[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6475294,"mediaKeyId","5734865-f7cb6c4c42f0e6802734d6cbbb139652","parentId",5734865,"title","Board approves $115,000 architect agreement for junior‑senior high natatorium repairs","audioSeconds",27,"startMs",3189000,"endMs",3216000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5734865-f7cb6c4c42f0e6802734d6cbbb139652&start=3189&end=3216","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5734865-f7cb6c4c42f0e6802734d6cbbb139652/thumbnail_3189000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6475294/Indiana/Board-approves-115000-architect-agreement-for-juniorsenior-high-natatorium-repairs","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6475294-c67c0962b74fdef4eb53fa227f4829c2/orig.mp4?Expires=1770546855&Signature=J19U11mLQ~s0bFKqutCcIyzVA6jWr2W7fLmdhrrUWqEE3V2Px75kIuKuWkW12RKx4Wa20g~v9fyl0mOWi5DHjsXi8fqKdG0oqdE95qvtnrNyt8IDSjWibfDMJALTKiSVpL7H6knHL4Kxa93DZPprV1UdXsAEwOD3iCk6HMxGPIQFPB0ieXPmcXIFhj5A3cvcO1JlONYFHxo9Avb0RgSD3CeXkm2-oJ5MrpS1oInOPv1yg~ezSgtrkxk9RwLWsnpFqQfaBumOIbbb3HiIDaKul6gSB88j8fELKyKxPE8I1iln~SvgcgmPCubO-71Mf-DNM9QyBbnKihJBpYuBBMpgfw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","West Lafayette Com School Corp","date","2025-09-09T01:24:24Z","article","The West Lafayette Community School Corporation board approved an architect agreement Sept. 8 to advance design work on repairs and upgrades to the natatorium at the junior‑senior high school.

Administrators asked the board to approve an agreement with Fan and Howie (architects) for $115,000 to develop final design specifications and prepare the project for bidding. District staff said the fee falls within the expected architect range (approximately 10–12% of the estimated construction cost).

The board voted to approve the architect agreement; the motion was moved by Board Member George and seconded by Board Member Lawrence. The motion carried.

Why it matters: The project targets structural and building envelope issues identified at the natatorium (including a south‑facing wall and pool deck concerns), and documents presented at the meeting estimate the construction cost in the neighborhood of $1 million (final bids will determine actual cost). Completing design work allows the district to go to formal bid and to determine final scope and schedule.

What the board approved
- Architect agreement: $115,000 to produce design documents and bid specifications for natatorium work, as recommended in the architect’s preliminary review and the district’s facilities update.

Next steps
- Administration will finalize the design scope with the architect, produce bid documents and return to the board with a recommended contract award once bids are received. The district cautioned that the facility could not be used during construction depending on timing and scope.

Action record
- Motion: Approve architect agreement for natatorium design work with Fan and Howie, $115,000.
- Mover: George (board member).
- Second: Lawrence (board member).
- Outcome: Approved by voice vote.

Source: Agenda materials and board packet presented at the Sept. 8 meeting and the board’s recorded motion in the regular meeting transcript.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","WLCSC - Work Sessions & Regular Board Meeting September 8, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Trustees voted to hire architects for design work on repairs and upgrades to the West Lafayette Junior‑Senior High School natatorium; the board approved a $115,000 contract to move design to bid documents.","taxTitle","West Lafayette Com School Corp, School Boards, Indiana","taxId",76369,"location","Indiana","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6475298,"Elementary schools report: iRead progress, math screeners and supports for incoming students",309,2247000,2556000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5734865-f7cb6c4c42f0e6802734d6cbbb139652&start=2247&end=2556","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5734865-f7cb6c4c42f0e6802734d6cbbb139652/thumbnail_2247000.jpg","/articles/6475298/Indiana/Elementary-schools-report-iRead-progress-math-screeners-and-supports-for-incoming-students","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6475298-27d2def205e8618bfd918ae2b48ad38d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770546855&Signature=Stq54pxX2JUQeihSA-k59obdy8yFj3wE~U6gaEPdRMHLyERseiYxAXm8tOH40GDFEadxdWiy3lvANO8npAIxN-s47Kz-3gej1cUbg1yG71rI98GH9B6fcjBE9iM1ECikaAxM2Ludh4YaBK3ibR9U6tL6VZkvg8tCAY3bo86XeSTrRBeCbwiS7zY--0ypMj75Gs5w4FpFHSutto5IvVMc61UpPca1-6hhGtEBRGR0ymxMMk6VQDT0nPjQoskH5KzTgWLOyvDj1LrmyzeaVwyMqBWleVxugU4lOBcNWgRfqbJ7Vx--ZhwYAmZs24pJU~OcNh6vjvx2T5nW8xsPDWxWWg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","School leaders updated the West Lafayette Community School Corporation board on elementary enrollment, assessment outcomes and new supports at the Sept. 8 regular meeting.

