Council adopts Valparaiso Community Schools 2026 budget after final enrollment and referendum briefing

The Valparaiso common council voted to adopt Ordinance No. 17, the Valparaiso Community Schools 2026 budget, following a presentation by Superintendent Jeff Holifield and a round of council questions.

Superintendent Holifield (presented as Mr. Holifield) answered council queries about pupil enrollment and state law impacts. He reported the district’s official October 1 enrollment at about 6,284 students — roughly 70 students down from the prior year — and said the district is completing a parcel-by-parcel analysis of the state’s SB 1 changes, similar to the city’s work, and does not expect those changes to affect the 2026 budget.

On the topic of a possible third taxpayer referendum, Holifield said the referendum funds the district’s education (people and programs) portion of the budget and that, if a third referendum failed or did not exist, the budgetary impact to people and programs would be about 10%, requiring significant cuts to match reduced revenue. He told the council a portion of referendum dollars supports teacher positions and a small retention stipend (noted as 1% for all employees), and said referendum dollars are structured as an enhancement to classroom staffing and wrap-around services.

Councilors asked for clarification on the distinction between added positions and salary payments; Holifield explained the district emphasizes creating net new positions to reduce class sizes rather than providing one-time salary supplements. He also confirmed that the budget preserves flexibility for a fifth school resource officer (SRO).

After discussion, the council conducted a roll-call vote on Ordinance No. 17 and recorded unanimous approval. The ordinance passed on final reading with a roll-call vote recorded as yes by all members present.

Votes at a glance: Ordinance No. 17 (Valparaiso Community Schools 2026 budget) — approved by roll-call vote (7-0).