Board Meeting August 2025

ZCS enrollment tops 8,000 as new school year begins

Superintendent Dr. Rebecca Coffman shared that ZCS enrollment has surpassed 8,000 students, from preschool through students age 22. A more detailed enrollment analysis, including student entries and exits, will be presented following Indiana’s official October count date.

Board examines state’s plan for new school performance measures

Greg McDaniel, Coordinator of School Services, presented an overview of the state’s proposed new school accountability and grading model. He explained the differences between accountability requirements (such as mandatory courses and reading benchmarks) and the grading system that represents those measures.

Key points included:

• The proposed grading model would take effect in fall 2026, using data from the current school year.
• Students would be measured in specific grade levels (3rd grade, grades 4th–8th, 10th, and 12th), with both academic mastery and additional knowledge indicators contributing to scores.
• Attendance, PSAT benchmarks, proficiency in core subjects and college/career coursework are among the metrics considered.

Board members asked questions about potential impacts, including how study halls, medically excused absences, and Grade 9 course planning may affect scores. McDaniel stressed the need for careful implementation and providing ongoing feedback to the state before the August 22nd comment deadline.

Feedback on the first draft is being accepted by the IDOE through Friday, August 22.

From New Teacher Academy to first-day smiles: ZCS launches a new school year

Dr. Coffman celebrated the successful New Teacher Academy, welcoming 27 new teachers to ZCS. Staff, PTO members, and administrators came together to prepare for the year ahead through open houses, orientations, and special kickoff events including the Freshman Kickoff at Zionsville Community High School.

The deadline has been extended, and families are encouraged to submit a first-day photo by Wednesday (8/20). Send photos to: zcsphotos@zcs.k12.in.us

Explore ZCS from the inside: Eagle Ambassador Academy accepting applications

Applications remain open through the end of August for the Eagle Ambassador Academy, a monthly program providing community members, parents, and local business leaders with a behind-the-scenes look at ZCS operations. Participants tour schools, meet district leaders, and learn more about school district programs and initiatives.

EagleFest set for August 22

The annual EagleFest community celebration, organized by the Zionsville Athletic Booster Club, is set for August 22, 2025. Enjoy an outdoor festival at Jennings Field before heading over to the first home football game of the season. This is always one of the most highly attended community events for the school district. Hope to see you there!

New Business

Teacher Evaluation Report and New Growth Model
Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning Kris Devereaux presented the annual Zionsville Teacher Evaluation (ZTEP) report for the 2024–2025 school year:

• 78 percent of teachers rated “Highly Effective”
• 19 percent rated “Effective”
• Less than 1 percent rated “Improvement Necessary” or “Ineffective"

Ms. Devereaux also introduced the Model for Educator Growth (ZMEG), launching this school year. This updated approach emphasizes collaborative growth partnerships, professional learning community goals, multiple classroom walkthroughs and more individualized feedback.

Secondary Sexuality Curriculum Update
Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning Kris Devereaux also presented updates to the human sexuality curriculum in compliance with Senate Enrolled Act 442. Changes include:

• Replacing the term “sexually transmitted diseases” with “sexually transmitted infections”
• Adding age-appropriate consent education
• Showing a state-required video on fetal development
• Providing clear information to parents about instructional groupings and teacher gender for certain lessons

Parents will be given another opportunity to review materials and opt their child out before instruction begins after fall break.

Budget Advertisement Approved
Chief Financial Officer Regina May requested, and the board approved, permission to advertise the 2026 budget, bus replacement plan, and capital projects plan. This first step in the public budget process allows for adjustments as more financial data, including assessed values, becomes available. These notices will be posted on both the Department of Local Government Finance and ZCS websites approximately two weeks prior to the September 8 budget hearing. The advertised amounts serve as a ceiling for final approval, ensuring flexibility to adjust as final revenue numbers become available.

Extracurricular Accounts Accepted

Annual reports for nine school-based extracurricular accounts were reviewed and accepted. Covering July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025, these reports document transactions for events, fundraisers, field trips and other school-based activities. All accounts are monitored by the district and audited by the State Board of Accounts.

Donation to Zionsville Education Foundation

The Board approved a $10,000 donation to the Zionsville Education Foundation, funded through the Extended Services Fund (non-tax-supported dollars). This annual contribution supports ZEF’s mission to enhance classroom learning and provide resources for teachers and students.

High School Media Center Furniture Upgrade

The Board approved a purchase to update ZCHS media center furniture, replacing seating from the late 1990s with new collaborative and flexible options for students. Funding comes from remaining bond proceeds from the high school’s previous renovation. Old furniture will be declared surplus and offered for reuse before disposal.

Early Learning Center & Educational Services Center Construction

The Board approved bids totaling $54,877,836 for the new Early Learning Center and Educational Services Center, including an optional solar array to reduce long-term utility costs. This project addresses capacity needs in elementary and middle schools while providing a purpose-built space for preschoolers, staff development and community meeting use. Construction is scheduled to begin in September 2025, with substantial completion expected in fall 2027.

The next regular board meeting will feature updated enrollment data and include further budget discussions. The meeting is scheduled for Monday, September 8th at 6 p.m. in the Educational Services Center Board Room.