Elkhart school board approves donations, contracts, policies and the 2026–27 calendar
Summary
At its Dec. 9 meeting the Elkhart Community Schools Board approved the consent agenda (including $2,000 in donations), four contracts, several policy updates, and the 2026–27 school calendar and related agreements; motions carried following standard procedure.
The Elkhart Community Schools Board of Trustees approved routine consent and action items during its Dec. 9 meeting, including donations to the career center, multiple contracts and policy updates, and the proposed 2026–27 school calendar.
Donations and recognition: The board approved donations totaling $2,000 to the career center — a $500 silver sponsorship from Mid City and $1,500 from Michigan Mustangs — and recognized Angela James for 18 years of service in the transportation office.
Contracts and policies: Administrators presented final consideration of contracts with Cardonics (Cardenex), EduStaff, Basher Children's Home and Interlink Group; the board approved the contracts on motion and second. The board also approved policy updates (policy numbers referenced during discussion) after they were presented two weeks earlier.
New business and agreements: The administration requested and won a waiver of second reading for a PlanSource insurance contract; the board also approved an agreement related to student assignment and services and a resolution presented by the administration. An agreement for non-residential services for a student was approved as presented.
Calendar approval: Dr. Rausch presented the proposed 2026–27 school calendar and requested a waiver of second reading. The board approved the calendar; the board clarified that March 26 is a built-in snow day and that synchronous or asynchronous learning days will be used when weather requires school to be called off.
Votes and procedure: Each item was moved and seconded and recorded as "motion passes" in the meeting transcript. For most items the board recorded unanimous approval by voice vote; during the calendar sequence one board member verbally registered opposition but the motion carried. The meeting transcript does not record a roll-call tally for individual board members' yes/no votes.
What comes next: Approved contracts and policy changes move forward as administrative actions; the district said it will post additional documentation as needed on its website.
