October Board of School Trustees Meeting

Zionsville Community Schools

October

Board Meeting 2026

ZCS Board of School Trustees celebrates student achievements, hears a detailed financial update, adopts the 2027 budget, approves new high school courses, and takes action on several operational and facilities items at the regular monthly meeting in October.

Superintendent's Report

ZCS Superintendent Dr. Rebecca Coffman

ZCHS Lady Eagles are Golf Champions

Superintendent Dr. Rebecca Coffman kicked off the evening by celebrating an outstanding weekend for the ZCHS Lady Eagles golf team, which captured its third consecutive IHSAA state championship. Taylor Snively also became the individual state champion for the third consecutive year, and Paige Henny was the recipient of the Mental Attitude Award.

Dr. Coffman shared that the district looks forward to a more public celebration with the team following the conclusion of the fall sports season.

She's Rylentless

Dr. Coffman also highlighted ZCHS and upper middle school students who worked together to create a STEM event for younger students hosted at Zionsville West Middle School. Students collaborated with Dr. Wooden and his team to provide a variety of hands-on experiences, including robotics, coding, and drone activities. The event also featured a guest speaker from Chip Ganassi Racing who discussed her pathway into motorsports through STEM.

Dr. Coffman reported that ZCS has once again received an affirmed AA credit rating, the highest credit rating for public school corporations in Indiana. ZCS has maintained the rating since 2018.

Financial Stewardship across ZCS

Chief Financial Officer Regina May, SFO

ZCS Financial Stewardship

Zionsville Community Schools Chief Financial Officer Regina May, SFO, shared a detailed look at the district’s ongoing cost-saving and efficiency initiatives. Through strategic planning and smart resource management, ZCS is maximizing its budget through direct savings, operational efficiencies, personnel optimization, resource optimization and creative asset allocations.

High-impact financial wins that provided direct savings to ZCS over the last year spanned several areas, from technology purchases and pharmacy rebates to credit card rebates and changes to financial and human resources programs.

ZCS was also able to provide premium holidays, saving employees more than $500,000 and the district more than $2 million across all funds, while heading into 2027 with stable premium costs. Operationally, technology contracts were reexamined, resulting in realignments, renegotiations and contract terminations to better align with budgetary and evolving needs. Enrollment changes were monitored, with staffing adjusted in response to shifting enrollment. The same staffing review was applied to support positions, with operational needs and work calendars evaluated and adjusted.

Additional efforts by the technology department were also highlighted, including increasing RAM specifications on current purchases to extend the lifecycle of equipment. The department also repurposed end-of-life iPads for classroom use, where they can serve specific purposes, such as lab cameras or dedicated music apps. Additionally, the department has used parts from broken and decommissioned equipment to make in-house repairs.

Mrs. May emphasized that these examples represent only a snapshot of the cost-conscious practices occurring throughout ZCS every day, with every purchase. She thanked district division leaders, school treasurers and the Accounts Payable team for their work. Dr. Coffman added a special thanks to Cindy King and Amanda Rennard for their work with the insurance committee.

College, Career, and Community Connections

ZCHS College and Career Fair

Dr. Coffman highlighted the recent ZCHS College and Career Fair for juniors and seniors. Under the direction of Principal Karen McDaniel, Counselor Cathy Patane, and the ZCHS Counseling Department, the event brought many organizations to the high school field house, including area businesses and industries, trade schools, and university partners.

Dr. Coffman said participating professionals spoke highly of ZCS students who have worked with them as interns, employees, or through job-shadowing experiences.

ZWMS PLTW Showcase Night

She also reminded the community about the upcoming sixth-grade Project Lead the Way Showcase at Zionsville West Middle School. All three ZCS secondary schools have earned PLTW Distinguished School recognition, and the showcase provides an opportunity for the community to see student work firsthand.

Fall Break Sack Lunches

With fall break approaching, Dr. Coffman shared information about community resources available to families. Shalom House will again provide sack lunches and meals for community members, with pickup available at Zionsville Christian Church. Individuals utilizing the resource are asked to bring a photo ID, and additional information will be shared through district newsletters.

Election Day

Dr. Coffman also reminded residents that Election Day is November 3 and that the ZCS operating referendum appears as Public Question No. 3 on the ballot.