“Right now, we do have 18 students enrolled in our preschool, so that means we are at capacity,” said Missus Delaney, an elementary school administrator, noting the program recently received full licensure and can accept CCDF vouchers.

Why it matters: Elementary assessment and early‑childhood trends affect future classroom needs and budgeting. The schools reported gains on the state‑mandated third‑grade reading screen (iRead), continued improvement in early math measures and an effort to expand social‑emotional and behavioral supports to ease transitions for incoming kindergarteners.

Key details from the update
- Assessments and goals: Delaney reported that 91.7% of students passed iRead in 2024–25. The school has set a goal aligned to the state target of 95% of third‑graders passing iRead by the end of 2026–27. Math progress included adoption of a math screener (MCAS Math) to identify gaps early; the district also uses IXL in grades 1–3 for personalized practice.
- Writing and curriculum work: The elementary team has aligned a K–3 writing rubric and reported gains in narrative and informative writing measures; staff plan to focus on informative writing this year.
- Early childhood and transitions: The preschool (18 students, licensed and accepting CCDF vouchers) is at capacity. School leaders described more students transitioning from ABA centers into public school settings after changes in Medicaid funding; the school has increased structured learning supports and added a registered behavior technician and a student support specialist to assist transitions.
- Staffing and class sizes: Elementary leaders reported about 46 certified teachers and 40 support staff and average classroom sizes near 20–22 students in most grades.

Board questions and follow up
Trustees asked about classroom sizes, PLC (professional learning community) schedules and whether the district has enough paraprofessional support for students transitioning from ABA programs; school leaders said current staffing meets required minutes in IEPs and noted ongoing recruitment and monitoring.

Evidence: Presentation excerpts and Q&A with trustees appear in the meeting transcript.","Elementary leaders reported higher iRead scores, new math screening tools and expanded preschool licensure; staff described interventions for students transitioning from specialized ABA programs and new student support hires.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6475303,"Board discussion over transfer students escalates into debate on open enrollment and referendum risk",3030,3120000,6150000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5734865-f7cb6c4c42f0e6802734d6cbbb139652&start=3120&end=6150","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5734865-f7cb6c4c42f0e6802734d6cbbb139652/thumbnail_3120000.jpg","/articles/6475303/Indiana/Board-discussion-over-transfer-students-escalates-into-debate-on-open-enrollment-and-referendum-risk","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6475303-25af7896dcf115ee497e6b201e18a086/orig.mp4?Expires=1770546855&Signature=fOQVjdtq8sCXPKTkTqlqDl31BnGTIllAeNuYsA0pdXDjSjFWdoq8gOWKKVdJl1E8KdzLEnraGDe3jylQfCpDAs2crnPcRXxtdPmLkcJ1ZWwHKlXV6RsCSCsiziM-STeo~vK8ywo53Yy~uh~GjsAP1itSKuTsI~TACyWkUI6s16hOJfCt1qkg94PhyjMVrAN~BfMqHqaQmhgNf74GNOEdZ13Aa2trXWH3aqmA3oBjb-kxDa~gNWvCzDRQzKFPssoqGRzGKiZXHqikAWiqBsmca-dkEurt0kKm8tFrKc-UANwGfc8u55xgnOSLmLOC1RvOhegpPEJZcBLpaM3TTyUgKQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A public comment from an out‑of‑district parent at the Sept. 8 West Lafayette Community School Corporation meeting prompted an extended board discussion about the district’s policy on transfer students, the revenue they generate and the possible political and budgetary consequences of changing enrollment policy.

