RECORD-BREAKING ZEF GRANT CYCLE AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR RECOGNITION

ZCS Superintendent Dr. Rebecca Coffman invited Zionsville Education Foundation (ZEF) Executive Director Lyle Browne to update the Board on the most recent grant cycle. Mrs. Browne reported a record-breaking $75,086 in spring 2025 grant awards across the district. The awards included $26,884 in Classroom Grants and $48,183 in Imagine Professional Development Grants, impacting students and educators in all nine schools.

Highlights included funding for robotics equipment, orchestra tuners, wellness tools, professional learning experiences and a full Spanish immersion program for one multilingual educator. A full grant summary was provided to the Board.

Browne, who is transitioning from her role later this year, was honored by Dr. Coffman and the Board for her years of dedicated service, advocacy for teachers and support for innovative learning. She was presented with a gift and recognized for her impact on the district and broader community.

FACILITIES UPDATE: STADIUM AND CHILLER PROJECTS NEAR COMPLETION

Skillman Vice President Victor Landfair updated board members on the status of capital projects. The ZCHS stadium expansion is entering its final days, with work wrapping up on flooring, HVAC systems, lighting, lockers and concessions. A new ZCHS chiller unit was successfully relocated to the west side of campus and is fully operational, replacing a unit that has exceeded life expectancy.

Additional project work is scheduled to begin this summer, including improvements at ZWMS and across other campuses.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

Dr. Coffman shared a preliminary legislative update, noting we are just days away from the end of the 2025 session.  Next week is the final week of the session, and there is still time for adjustments to be made on various bills impacting K-12 education.  We are expecting to see roughly a 2 percent increase in state education funding, much of that to be offset by expanded requirements for schools to cover the costs of curricular materials fees. 

 Due to property tax reform under SEA 1, ZCS anticipates losing more than $984,000 from the Operations Fund in FY26. Financial modeling is underway to determine additional reductions as property tax changes are enacted in subsequent years.  There are many changes to referendum funds, including a provision to share referendum dollars with charter schools.  To underscore the impact of referendum dollars in our district, Dr. Coffman reminded attendees that referendum dollars fund roughly one in three ZCS teaching positions.

STUDENT TESTING AND UPCOMING EVENTS

• ILEARN Testing is underway for grades 3–8 and biology students. Staff and families were thanked for their support.
• Skilled Trades, Majors and Careers Fair held at ZCHS on April 15 hosted more than 90 vendors in fields including aviation, construction, healthcare and technology.
• Strong in Every Way (SIEW) Senior Breakfast will honor 20 seniors on April 23 for displaying the five SIEW character traits.
• After Prom Community Preview will be held April 26 from 6–8 PM at ZCHS. More than 1,200 students attended last year.

REMINDER THAT KINDERGARTEN ENROLLMENT IS OPEN

Children who are five by August 1 are eligible for kindergarten. Spread the word!

SECOND READING OF THE STUDENT HANDBOOKS

Mrs. Maggie Ioannacci presented the second reading of the 2025–2026 Student/Parent Handbook. Minor updates were approved after a second reading. Updates include revised IREAD testing information, modernized language on technology use and clarified USDA statement language.

A request was made to consider including secondary-level inclement weather dismissal procedures in future versions.

SUMMER MEAL PROGRAM RETURNS

The Board approved a return of the summer meal program, to be offered again at Zionsville West Middle School and Zionsville Community High School. Based on last year’s pilot, participation was strong at ZWMS and more limited at ZCHS. Adjustments will be made to staffing, and the program is expected to remain cost-neutral.

EARLY LEARNING AND EDUCATIONAL SERVICES CENTER REQUEST TO ADVERTISE FOR BIDS

The Board granted permission to advertise bids for a proposed Early Learning and Educational Services Center. The 450-student facility would be built on district-owned land off 700 East between Zionsville West Middle School and Stonegate.

Key features:

• Three preschool wings with separate natural play areas
• Eight-room employee daycare facility
• Second-floor administrative and board offices
• Dedicated space for community and staff meetings
• Infrastructure to delay the need for new elementary and middle schools

Director of Operations Matt Doublestein emphasized that the project aligns with enrollment growth, long-range financial planning and community needs. Design renderings include collaborative classroom spaces, flexible multipurpose areas and expanded security and traffic considerations. The project remains aligned with the district’s goal to maintain a school tax rate at or below $1.30.

REQUEST FOR FURNITURE FOR THE ASCENSION STADIUM LOCKER ROOM BUILDING RENOVATION PROJECT

As part of the building renovation, Director of Operations Matt Doublestein requested and received permission to purchase of furniture.