Board Meeting October 2025

The meeting opened with a public hearing on the tentative collective bargaining agreement between Zionsville Community Schools (ZCS) and the Zionsville Educators Association (ZEA).

Superintendent Dr. Rebecca Coffman shared that the agreement was reached following a collaborative, interest-based bargaining process focused on teacher attraction and retention, benefit clarity, safety, and support for teacher attendance and well-being.

Following implementation, the minimum full-time teacher salary will be $52,500, with an average ZCS teacher salary of approximately $71,000.

The tentative agreement was ratified by ZEA on October 1, 2025, and will be presented to the Board for approval on November 10, 2025.

The full agreement is available on the ZCS website.

Unified Student Services

Unified Student Services Director Casey Allen presented a comprehensive update on Unified Student Services, which serves students through Section 504 accommodations, individual education plans, and special education programs.

Guiding Principles

1. Students first
2. Consistent procedures and expectations
3. Ongoing professional development
4. Relationships and grace

Section 504 Services

• ZCS serves 514 students through Section 504 plans, most at middle and high school levels.
• School counselors serve as the point of contact.
• Allen and district leadership are reviewing all 514 plans to ensure accuracy and student-centered support.

Special Education Overview

• Services are provided for students ages 3 through 22, representing about 13% of total enrollment.
• ZCS offers a continuum of programs.
• S.O.A.R.S. (Student Opportunities to Achieve Real Life Success) currently partners with 18 businesses offering paid experiences and 10 offering volunteer placements.

New System in PowerSchool

All Indiana districts transitioned to a new statewide IEP management system in July. ZCS has hosted 33 staff support sessions since implementation, ensuring compliance and technical support.

Professional Development & Inclusion Highlights

• District Autism/Behavior Team representatives in every building
• More than 70 support staff attended optional training this year
• Added a third non-violent crisis intervention trainer
• Deepened partnership with Academic Services on literacy and progress monitoring
• Annual Disability Awareness Week planned for March
• Continued inclusion programs: Best Buddies, Unified Sports, Adaptive PE, Sensory Concerts, and the Unified Champion event

The presentation concluded with a highlight video celebrating the Unified Champion program, receiving applause from attendees.

Policy Repeal: Teacher Appreciation Grant (TAG)

The Board approved repeal of Policy 3220.01, as Indiana has replaced the Teacher Appreciation Grant system with a new state-administered model.

Under the new structure:

• Only 20% of certified teachers may qualify for stipends.
• Award tiers range from $3,500 to $7,500.
• ZCS has opted in to compete for these funds and will collaborate with ZEA to determine local eligibility once state guidance is finalized.

Adoption of the 2026 Budget

Chief Financial Officer Regina May presented the final 2026 budget for adoption.

Total Budget: $155,035,298

• 47% allocated to salaries and benefits
• 90% of Education and Operating Referendum Funds directed to instructional staff
• Referendum Fund supports one in three ZCS teachers and 165 positions
• Anticipated tax rate: $1.29 per $100 AV

Board-approved resolutions:

1. Appropriations and tax rate
2. Budget submission
3. 2026–2030 Bus Replacement Plan
4. 2026–2028 Capital Projects Plan
5. Education Fund to Operations Fund transfers
6. Reductions in 2025 appropriations
7. 2026 total tax rate authorization

Discussion included acknowledgment of assessed value certifications and the effects of new state property tax deduction laws that will reduce taxable value growth through 2031.

ZCHS Course Additions

Assistant Principal Maureen Borto presented new course proposals for the 2026 Program of Studies, developed by a cross-departmental team.

Courses align with state diploma requirements and student interests, expanding creative and academic options in art, design, and STEM.

The Board unanimously approved all additions.
Staffing implications will be reviewed following student course registration later this school year.

Supplemental Curriculum Material Fees

Chief Financial Officer Regina May presented an updated supplemental fee schedule following recent state clarification on allowable school fees.

Key Points:

• Textbook and device costs remain fully covered by the state.
• ZCS may now charge for supplemental and consumable materials only.
• Billing will begin in November 2025.
• K–8 families will receive annual billing; high school families will receive semester billing.
• Payment plans and assistance are available, and families qualifying for free or reduced meals will continue to receive support.
• Communication about the fee charges will be distributed after Fall Break via direct email communication to families as well as the Friday Five, school newsletters, and the ZCS website.