Board Meeting November 2025

Honoring Veterans and Student Success

Thank You, Veterans

Superintendent Dr. Rebecca Coffman began her report by recognizing Veterans Day programs across all ZCS campuses. Schools were scheduled to host programs throughout the week.

Dr. Coffman thanked veterans for their service and expressed appreciation to staff, students, and families for the always anticipated strong community turnout. She praised the district’s music and arts teams for the thoughtful and patriotic programs that help students understand the value of service and citizenship.

State Champions

In the same spirit of recognition, ZCHS Athletic Director Greg Schellhase introduced Coach Maggie Nobbe, HCC Coach of the Year, and the Girls Golf Team, honoring them for earning their second consecutive IHSAA State Championship.

Coach Nobbe shared her pride in the team’s journey, describing a season defined by discipline, teamwork, and unity.

Team members Avery Lewis, Olivia Patton, and Taylor Snively spoke about their bond as teammates, the importance of sportsmanship, and the thrill of achieving a shared goal. Snively repeated as individual state champion and earned both State Player of the Year and HCC Player of the Year honors.

Board members commended the team’s commitment to excellence, both on and off the course.

Congratulations, Coaches

Dr. Coffman also recognized several other HCC Coaches of the Year, including ZCS coaches in girls soccer, boys tennis, and unified flag football.

The Zionsville Eagles were also awarded the HCC Fall Sportsmanship Award.

Dr. Coffman shared that members of the ZCHS Marching Band, newly crowned Class A Scholastic State Champions, will be recognized at a future meeting.

Construction and Facilities Progress

Victor Landfair, Vice President of Skillman Corporation, provided the Board with updates on multiple active construction and maintenance projects.

Annual Enrollment and Class Size Report

Dr. Coffman presented the district’s Annual Class Size and Enrollment Report, prepared following the October 1 count date. The report detailed current student enrollment, class size averages, and demographic trends across all schools.

Key Information

• Elementary (K–4): 132 sections this year (down from 144), adjusted due to referendum funding limits.
• Fourth Grade: Largest cohort with 670 students.
• Middle Schools: Combined enrollment of 2,535 students (1,343 at Zionsville Middle, 1,192 at Zionsville West).
• High School: 2,308 students, placing ZCHS at about 76% of total capacity.

Class Size Metrics

The district continues to meet established guidelines:

• K–1: 18–23 students per class
• Grades 2–3: 20–25 students
• Grades 4–12: Average of 25 in core academic subjects
• Compared with pre-referendum levels in 2011, class sizes have been dramatically reduced.
• Middle School: 69 fewer classes exceeding 30 students
• High School: 139 fewer large classes

Enrollment Trends

Dr. Coffman shared that ZCS remains one of the lowest transfer-out districts in Indiana, with only about 4 percent of students transferring to other schools.

This year, the district enrolled 609 new students (189 from out of state and 420 in-state transfers) and saw 398 students exit, primarily due to relocation. Private school transfers totaled 68 students, consistent with prior years.

Seventy-six (76) students are currently enrolled as children of ZCS employees.

Board members discussed upcoming needs to accommodate the large fourth-grade cohort entering middle school, and Dr. Coffman noted that staffing plans will be reviewed this winter.

Other District Updates

FAFSA Night: ZCHS will host a FAFSA support session on January 20, 2026, at 6 p.m. for families to receive assistance completing the state-required form before the April 15 deadline.

ZCHS Musical: Grease opens this weekend, with multiple performances scheduled.

State Accountability and Diploma Updates

Dr. Coffman outlined draft two of Indiana’s new A–F grading model, which evaluates each student’s academic mastery and additional knowledge (such as attendance, credits, and assessments). Feedback remains open until November 17, and the State Board of Education is expected to finalize the model in December.

Consent Agenda and Community Support

The Board unanimously approved the consent agenda and recognized several district donations, including a $25,925.90 contribution from the Zionsville Education Foundation for Fall Classroom Grants.

The Board expressed sincere gratitude for the generosity and support of community partners, families, and donors.

Recognizing Leadership and Service

Dr. Coffman announced the upcoming retirement of Kris Devereaux, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning, effective June 30, 2026.

Since joining ZCS in 2007, Mrs. Devereaux has served as an assistant principal, principal, and district leader, playing a pivotal role in shaping curriculum, assessment, and professional development. The Board thanked her for her outstanding contributions and leadership.

New Business Actions

Collective Bargaining Agreement Ratified

The Board approved the 2025–2027 Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Zionsville Educators Association (ZEA).

Dr. Coffman thanked the ZEA bargaining team and district representatives for their collaborative and student-focused process.

The agreement can be found on the ZCS website.

Pay Increases for Classified Staff

In addition to approving the new teacher contract, the school board authorized pay adjustments and stipends for regularly scheduled employee groups including those individuals supporting operations in GROW, Food Service, Transportation, Facilities, and administrative services.  Full-time regularly scheduled classified employees meeting the eligibility criteria will receive a $1000 stipend, while part-time classified employees will receive a $500 stipend. Additionally, a 2 percent pay adjustment for hourly and salaried classified staff will be effective and reflected in employee pay in January.

Locker Room Addition – Painting Rebid

Following a rebid process, the Board awarded the ZCHS Locker Room Addition painting contract to Bill Lawrence for $223,300, funded through the 2025 construction plan. The successful bid was significantly lower than the original estimate and within the project budget.

Authorization to Advertise 2025 Maintenance Projects

Assistant Superintendent of Operations Matt Doublestein presented a slate of upcoming facility projects to be bid under the 2025 financing plan.

Projects include:

• Renovation of the 1977 ZCHS Auditorium and dressing room spaces
• Performing Arts Center lighting conversion to LED
• Stage lighting and curtain replacements at both middle schools
• Track resurfacing and sidewalk repairs at Zionsville West and additional campuses
• Eagle Elementary entry renovation for improved function and visibility
• Safety system updates including fire alarms, PA systems, and temperature controls
• Sound system upgrades at the stadium, aquatic center, and athletic fields
• Corridor painting and ceiling updates throughout ZCHS

Doublestein explained that most work is anticipated for completion by summer 2026, with larger renovations extending into the following school year. The Board approved authorization to advertise for bids.