Student and Staff Recognition:
Dr. Brian Smith, Superintendent, and Mr. Jim Holifield, CFO, praised Mr. Michael “Cory” Lucas, an Electrician in our Maintenance Department, for his diligence and leadership following the destructive August 11 storm. Mr. Jim Holifield read a report from Mr. Randy Pearl, Director of Building & Grounds, detailing how Cory worked round-the-clock to safely restore our grounds, manage generators, and keep necessary safety systems operational.
Public Comment Pertaining to Agenda Items:
A public comment was heard regarding the status of hiring a communications director, the contract for the 2027 VHS Prom, and the request for approval to authorize litigation against social media companies.
Consent Agenda:
The Board of School Trustees approved the consent agenda, which includes previous meeting minutes, dockets, and check registers. Consent agenda documents can be found at this link.
Superintendent’s Report:
Dr. Smith announced that, following discussion with the Indiana Department of Education, we will not need to make up any additional school days due to the August 11 storm and power outages. Since VCS has additional instructional minutes built into the school calendar, this extra time will account for the missed days. Additionally, Northview Elementary School, which was closed for an additional day due to power outages, was granted a waiver for that day.
Valparaiso High School Hall of Fame Inductees were also honored. These inductees include Mike Carlin ‘64, Harley Dubsky ‘14, Sam Ficken ‘11, Mike Prow (Coach for 33 years), Casey Schmidt ‘89, and John Worstell ‘60. They will be recognized at the home football game on 9/18/2026, and at a ceremony on 9/19.
Dr. Smith also thanked the Noon Kiwanis Club for inviting him to speak at their recent meeting, and he expressed how impressed he was by Patriot Night at the 9/4 Football game.
Mr. Ethan Roberts, the new Director of Communications and Community Engagement, was invited to introduce himself at the podium, where he discussed some of the highlights from his first two weeks at VCS.
Finally, Dr. Nick Allison, Assistant Superintendent for Secondary Education, spoke about Constitution Day (9/17) and the various ways that VCS schools celebrated.
Financial Reports:
Performance of Budget Funds
Mr. Jim Holifield provided his monthly update on the year-to-date performance of budget funds. He stated that a review of the funds indicates a positive financial position. All related documents can be found at this link.
Contract Considerations
Dr. Brian Smith requested approval to enter into contracts and MOUs with Purdue University Northwest and The American Factory for partnership with Valparaiso High School. The contracts with Purdue University Northwest are Articulation Agreements for Dual Credit Spanish courses, including Spanish I, II, III, and IV.
The American Factory contract reserves Journeyman Distillery for the 2027 Valparaiso High School Prom on May 15, 2027. Discussion was held regarding the cost, including student involvement in prom and what’s included in the contract. A copy of the contracts and MOUs can be found at this link.
Grants
Dr. Judy Barbknecht, Assistant Superintendent for Elementary Education, explained that we are currently in a period of applying and waiting for grants. She also thanked Mrs. Kaitlyn Rooney, Education Support Coordinator, for her efforts in applying for grants.
Donations and Gifts
Dr. Brian Smith requested Board approval to accept donations for Thomas Jefferson Elementary School, Valparaiso High School, and the School District. A list of the donations can be found at this link.
Construction Updates:
Dr. Nick Allison provided an update on current construction projects, including acoustic panels at the middle schools to help with noise in the cafeterias. Additionally, he described how classes at VALE, including Vet Tech, Culinary, and Printing, are taking advantage of their newly-constructed classrooms.
Old Business:
Board Consideration: Approval of the 2027 Bus Replacement Plan Resolution
Mr. Jim Holifield requested approval of the 2027 Bus Replacement Plan. The plan details our 5-year bus replacement timeline, along with estimated costs. As stated in the plan, a total of six buses will be replaced at a total cost of $1,092,000 in 2027. Documents with further details about the 2027 Bus Replacement Plan can be found at this link.
Board Consideration: Approval of the 2027 Capital Projects Plan Resolution
Mr. Jim Holifield requested approval of the 2027 Capital Projects plan. The Capital Projects Plan includes a list of all proposed capital expenditures and projects exceeding $10,000 that are expected to be acquired and started within three years of the plan being adopted.
Proposed Capital Expenditures include, but are not limited to, furniture replacement, a gymnasium curtain/divider for Benjamin Franklin Middle School, mowers, and more.
Planned Projects include, but are not limited to, airhandler units at the two middle schools, boiler replacements, district-wide asphalt sealing and striping, and a roof replacement at Benjamin Franklin Middle School in 2029.
Documents with further details about the 2027 Capital Projects Plan can be found at this link.
Board Consideration: Approval of Board Policies Second Reading
Dr. Brian Smith requested approval of the Board Policies Second Reading. These include ISBA Policy #4200 (Student Wellness on Physical Activity & Nutrition), ISBA Policy #4351 (Personal Communications Devices), and ISBA Policy #4351.01 (Technology Resources and Other Electronic Equipment). ISBA Policy #4200 was tabled for further discussion, and Policies #4351 and #4351.01 were approved. A copy of the policies can be found at this link.
New Business:
Board Consideration: Approval of the Resolution Authorizing Litigation Against Social Media Companies
Dr. Brian Smith requested approval for Valparaiso Community Schools to initiate litigation against social media companies for compensation due to the effects of social media on our youth’s mental health and in our school system.
He further explained that many schools across the region and in Indiana are currently involved in this class-action lawsuit. Mr. Jim Sarkisian, VCS Board Attorney, also explained that, aside from the completion of paperwork, joining the litigation comes at no monetary cost to the district.
Public Comment for Non-Agenda OR Informational Agenda Items:
Comments were heard about the school district budget, including the usage of savings detailed in the Spring 2026 Viking View Newsletter, the impact of vouchers, and the importance of communicating with legislators about the budgeting issues faced by Indiana school districts.
Superintendent/Board Comments:
Dr. Nick Allison mentioned specific activities held on Constitution Day, including Judge Buitendorp speaking at Thomas Jefferson Middle School and how the VHS Social Studies Department helped students register to vote.
Dr. Brian Smith explained his efforts in lobbying and advocating for public education.
Mrs. Ashley Kruse, Vice President, discussed the Board legislative liaison position and initiated conversation about explaining public education funding. Dr. Brian Smith mentioned a video produced by The Indiana Association of School Business Officials (IASBO) and the Indiana School Public Relations Association (INDSPRA) explaining public education finances, and the video can be found at this link.
There was discussion about the meeting held on Monday, September 14, regarding Teacher Compensation and Collective Bargaining with the Valparaiso Teachers Association. Dr. Brian Smith explained that this meeting was to be held prior to September 15, which is when bargaining officially begins. There was then discussion about compression in regard to teacher’s salaries, how raises are administered, and the bargaining process as a whole.
Mrs. Erika Watkins, President, thanked the board for being present at the schools and in the community when doors reopened following the storm. She also discussed making items easier to locate on the VCS website.