“Every parent wants to set their children up for success,” said Brian Messer, who identified himself as an out‑of‑district parent, urging the board to keep a pathway for nonresidents to attend West Lafayette schools.

Why it matters: Transfer students generate transfer tuition or transfer‑related payments that the district counts in its revenue projections. Trustees and community members debated whether opening or closing transfers would meaningfully change district finances and whether opening transfers could affect community support for future referenda.

What happened at the meeting
- Public comment: Brian Messer spoke in favor of allowing transfers, describing his family’s contributions of time, donations and volunteer work and saying he believed many transfer families quietly support the district. He said transfer students also benefit the corporation’s programs.
- Trustee questions: Trustees asked administration how much transfer tuition the district expects and how a policy change might affect next year’s budget. Administration estimated roughly $150 per pupil more under the current arrangement compared with the district’s ADM funding and noted the district budgets about $1.2 million this year as transfer‑related revenue in models.
- Policy options and timeline: Board members and administration discussed three broad paths: (1) continue the current agreement with the neighboring township/district that limits transfer numbers; (2) open the district to broader transfers (which under state law would require opening to all districts); or (3) pause accepting new transfer students while allowing currently enrolled transfers to graduate.
- Fiscal and political tradeoffs: Trustees and members of the public warned of dynamic effects: opening transfers could, some cautioned, reduce homeowner willingness to support local referenda; closing transfers could reduce near‑term revenue but might encourage families to move into the district. Several trustees asked the district’s fiscal consultant to model scenarios that include the behavioral response of residents and potential impacts on referendum support and assessed valuation.

Board input and next steps
Board members requested additional analysis from the fiscal consultant and administration. The board did not change its current transfer policy at the Sept. 8 meeting. Several trustees emphasized the need to base any policy revisions on quantitative scenario modeling and on public input before considering a referendum or policy change.

Evidence: Public-comment remarks by Brian Messer and subsequent board discussion appear in the meeting transcript.","A public comment from an out‑of‑district parent and subsequent trustee discussion prompted debate over transfer students, district open‑enrollment policy, and how transfer tuition and potential enrollment shifts affect referendum revenue and local support.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6475308,"West Lafayette board hears 2026 budget overview, warns of shrinking tax base and enrollment",3309,97000,3406000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5734865-f7cb6c4c42f0e6802734d6cbbb139652&start=97&end=3406","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5734865-f7cb6c4c42f0e6802734d6cbbb139652/thumbnail_97000.jpg","/articles/6475308/Indiana/West-Lafayette-board-hears-2026-budget-overview-warns-of-shrinking-tax-base-and-enrollment","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6475308-6c8f2fde44ffc3df765c8532d9b0202f/orig.mp4?Expires=1770546855&Signature=hQZvaLozEgtn2-wULLg04qVrOV5Qjr3CwQlQVKx6sh9FW0RTldJeKzbUwgJE4hAgVgqeI0KZ3p3-P-IoDHrIzDAfDDmEoc-7A3tXy7kq-sb9cic4wpdSN1gx3NwlrmvV~15lpGHbcwPoKPzvYHHUt06EX-GUXgxc6cE7GuVEby1PXfsYa8P~rsP6aQlCTF2vQV3Pf4844FZ3NYyle1qbaomQu1nbuDGhBl1JN4Jgx1VvKps~rWdOdEiDvb7CSruV4OhSslHDD-fSdQ9VWhQQ47NneA3qqCTVCvMpO-l9oO0DrYyeHnhSANOFiaOLoB5zDUuEtrQVTMcLjx5p5TotyA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The West Lafayette Community School Corporation board reviewed the proposed 2026 budget and a long-term fiscal outlook at a Sept. 8 work session, hearing that modest state funding increases and declines in enrollment and assessed value will pressure the district's finances in coming years.

