Board Meeting
June 2026

Superintendent's Report

Zionsville Community High School 2026-2027 Update

ZCHS Preparing for Block Schedule Transition

Superintendent Dr. Rebecca Coffman welcomed Zionsville Community High School (ZCHS) Principal Karen McDaniel for a year-in-review presentation highlighting student success, instructional initiatives, and preparations for the upcoming school year.

Principal McDaniel shared an overview of the extensive planning underway as ZCHS prepares to implement a block schedule beginning in the 2026-2027 school year.

The new structure will feature a consistent Green Day and Silver Day rotation, allowing students to focus on fewer classes each day while providing additional opportunities for learning, flexibility, and student responsibility.

As part of the transition, the high school is introducing a new Freshman Seminar course designed to help ninth-grade students develop essential academic and life skills. Topics will include note-taking, listening strategies, organization, time management, executive functioning skills, and the use of thinking maps to help students organize learning across content areas.

McDaniel explained that the goal is to help students build skills that support success throughout high school and beyond.

The high school is also expanding opportunities for seniors through its Senior Transition Program. Eligible seniors who meet specific academic expectations will have increased flexibility in their schedules, helping them develop the independence, responsibility, and time-management skills needed for employment, military service, apprenticeships, or college.

Professional Learning Focused on Student-Centered Instruction

McDaniel highlighted year-long professional learning efforts centered around preparing teachers for effective instruction within a block schedule.

Staff members participated in a book study focused on the Gradual Release of Responsibility instructional framework. Teachers explored strategies that help shift learning from teacher-directed instruction to greater student ownership and engagement.

Building upon that work, ZCHS staff developed an instructional framework known as "EAGLES" to guide instruction during 90-minute class periods. The framework emphasizes active learning, student engagement, and opportunities for students to think critically and take increasing responsibility for their learning.

McDaniel described the effort as a significant investment in ensuring that the transition to block scheduling enhances both instruction and student outcomes.

Celebrating Excellence in Performing Arts

McDaniel highlighted another exceptional year for ZCHS performing arts programs.

The marching band earned first place in the ISSMA Scholastic Class competition and later traveled to Philadelphia to participate in the Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Indoor Percussion earned first place during its season before finishing fifth in the world competition among 53 groups.

The band program also received the ISSMA All-Music Award.

Within the orchestra program, all four orchestras earned Gold with Distinction ratings at ISSMA competitions. Thirty-two soloists and ensembles earned Gold ratings, while 14 advanced to earn Gold at the State Solo and Ensemble competition.

Students also participated in educational experiences with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra and continued community outreach efforts through United Sound, including performances at the Zionsville Disability Awareness Festival.

McDaniel praised the choir program not only for competitive success, but also for its contributions to the school and community throughout the year.

Athletics Continue Tradition of Excellence and Sportsmanship

The athletic department celebrated another outstanding year across numerous programs.

Among the highlights was girls’ golfer Taylor Snively earning a second consecutive state championship.

McDaniel also emphasized an accomplishment she described as one of the school's proudest achievements. ZCHS received Hoosier Crossroads Conference Sportsmanship Awards during all three athletic seasons this year. The recognition is voted on by conference schools and reflects the conduct of student-athletes, coaches, and administrators.

The athletic department hosted more than 700 athletic events during the year, including sectional and semi-state competitions.

More than 50 student-athletes committed to continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level.

The number of Eagle Scholars increased from 134 last year to 160 this year, recognizing student-athletes who excel academically while participating in athletics.

Several coaches were also recognized as conference Coaches of the Year.

Class of 2026 Celebrated Throughout the Spring

McDaniel reviewed numerous events and accomplishments involving the Class of 2026.

Senior celebrations began during May with "May Day," where students wore apparel representing their future plans, including college, military service, employment, gap-year opportunities, and entrepreneurship.

Additional senior activities included cap-and-gown distribution, an honors program, a sunset movie night at the stadium, and the popular Memories and Milestones event held May 21.

The Memories and Milestones experience combined reflection, celebration, and preparation for life after graduation. Seniors participated in a field day and heard presentations from Indiana University representatives focused on mental health resources and personal safety.

The year concluded with Commencement on May 31.

The Class of 2026 included 578 graduates. Sixty-eight percent of seniors earned Core 40 diplomas with Academic Honors or Technical Honors. Students earned more than $1 million in scholarships through local foundations and organizations.

Additional accolades include:

• 942 Advanced Placement exams earning scores of 3 or higher.
• 2,070 dual-credit hours completed, representing approximately $1.7 million in college tuition value.
• Four seniors entering military service recognized during Senior Salute.
• Twenty-six students earning industry certifications.
• Participation in more than 90 student clubs and organizations.
• More than 54,000 community service hours completed.
• More than $75,000 raised for charitable causes.

