved
LHS Girls Tennis – “Fill the Tennis Racquet” (March 1–22)
Vigo Student Council – Chocolate bar sale for Vincennes Animal Shelter
Decision Items
A. Ed-Flex Waiver Request
Approved request to exceed the 15% federal carryover limit for Title I funds due to a $206,388.67 carryover balance.
B. NEOLA Policy Updates
Approved second and final reading of policy updates in alignment with legislation and district practice.
C. Lease Amendment Resolution
Adopted resolution confirming the Seventh Amendment to the VCSC lease agreement, allowing issuance of up to $15.61M in bonds for secondary building upgrades.
D. Additional Appropriations
Approved $16.23M in appropriations to support the 2025 renovation project and reimburse prior expenses.
E. Resolution of Interest in Land Purchase
Announced intent to purchase 0.255-acre parcel next to Franklin Elementary for expanded playground and green space. Final vote set for May 12.
F. Culinary Arts Project Rebid
Approved plan to rebid Lincoln High School Culinary Arts Project to reduce costs and avoid equipment delays.
G. Kindergarten Jump Start
Approved July 21–Aug. 1 program at Riley Elementary for incoming kindergarteners without preschool experience, funded by United Way.
Summer Programs
Camp Wildcat (Grades K–4)
Dates: June 10 – July 17 (Tues/Thurs)
Focus: Reading & math review
Time: 9:00–11:00 AM
Camp Eagle Feather at Tecumseh-Harrison (Grades K–2)
Focus: Preventing summer learning loss
Class size: 15 students per grade
Length: 15 days, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
K–12 Functional Skills Summer School
Dates: June 3–19 (Tues/Wed/Thurs)
Location: Lincoln High School
Includes pre-employment services for students age 14+
Lincoln High School Summer School
Dates: May 27 – June 23
Times: 7:30 AM – 11:50 AM
Courses: Core recovery via Plato, PE/Health in person
WLA Summer School
Dates: May 27 – June 23 (No school Memorial Day)
Time: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Attendance required, Edmentum used
Handbook Updates
Elementary Handbook
Removed Franklin listing and updated SRO program
Adjusted policies on communication devices, eLearning, and daycare time
Clarified excused/unexcused absences
Lincoln High School
Revised cell phone and detention policies
Renamed “Monday Night School”
Added diploma document references for Class of 2029
CMS Handbook
Added links for resources and updated device info
First vaping offense now includes a health course
Enhanced handbook navigation
Extracurricular Handbook (CMS & LHS)
Students in ISS may practice but not participate in contests
Coaches Handbook
Varsity letter criteria updated
Refined weather safety policy
WLA Handbook
Weekly check-ins via Google Meet required
Two missed check-ins without contact may lead to removal
You can watch the meeting here.
The next meeting is Monday, May 12 at 5pm at the VCSC Administration Building.