The Whitley County Consolidated Schools Board of Trustees met on October 26 and opened the meeting with a public hearing regarding additional appropriations associated with the district’s 2026 bond. District administrators outlined planned projects funded through the bond, including HVAC improvements, boiler and chiller replacements, safety and security enhancements, sidewalk and parking lot repairs, and the purchase of buses and technology equipment. No public comments were made during the hearing, and the board later unanimously approved both the additional appropriations and the final bond resolution for the $5.365 million project. Administrators noted the bond is structured to address long-term facility maintenance needs while maintaining a reduced tax rate for local taxpayers.
Board members recognized numerous student and school achievements across the district. Elementary schools reported strong attendance at parent-teacher conferences and highlighted successful family engagement events. At Coesse Elementary, staff celebrated a partnership with United Way that provided eight convertible picnic table benches for outdoor learning spaces and launched weekly book clubs for high-ability students. Athletic and extracurricular accomplishments included a new cross-country record at Indian Springs Middle School, a conference runner-up finish for eighth-grade football, the Columbia City High School girls cross-country team advancing to state for the third consecutive year, the FFA livestock judging team earning another national championship, and the Marching Eagles placing ninth at the Scholastic State Finals. District leaders also reported that approximately 48 percent of Columbia City High School students earned honor roll recognition.
The board heard a presentation from the WCCS Collaborative, a nonprofit organization created through the district’s Strategic Improvement Grant (SIG) initiative to support student outcomes through partnerships, charitable giving, and community engagement. Lori Shipman, WCCS Collaborative Executive Director, provided an overview of the organization’s work, including support for Ford Next Generation Learning initiatives, the Eagle Advocates program, and several dedicated funds that support career and technical education, student transportation, and district projects.
A significant portion of the meeting focused on the Eagle Sanctuary project, an accessible outdoor learning and playground space planned for students in the Eagle Classroom at Columbia City High School. Project leaders shared updates on fundraising efforts that have included community events, business partnerships, student-led initiatives, and private donations. The project has raised approximately $30,000 to date and continues to seek grant support and community partnerships to complete the facility. Board members unanimously approved the release of $25,000 previously committed by the district to support the project, allowing organizers to move forward with site preparation and accessibility improvements while continuing to pursue additional funding.
During public comment, a community member shared concerns regarding student academic performance, district finances, and the proposed bond project. In response during later discussion, board members and administrators clarified that previous audit findings had been addressed, corrective actions were implemented immediately, and there are no outstanding unresolved audit issues. District leaders explained that reported audit adjustments involved accounting and reporting procedures rather than misuse of funds and noted that all findings were reviewed publicly when audits were presented to the board.
Administrators also clarified that the district is not currently planning or pursuing an operating referendum, addressing comments that had circulated within the community.
The board approved the district’s consent agenda, with one unpaid leave request removed for future review and discussion. The remainder of the personnel recommendations were approved unanimously. Trustees also unanimously approved the district’s 2027 budget, including the Rainy Day Fund, Education Fund, Operations Fund, Debt Service Fund, School Pension Debt Fund, Referendum Debt Fund, Capital Projects Plan, and Bus Replacement Fund. During budget discussions, district administrators reported that bus replacement timelines are improving following industry-wide manufacturing delays and indicated the district remains on schedule with its replacement plan.
Administrators also reviewed the approved 2027-28 school calendar and discussed possible future adjustments related to fall break scheduling, parent-teacher conferences, and professional development days. The district plans to seek approval again for flexibility waiver days that support teacher professional learning and may make minor calendar adjustments once state approval is received. The calendar will return to the board for final review if changes become necessary.
Before adjourning, board members agreed to cancel the scheduled November 2 work session, finding no pressing business that could not wait until the November 16 regular meeting. The meeting concluded following final board remarks.