Dr. Coffman and Mrs. May remain available to answer questions about the referendum through scheduled coffee and walk events and other community engagement opportunities. Residents may also contact the district directly to arrange a conversation before Election Day.

Elementary Conferences

Elementary student-led conferences will take place during the afternoon of Wednesday, November 4, and throughout the day Thursday, November 5. Students will join their parents or guardians and classroom teachers to discuss academic progress and goals.

ZEF Bash

Dr. Coffman concluded her report by highlighting the Zionsville Education Foundation Bash, scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 7. Tickets remain available, and she thanked the ZEF team and committee members for their work to support the event

Board Business

Board Adopts 2027 Budget

The Board completed the 2027 budget process by considering the proposed budget, Capital Projects Plan, Bus Replacement Plan, and related resolutions.

Mrs. May explained that the district conducted its public budget hearing September 14 and made the required forms available on the ZCS website and through the Indiana Department of Local Government Finance.

The total proposed 2027 budget is just under $152 million.

ZCS is maintaining its operating referendum tax rate at $0.2444. Although the November 3 ballot question establishes a different maximum or ceiling for the referendum rate, the district’s 2027 budget adopts the rate of $0.2444, within the ceiling that would be established should the ballot question pass, but also illustrates the boards commitment to only request the rate necessary to maintain our current programs and needs. Although the November 3 ballot question establishes a different maximum or ceiling for the referendum rate, the district’s 2027 budget adopts the rate of $0.2444, within the ceiling that would be established should the ballot question pass, but also illustrates the boards commitment to only request the rate necessary to maintain our current programs and needs.

Mrs. May also followed up on a question from the previous board meeting regarding Tax Increment Financing, or TIF, districts within ZCS boundaries. One TIF area is scheduled to expire in 2028 and another in 2030. She explained that there is a two-year lag between a TIF expiration and the point when that assessed value is incorporated into the district’s base assessed value and begins generating revenue for ZCS.

The Board unanimously approved all actions associated with the 2027 budget process.

New ZCHS Courses Approved for 2027-2028

The Board unanimously approved several additions to the Zionsville Community High School academic offerings beginning with the 2027-2028 school year.

The courses are intended to align with Indiana’s new diploma requirements while expanding student choice and college and career readiness opportunities.

Four English courses were approved:

AP Research
Critical Thinking and Argumentation
Advanced Speech and Communication
Advanced English Literary Interpretation

The Board also approved AP Physics 2, an algebra-based science course, and Law Education in social studies.

The district anticipates being able to offer the courses using existing staff with no overall increase in staffing. Depending upon student course selections, individual teacher assignments could shift to accommodate the new offerings.

Boiler and Chiller Preventative Maintenance RFP

The Board unanimously authorized the district leadership team to advertise a Request for Proposals for boiler and chiller preventative maintenance services.

As district service agreements and contracts approach expiration, ZCS routinely re-evaluates them to examine service quality, cost controls, and potential savings.

The district has operated under a boiler and chiller preventative maintenance agreement for several years. The agreement covers inspection, cleaning, maintenance, and service of boilers and chillers throughout ZCS facilities and expires at the end of the year.

These systems are among the district’s most expensive and important pieces of equipment. Their efficient operation is important to indoor air quality, maintaining expected environmental standards and supporting learning environments.

The administration will review responses and return to the Board with a recommendation at a future meeting.

Furniture Bids for Early Learning Center and Educational Services Center

The Board also unanimously authorized district leadership and Fanning Howey to advertise for furniture bids for the new Early Learning Center and Educational Services Center.

Construction remains on schedule for substantial completion in summer 2027 in preparation for the 2027-2028 school year.

As with other bid advertisements, authorization does not commit the Board to a purchase. Bids will be received and tabulated before a recommendation is brought back to the Board for consideration.

Natural Gas Supplier Renewal

In the final action of the evening, the Board unanimously approved renewal of the district’s bulk natural gas agreement.

ZCS began working with the supplier in 2018, and administrators reported that the partnership has served the district well.

Through negotiations associated with the renewal, ZCS was able to lock in pricing expected to save the district approximately $54,500 over the next year.

Following the vote, the Board concluded its October meeting and adjourned.