Board Meeting February 2026

ZCS Board of School Trustees reviews land swap, facilities projects, and enrollment planning during this month's meeting

The Zionsville Community Schools Board of School Trustees met this month for a public hearing and regular meeting focused on facilities planning, enrollment projections, legislative monitoring, and several items supporting long-term district operations.

Public Hearing

The meeting opened with a public hearing regarding a proposed real estate transaction involving a potential land swap with Pulte Homes of Indiana. The proposal would exchange approximately 33 acres of district-owned land in Whitestown for roughly 21.5 acres in a more centrally located area of the district, along with financial consideration reflecting the acreage difference.

Administrators shared that the centrally located parcel could better support future school and community needs as growth continues in Union Township and surrounding areas. There were no public comments shared regarding this proposed real estate activity.  The hearing was adjourned.

Regular Meeting

Construction and Facilities Update

Skillman Vice President Victor Landfair provided an update on multiple construction and improvement projects. The full report is included at the button below.

Superintendent's Report

Kindergarten registration

Kindergarten registration for the Class of 2039 is now open. District leaders anticipate enrollment to exceed 500 students and are looking forward to welcoming incoming families through spring events and school visits.

February break programming

The district will offer enrichment opportunities for families during the upcoming February break, including activities coordinated through district programs and previously approved student travel experiences.

Legislative update

ZCS Superintendent Dr. Rebecca Coffman provided an overview of the current legislative session, noting that multiple education-related bills remain under consideration and could impact school operations. Topics being monitored include student device policies, technology requirements, and other statewide education matters. District officials continue to stay engaged and are monitoring developments as the session moves toward conclusion.

Do-Days service initiative

A reminder was shared about the district’s upcoming annual Do-Days scheduled for early March. The districtwide effort will again connect students, staff, and community members through service projects that support local organizations and our community.

Consent agenda and personnel

Board members approved the consent agenda, including meeting minutes, personnel items, safety purchases, financial reports, and claims.

Donations were accepted in support of classrooms and student programs across the district.

Dr. Coffman also announced Dara Chezem as the next assistant superintendent of teaching and learning. Chezem currently serves as superintendent of Eastern Pulaski Community Schools and will join Zionsville Community Schools on July 1 following the retirement of ZCS Assistant Superintendent Kris Devereaux.

New business

Enrollment projections study

A proposal to continue working with the Indiana Business Research Center on updated enrollment projections was approved. The study will provide refreshed demographic data and projections to support long-term planning for staffing, facilities, and financial forecasting.

Construction bids approved

Construction bids for projects identified through the district’s 2024 deliberative facilities planning process were approved. The work includes various asphalt and other critical site repairs, auditorium renovations, safety system upgrades, and infrastructure improvements across multiple schools.

Most summer projects are expected to be completed prior to the start of the 2026-2027 school year, with the 1970s era high school auditorium renovation continuing into 2027.

Real estate transaction authorization

Following the public hearing, the board approved authorization for district leadership to move forward with next steps related to the proposed land exchange agreement.

Facility usage fees

The board approved updates to the district’s facility usage fee schedule. Adjustments include clarifying categories, adding newly available spaces, and ensuring fees remain cost-neutral when outside groups use district facilities.

The updated fee schedule will take effect July 1, 2026, and will apply to new reservations and facility use agreements moving forward.

The next regular Board Meeting is March 9, 2026
at 6 p.m. in the ZCS Board Room, Educational Services Center, 900 Mulberry Street, Zionsville.

BOARD
PRESIDENT

Mrs. Katie Aeschliman

BOARD VICE PRESIDENT

Mr. Michael Berg

BOARD
SECRETARY

Mr. Michael Coussens

BOARD
MEMBER

Mrs. Jennifer Valentine

BOARD
MEMBER

Dr. Christy Wessel-Powell


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