Tri‑Creek board approves fund transfer, bus plan, capital plan and 2026 appropriations

At its meeting the Tri‑Creek School Corporation Board of School Trustees voted on and passed four budget and planning resolutions: a transfer from the education fund to the operations fund, a bus replacement plan for future years, a three‑year capital projects plan and adoption of the 2026 appropriations and tax rates (Form 4).

Resolution 2025‑09: Transfer from education fund to operations fund — The board approved a transfer of $2,600,000 from the education fund to the operations fund, a transfer equal to 10.48% of the education fund. A board presentation noted the transfer is meant to offset a projected circuit‑breaker loss of $1,863,000 tied to state action described in the meeting as “SEA 1, Senate enrolled Act 1.” The presenter reminded the board to remain mindful of the statutory 15% cap on such transfers.

Resolution 2025‑10: Bus replacement plan, budget year 2026 — The board adopted a bus replacement plan showing no buses on the 2026 operations replacement schedule because buses for 2026 are being purchased with general obligation bonds. The plan covers future years 2027–2030 for budgeting purposes.

Resolution 2025‑11: Capital projects plan, budget year 2026 — The board adopted a three‑year capital projects plan that lists planned purchases of $10,000 or more. The presenter said actual purchases will depend on cash flow and available funds.

Resolution 2025‑12: Appropriations and tax rates (Form 4) — The board adopted the advertised 2026 budgets and levies as required by Indiana statute. The presenter listed line items including debt service $15,331,275; school pension debt $94,184; Education Fund $25,500,000; operations $9,766,008; total $50,691,467. The presenter said the advertised tax rate shown was “dollar $12.19 advertised high” to allow later reductions during the budget process and said the district expects the effective tax rate to be lower after Net Assessed Value adjustments.

Each resolution was moved and seconded and approved by voice vote; the minutes record “All in favor? Aye. Opposed? Motion passes.” The meeting record does not list individual roll‑call tallies.

Votes at a glance: - Resolution 2025‑09 (transfer to operations fund): approved; transfer amount $2,600,000; purpose: offset projected circuit‑breaker loss of $1,863,000. - Resolution 2025‑10 (bus replacement plan 2026): approved; no 2026 operations purchases; buses for 2026 financed by general obligation bonds. - Resolution 2025‑11 (capital projects plan 2026): approved; three‑year plan covering potential purchases $10,000+. - Resolution 2025‑12 (appropriations and tax rates, Form 4): approved; budgets and levies adopted as presented (see line‑item amounts above).

Public comment on non‑action items: None recorded.