The Whitley County Consolidated Schools Board of Trustees opened its September 8 work session at 5:30 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance before moving into district-wide celebrations.
Brady Mullett, Columbia City High School Principal, reported a smooth start to the school year, noting strong energy around fall athletics, student clubs, and homecoming week. He described themed dress‑up days ranging from “Royalty or Peasants” to 1990s Grunge and praised staff for embracing changes and new roles. Mullett said teachers felt this was “one of the smoothest beginnings of the school years” at the high school and invited board members to attend the upcoming homecoming game on Friday night.
Lori Heuer, Director of Career and Technical Education, shared that CTE programs are off to a strong start, with guest speakers, career study trips, and dual‑credit enrollment already underway. She credited teachers for quickly establishing hands‑on experiences for students.
Dr. Trent Lehman, WCCS Superintendent, reported additional celebrations from our administrators not present. Celebrations highlighted progress at other schools, including: Indian Springs reported positive momentum in fall sports, completion of bullying and harassment training, and preparations for parent‑teacher conferences. Little Turtle Elementary held two PTSO meetings and is organizing literacy groups based on beginning‑of‑year assessments. Mary Raber Elementary celebrated receiving a United Way grant to support practical life learning areas, with new materials scheduled for purchase.
Board member, Mary Ann Schaefer, also recognized individual staff contributions, Olivia Coons, was commended for her volunteer work with Honor Flight. She noted her “passion outside of her scope of duties as a school teacher.”
Dave Smith also recognized Columbia City FFA for their annual FFA Blue Jacket Bash, praising the program’s impact on students and alumni.
With no public comment, the board approved consent items.
The meeting then shifted to an in‑depth presentation of the proposed 2027 district budget. Todd Fleetwood, Director of Operations, provided a condensed three‑page summary of the full budget binder, highlighting key figures: a $2.97 million debt service budget, an Education Fund just under $29.5 million, and an Operations Fund of $12.93 million. Fleetwood noted the district’s average daily membership (ADM) funding sits at just over $7,300 per student.
Fleetwood explained that rising property tax caps, now affecting properties valued up to $771,000, have reduced the district’s levy and will continue to be closely monitored. He also reported that the district’s current tax rate of $0.8833 is expected to decrease further as assessed values across the county rise.
The board discussed enrollment trends, with Fleetwood noting a significant drop in incoming kindergarten enrollment. He emphasized that lower enrollment directly reduces state revenue, requiring careful alignment of expenditures in future years.
Fleetwood also reviewed the district’s tax rate position relative to 19 peer districts, noting WCCS remains below the regional average. He outlined the required state budget timeline, including advertisement of Form 3, a public hearing on October 12, and final adoption on October 26.
Board members engaged in extended discussion about levy limits, tax caps, and long‑term financial flexibility. Fleetwood explained that once the district’s pension debt is fully paid off in January, the associated tax rate will return to the Operations Fund, strengthening its position.
Trustees praised Fleetwood’s clarity and the board’s increased engagement with budget planning, noting the importance of strategic preparation amid declining enrollment and shifting state funding dynamics.
The board voted to elect Madeline Grable to the Peabody Public Library Board beginning September 17, 2026.
The next Eagle Advocates meeting is October 1, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Community members are encouraged to show their interest by completing an RSVP here. The meeting is available to the first 30 respondents.
The next board meeting is scheduled for September 21, 2026.