Jennings County school board adopts 2026 budget, capital and bus plans; approves hires, MOUs and recognizes girls tennis sectional champions

The Jennings County School Corporation board unanimously approved the district's 2026 school budget, capital project plan and bus replacement plan and approved multiple personnel recommendations and memoranda of understanding during a regular meeting. The board also paused to recognize the Jennings County High School girls tennis team for winning the 2024'25 sectional championship.

Board action was largely unanimous: the motions for the budget, capital plan and bus replacement plan passed on 5'00 votes, as did the slate of personnel recommendations and MOUs. Several items were presented with no substantive debate and were handled as motions and seconds followed by voice votes.

The tennis recognition: Mr. Hartwell introduced members of the 2024'25 Jennings County High School girls tennis team and reviewed season results. The team was named Bedford sectional champions, placed runner-up at the Columbus North regional, finished 7'2 in conference and 15'3 overall. Individual records cited included Caden (Caleb) Sloman, 17'4 at No. 1 singles and named All-HHC, All-District and All-State honorable mention; Mia Silbey, 15'6 at No. 2 singles and All-HHC; Grace McBride, 18'3 at No. 3 singles and All-HHC honorable mention; and doubles honorable-mention recognitions for Gabby Moran and Sofia Lucas. Coach Darren Brown was present for the recognition.

Budget and capital actions: The board adopted the 2026 school budget, the 2026 capital project plan and the 2026 bus replacement plan after…