Board approves Option C for elementary attendance boundaries; about 237 students to move for 2025–26

The Lebanon Community School Corporation board voted Jan. 21 to adopt Option C for elementary-school attendance boundaries, a realignment that administration said will take effect in the 2025–26 school year and move roughly 237 students among the district’s four elementary schools.

Doctor Milliman, the superintendent, reviewed the process, which began with a district-commissioned 10‑year enrollment study and neighborhood and public engagement beginning in 2019. “These were the top bullet[s]…we would have a need to shift enrollment from Perryworth to one or more of our existing elementary schools,” Milliman said, explaining the board’s priorities: balanced building utilization, efficient bus routing, preserving neighborhoods where possible, and awareness of socioeconomic impacts.

During public comment before the action, Kara Wheat of Whitestown urged trustees to consider the individual effects of reassignment. “Imagine a 5‑year‑old girl, my girl, who just lost her little sister…Imagine the day I have to tell her that she will be one of the 145 students that has to switch and go to a different school and leave all her friends behind,” Wheat said. She described a petition of 131 signatures from families asking trustees not to redistrict in ways that “hurt current students,” and raised a separate example of a child with chronic medical needs for whom the reassignment would add travel time.

Administration presented Option C as the product of earlier community feedback and a late adjustment to improve transportation safety along State Road 32. Doctor Kevin McKibbin’s enrollment forecast (shared with the board in a recent work session) showed Perryworth as a focal point of enrollment growth; administrators said Option C gives the district flexibility for future shifts and reduces the number of small “enclave” carve‑outs in neighborhood lines.

Board members discussed the decision’s difficulty. “Kids aren't a number to me,” said Mister Parks, a board member, adding that the district’s capital investments — renovations and a new building program — are intended to make schools equitable so students who move will have comparable facilities. Board member Mister Clouser and others thanked families and transportation staff for engagement during the process.

A motion to approve the realignment (moved by Mister Hendricks; seconded by Mister Parks) passed by voice vote; the clerk recorded “Aye” votes and no opposing voices were recorded. Administration said the next steps include notifying families and local governments, staffing and routing adjustments, and summer transition visits for affected students. Principals will work with families once databases and individual assignments are finalized.