Superintendent warns utility rate hikes and enrollment decline could squeeze Tri‑Creek budget

The Tri‑Creek School Corporation superintendent told the board on April 10 that several factors — notably a nearly 19% NIPSCO utility rate increase and a projected enrollment decline — will squeeze the district’s operating budget in the coming year.

The superintendent said the initial NIPSCO rate increase will be about 19% with potential additional increases of 6–8% later, and projected the utility changes would cost the district about $250,000. The superintendent also said the district is projected to be down about 40 students next year; because the district receives per‑pupil tuition support, the board estimated that decline could reduce revenue by roughly $300,000 compared with current funding levels.

To respond, the superintendent said staff will put the district out to bid for LED lighting at the high school as a summer project and will later examine extending that work to the middle school, estimating energy‑cost savings and a return on investment. The superintendent added the district is preparing a marketing plan to attract more open‑enrollment students from surrounding communities; the district noted it already applies screening under Indiana law for open‑enrollment applicants, including discipline and attendance checks.

Board members discussed potential long‑range impacts if state legislation reduces funding. One board member warned the district may need to consider staffing reductions or larger class sizes if revenue falls, and staff said more detailed numbers will be available within approximately three weeks.

No formal action was taken; the items were presented as information and the board moved on to consent business.