“Tonight is the budget workshop for the 2026 budget,” said Missus Cronk, a business‑office staff member, opening the presentation that laid out revenue, levy and fund projections and the corporation’s budget calendar.

Board members were told the district expects only modest increases in state tuition support — about 1.13% for the 2025–26 year and 1.48% the following year after removing a one‑time curricular materials payment — while enrollment trends and changes from the recent legislative session threaten longer‑term revenue. “We’re kind of moving into a cash conservation mode, okay, to prepare for that coming down the pike,” Cronk said.

Why it matters: West Lafayette budgets depend on two key variables — student enrollment and certified assessed valuation — and the district’s documents and outside fiscal modeling presented at the session show both are likely to weaken. The result could be smaller operations and referendum fund receipts even if the corporation keeps current levies in place.

What the presenters told the board
- State funding and formula changes: Cronk walked the board through the state tuition support tables and explained she had adjusted out a $158 per‑pupil curricular‑materials payment so trustees could compare “apples to apples.” She reported a net per‑pupil increase of about $79.37 for 2025–26 (1.13%).
- Assessed value (AV) and referendum outlook: Cronk said certified net assessed value (NAV) for the district rose modestly for 2026 (about 1.62% excluding TIF, and roughly 7% including TIF). But both presenters and packet materials warned those gains may be temporary because of new deductions and credits the legislature enacted.
- Legislative changes and credits: Fiscal consultant Mike Reuter told the board the session focused on property tax relief and that the law that emerged includes a homestead credit applied after a tax bill is computed (up to a capped dollar amount beginning in the 2026 tax year) and growing deductions for rental and business personal property in subsequent years. “We’re going to see some pretty substantial erosion of our tax base, going forward, which is going to impact the most is the referendum fund,” Reuter said.
- Enrollment: Reuter showed the corporation’s internal enrollment counts and projections indicating a continuing decline through the near term, which compresses total district revenue because state funding follows actual pupils rather than seats.
- Fund‑by‑fund outlook: Cronk reviewed each major fund (Education Fund 101, Debt Service Fund 200, Operations Fund 300, Operating Referendum Fund 160 and Rainy Day Fund 610), showing the education fund is currently in a relatively strong cash position but that both operations and referendum funds face structural pressure if trends continue. Reuter’s forecast scenario showed the operations fund could run a structural gap that might force consideration of education‑to‑operations transfers (statute allows up to a 15% transfer from education to operations).

Board questions and next steps
Trustees pressed for follow‑up figures on how scenarios would play out under different assumptions (for example, closing transfers vs. keeping them open and referendum options). Reuter said he would produce models showing outcomes under different enrollment and AV scenarios, including what a run‑up to a future referendum could look like, but cautioned that the law and revenue assumptions remain in flux.

No budget adoption votes were taken at the work session. Cronk noted the corporation published the Form 3 Notice to Taxpayers on Aug. 27, the public hearing on the budget occurs at the district’s regular meeting (Sept. 8) and adoption is scheduled for Oct. 6, after which documents will be submitted to the Indiana Department of Local Government Finance for approval.

What to watch
- The district’s formal budget adoption on Oct. 6 and the DLGF approval process through Dec. 31, which determine final appropriations and levies for 2026.
- Reuter’s follow‑up fiscal models to show how changes to transfers, a possible referendum and expected AV declines would affect tax rates and cash balances.

Sources and evidence: The budget presentation and Reuter’s long‑term fiscal briefing were given at the Sept. 8 work session. Key excerpts in the transcript include Cronk’s opening statement and the fiscal overview from Reuter.","At a Sept. 8 work session the West Lafayette Community School Corporation heard a budget presentation and long-term fiscal plan showing small state funding increases, projected enrollment declines and legislative changes that could reduce property tax revenue, prompting officials to prepare for ‘‘cash conservation.’’","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board approves $115,000 architect agreement for junior‑senior high natatorium repairs

Elementary schools report: iRead progress, math screeners and supports for incoming students

Board discussion over transfer students escalates into debate on open enrollment and referendum risk

West Lafayette board hears 2026 budget overview, warns of shrinking tax base and enrollment