SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT

All students in Zionsville Community Schools (ZCS) are now learning in-person four days per week, Tuesday through Friday. Online learning continues for those families who elected the remote-only option. The number of CoVID-19 positives among school students and personnel remains low (just two were noted on 3/10/2021). ZCS and Boone County Health Department officials continue to collaborate and are navigating the logistics of holding in-person events this spring including the high school prom and Commencement.

CARES Act Funding remains unresolved. ZCS Superintendent Dr. Scott Robison said, “ZCS is the only public school in the state of Indiana that did not receive any round two CARES Act funding for costs incurred due to CoVID-19.” He also reminded board members that ZCS is the lowest funded school district in the state and that several as–yet unopened charter schools were afforded $40K each for pandemic cost defrayment from IDOE’s use of CARES Act discretionary funds. Though ZCS’s poverty level exceeds select charter schools and several voucher-funded private schools (that received millions in these discretionary funds) ZCS has not received any of the discretionary funds. Dr. Robison said that he will continue to advocate for ZCS with Indiana Department of Education officials in effort to cure this egregious oversight.

Dr. Robison reminded board members that it was one year ago this week that ZCS made the decision to close due to CoVID-19. He thanked board members for acting swiftly, encouraging the district to move fast at that time and for their unwavering support and guidance in navigating the pandemic. He said the quick reaction time of board members moved the district to be the first school in the state to cancel all in-person school before there was an active CoVID-19 case in the county. Dr. Robison said that while it is hard to look back, looking forward is showing us that there seems to be an approaching light at the end of the tunnel for what have been some very dark days. Dr. Robison praised Boone County Health Department officials for their steady hand and constant accessibility throughout the crisis.

With ZCS’s sixth elementary school scheduled to open in the fall of 2022, a school name is needed. Dr. Robison shared that after reviewing naming ideas submitted beginning last fall, he was ready for board members to consider a select list of final naming considerations. Board members said they will announce the official name of the school at the April board meeting.

The board recognized three ZCS student athletes who earned state titles this sports season.

Senior Logan Wagner is the first wrestler in the school’s history to win a wrestling state championship. Athletic Director Greg Schellhase said Logan is a four-time state placer and first time state champion. He summed up Logan’s outstanding athletic career by saying that Logan is the most successful wrestler in the school’s history. Logan is committed to Marian University where he plans to study business management with a minor in entrepreneurship.

The ZCHS wrestling team finished in the top 10 at the state meet.

Junior Devon Kitchel won individual state championships in girls swimming for the 200-yard Individual Medley and the 100-yard Butterfly. Devon also won two state championships last season, though the pandemic’s onset precluded public Board of Trustees recognition. A ZCHS junior, Devon is committed to the University of Michigan where she will be swimming and studying Kinesiology.

The ZCHS girls swim team placed fourth in the state meet.

Sophomore Will Modglin also won two swimming state titles in the 200-yard Individual Medley and the 100-yard Backstroke. Will is a 2021 Olympic qualifier in the 100M Backstroke. The boys swim team finished third in the state this year. As did the other recognized athletes, Will thanked his parents for their unwavering support of his commitment to sport and academic success. The three lauded student athletes were each given a gift and card of congratulations by Superintendent Robison.

Mr. Schellhase said that these three students have worked incredibly hard and put in the effort it takes to succeed at the highest level in athletics. More importantly, he said, “They are great ambassadors, great representatives of our school. They all display a high level of leadership and sportsmanship. They are tireless workers who are consistently pushing themselves and their teammates to be their best.”