Local boards set reorganization deadlines, hear school construction updates and adopt library pension plan

Several local boards and committees reported operational updates and set schedules during meetings in late January.

The Richland Township and Town of Ellettsville reorganization committee met Jan. 21 and set a timeline for subcommittee work: draft reports should be completed by Feb. 27 and finalized by March 6 so the broader reorganization plan can meet an April 1 deadline. Committee members requested near-final drafts, recommended use of an established template (Town Attorney Darla Brown suggested the Sheridan Adams Township plan) and encouraged public outreach and a Zoom option for meetings; the committee plans to meet every other Wednesday unless special sessions are needed.

The Richland Bean Blossom School Board heard a construction update from Skillman Corporation construction manager Martin Shrewsdell, who said crews are focused on punch-list items and completed resurfacing of part of the track over the Christmas break. The school board will meet next on Feb. 17.

The Monroe County Public Library Board of Trustees voted Jan. 21 to adopt the Hoosier Start Pension Plan. Human Resources Director Becky Throckmorton said both part- and full-time staff may participate with a $15 minimum contribution per paycheck and a $54 annual administrative fee; she said the plan "is not replacing our current PERF plan" and "there's no cost to the library." Library Director Greer Carson also described digital-service improvements, including reservation-based Adobe Creative Cloud access and rising membership; Carson said total library cardholders at the start of 2026 were 58,931, about 42% of the county's population.

The reorganization committee will meet Feb. 4; the library trustees will meet Feb. 18; the school board's next meeting is Feb. 17.