McDaniel concluded by expressing gratitude for the students, staff, families, and community members who contribute to the success of Zionsville Community High School.

District Professional Learning and Summer Programming Update

Following McDaniel's presentation, Dr. Coffman highlighted the ZCS District Learning Exchange, coordinated by Director of Academic Services Christine Squier.

Held during the first week following the end of the school year, the voluntary professional learning event featured more than 40 sessions and generated over 1,500 hours of professional development among teachers and administrators.

Dr. Coffman also noted that literacy certification work continues throughout the summer. She provided updates on summer programming, reporting approximately 320 students are participating daily in summer camp programming being held at Zionsville Middle School.

Additional summer opportunities include Eagle Recreation programs and summer school offerings. Seventy-one elementary students are currently participating in summer school at Trailside Elementary.

Dr. Coffman reminded families of meal assistance available through the Shalom House, and Board Vice President Michael Berg encouraged community members to support the organization through donations and volunteer service.

Board Approves Consent Agenda and Community Donations Recognized

The ZCS Board of School Trustees unanimously approved the consent agenda, including minutes, personnel recommendations, field trips, contracts, financial reports, claims, payroll, and other routine business.

Board members also recognized and expressed appreciation for several donations received across the district.

Supplemental Instructional Materials Approved

Several instructional resource recommendations were presented and approved.

At the middle school level, updated human sexuality instructional materials were approved for grades five through eight. The resources include common presentation materials developed collaboratively by teachers to ensure consistency across schools. All materials will be available on the district website for parent review.

The Board also approved a puberty education video produced by Procter & Gamble for use in grades five and six.

Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning Kris Devereaux reiterated that parents continue to have the ability to review all materials and may opt their students out of this instruction in accordance with Indiana law.

Additional approvals included new Spanish-language novels for middle school world language courses and updated English novels and graphic novel selections for high school English and Advanced Placement Seminar courses.

Board Approves Resolution to Place Operating Referendum Question on November Ballot

The final action of the evening came when the ZCS Board of School Trustees unanimously approved a resolution to place an operating referendum question before voters on the November 3, 2026 ballot.

ZCS Superintendent Dr. Rebecca Coffman and Chief Financial Officer Regina May presented an extensive review of school funding and recent legislative changes impacting school finance.

They explained that Zionsville Community Schools receives the lowest per-pupil state funding allocation in Indiana and that the district's operating referendum has historically funded approximately one in three district teaching positions in numerous educational programs.

The current operating referendum supports:

• Elementary specials including STEM, music, art, wellness, and literacy coaches
• Middle school world language, arts, music, physical education, Project Lead the Way, and instructional coaches
• Technology integration specialists
• School counselors
• Speech-language pathologists
• School psychologists
• Kindergarten teachers
• Multilingual learner teachers
• Customized Learning program teachers

The impacts of Senate Enrolled Act 1 (2025) to public schools were outlined in detail. SEA1 changed Indiana's property tax deduction structure and altered how taxable property values are calculated.

Because of those changes, it was explained that taxable assessed values are projected to decline over several years even as market values continue to grow.

As a result, referendum rates must be adjusted upward to maintain a stable revenue stream that supports existing programs and staffing levels.

District leaders emphasized that the proposed referendum is intended to maintain current educational opportunities rather than create program expansion.

The proposed referendum would:

• Continue funding for eight years
• Establish a maximum referendum rate of $0.4128
• Establish a maximum annual levy of $21,463,325 million
• Continue supporting educational programming and staffing currently funded through referendum revenue

The state-required ballot language will show a larger tax impact based on the requirements of the question. The actual impact on a median-value home compared to current levels of the planned operating referendum rate for 2027 is estimated to be approximately $8 to $9.  While the question lists a maximum value for the rate and levy, it is not anticipated that ZCS will reach those rates until nearing the end of the eight-year period requested in the operating referendum ballot question.

If approved by voters, district leaders indicated the referendum would help maintain current class size expectations, instructional programs, student supports, and staffing levels.

Board members expressed unanimous support for the resolution and emphasized the importance of providing clear information to voters ahead of the November election.

The ZCS Board of School Trustees discussed concerns regarding state-mandated ballot language, noting that they believe the wording may create confusion about the true financial impact of the proposal.

Board members also reiterated the connection between the referendum and maintaining programs, staffing, and educational opportunities that have long been valued by the community.

Following discussion, the ZCS Board of School Trustees unanimously approved the resolution, officially placing the operating referendum question on the November 3, 2026 ballot.