FEBRUARY BOARD MEETING
2025
ZCS February Board of Trustees Meeting
The Board of School Trustees held their scheduled meeting on Monday, February 10, 2025.
Public Hearing on Farm Lease
The meeting began with a public hearing regarding a proposed farm lease on district-owned property. The hearing, required under Indiana Code 36-1-11-3, was held to receive public comments. No members of the public registered to speak, and the hearing was adjourned.
Superintendent's Report
Dr. Coffman provided an update on legislative priorities, educational updates, and community engagement opportunities.
Congratulations Zionsville West Middle School Teacher Kara Benson
ZCS Superintendent Dr. Rebecca Coffman addressed the board and the public, beginning with a special recognition. Mrs. Kara Benson, an educator at Zionsville West Middle School, was honored for receiving the prestigious Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. This national recognition highlights her commitment to STEM education and leadership. The award, presented by the White House, includes a $10,000 prize and an invitation to a recognition ceremony in Washington, D.C. Mrs. Benson’s contributions to the district span multiple roles, including literacy coach, STEM educator, and professional development leader.
Kara Benson was recognized at the Board Meeting
Kara Benson was recognized at the Board Meeting
Academics Update
Director of Academics Chris Squier presented updates on IREAD, the state-mandated reading assessment for second and third graders. She outlined recent legislative changes requiring second graders to take the assessment as a practice year and detailed the district’s intervention plans for students who do not pass. She emphasized the district’s efforts to ensure student success, including summer school offerings and ongoing interventions.
Construction and Facilities update
ZCHS senior Dominic Landfair co-presents this month's construction update with The Skillman Corporation. Set to study Construction Management at Purdue University after graduation, Dominic credits his experiences at Zionsville Community Schools for shaping his career aspirations.
ZCHS senior Dominic Landfair co-presents this month's construction update with The Skillman Corporation. Set to study Construction Management at Purdue University after graduation, Dominic credits his experiences at Zionsville Community Schools for shaping his career aspirations.
The Vice President of The Skillman Corporation, alongside Zionsville Community High School senior Dominic Landfair, provided updates on ongoing construction projects. Dominic, a senior at Zionsville Community High School and student intern with Skillman, shared insights from his experience working on district projects, including the stadium renovations. The stadium project remains on track for completion before summer, with all major structural work nearing finalization. Additionally, the district’s chiller consolidation project is progressing as scheduled.
Legislative Update
Dr. Coffman provided an overview of ongoing legislative developments underway in the Indiana General Assembly. School leaders and board members are following more than 180 bills impacting K-12 education, school governance, and childcare.
- Senate Bill 1 & House Bill 1001
Budget proposals impacting property tax revenue allocations. - Senate Bill 518
A proposal requiring school districts to share property tax revenue with charter schools. - House Bill 1681 & Senate Bill 8
Restrictions on school referenda timing, potentially impacting programs and class sizes in ZCS. - House Bill 1285
A bill proposing video cameras in specific classroom locations and staff specifically trained to address student behaviors.
Board members discussed the implications of these bills and encouraged community members to engage with legislators to advocate for public education funding.
Class of 2038 - Registration opens soon!
Kindergarten pre-registration opens soon! We are excited to welcome the Class of 2038 to our schools. Mark your calendars for Kindergarten Roundup, set for March 25th. For more details, click below.
Do Days 2025
Dr. Coffman noted that we are gearing up for ZCS Do Days, happening March 6-8. If you have a project you'd like completed, please reach out to Kelly Antcliff at kantcliff@zcs.k12.in.us.
Students will be engaged in projects both at school and through their extracurricular groups, making an impact in our community. Families are also encouraged to consider projects they can complete together at home. We look forward to another great year of service.
New Business
Farm Lease
The board approved a farm lease for district-owned property in Union Township, generating an annual revenue of $11,127.35.
HVAC Control Upgrades at Boone Meadow and Stonegate Elementary School
A bid from Open Control Systems for $1.57 million was approved for HVAC system upgrades, replacing original equipment and enhancing climate control and efficiency in both schools.
Middle School Literacy Curriculum Adoption
To align with the state’s Science of Reading requirements, the board adopted Great Minds Wit & Wisdom (5th grade) and Great Minds Arts & Letters (6th-8th grade) as the new literacy curriculum.
Rainy Day Fund Transfer
The board authorized a $2 million dollar transfer from the Operations Fund to the district’s Rainy Day Fund.
The next meeting of the ZCS Board of School Trustees is Monday, March 10 at 6 p.m. in the
ZCS Educational Services Center.
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