Wayne Barker

The meeting addressed public comments regarding school funding and the lease agreement. The superintendent reported on the disappointing election results for the referendum, taking responsibility for the outcome. The board discussed the school boundary rebalancing plan in preparation for the opening of Willow Creek Middle School in 2026, aiming to maintain equitable enrollment and class sizes. The plan includes community feedback and considerations for transportation efficiency.

The meeting included a lease hearing regarding a proposed bond project, with modifications to the lease agreement to reduce rental payments and the bond issue amount due to the cancellation of the construction of a career and technical education facility. The board also recognized the state cheerleading champions. The superintendent reported on the plan for school boundary options and rebalancing due to the opening of Willow Creek Middle School, aiming to maintain equitable enrollment and class sizes across Carol Middle, Maple Creek, and Willow Creek.

This document outlines the School Boundary Rebalancing Plan for Northwest Allen County Schools, necessitated by the opening of Willow Creek Middle School in Fall 2026. The plan aims to maintain equitable enrollment and class sizes, support high-quality instruction, and ensure long-term sustainability amidst district growth. Key principles include balanced enrollment, future growth planning, feeder pattern preservation, efficient transportation, and meaningful community input. Expected outcomes are balanced and sustainable enrollment, stable feeder patterns, efficient transportation, and decisions informed by community feedback.

The Board of School Trustees of the Northwest Allen County Schools has preliminarily determined to enter into a lease agreement or amendment to an existing lease agreement and to issue bonds to fund the construction and renovation of school facilities. These projects include the construction of a new career and technical education facility, a new transportation center, the conversion of the existing transportation center into a maintenance facility, and the renovation of and improvements to existing facilities, including maintenance and site improvements, and the purchase of equipment, technology, real estate and buses.

The hearing will discuss a proposed amendment to the existing Lease Agreement between Northwest Allen School Building Corporation and Northwest Allen County Schools. The amendment extends the term of the Original Lease, increases the rent payable, and modifies the definition of 'Leased Premises' by adding real estate for a career and technical education center and, temporarily, a portion of Huntertown Elementary School. The amendment extends the lease by twenty-five years from the date of closing on the Lessor's bonds and increases the annual lease rental. The School Corporation will maintain insurance, pay taxes and assessments, and cover alteration and repair costs. The Lease provides the School Corporation with an option to purchase the leased properties on any rental payment date. The construction and renovation will include a new transportation center, a career and technical education center, and temporary use of a portion of Huntertown Elementary School. Plans and cost estimates are available for public inspection at the School Corporation's Administration Building.