Richland‑Bean Blossom board approves $650,000 appropriation, one‑time staff stipends and routine measures

The Richland‑Bean Blossom Community School Corporation board on Nov. 18 approved a series of financial and personnel measures, including a $650,000 additional appropriation to the education fund, one‑time stipends for staff, administrator contract renewals and school calendars.

Business manager Paul Fitter said the district’s remaining appropriation had fallen to roughly 1% of the budget and described the requested $650,000 as a precaution to avoid running out of appropriation before year end. "That is too close for comfort," he said, noting the public notice and hearing steps had been completed before the board action.

The board voted to adopt the additional appropriation resolution that Paul read aloud, which cites Indiana Code 6‑1.1 for the procedure on additional appropriations. No members of the public offered comment during the hearing.

Superintendent Dr. Sanders outlined a district‑wide, one‑time stipend plan: a $2,000 payment to each teacher, prorated and related stipends for classified staff and administrators, and a scheduled payout on Nov. 28. He provided category totals in the meeting: "for classified staff, stipend plus benefits, the total amount was $107,971.54. The $2,000 stipend for teachers, plus benefits, came to $438,141. And for administrators ... plus benefits, came to $39,831, for overall total cost of $585,943.54." The board approved the stipends by voice vote.

The board also approved administrator contract renewals that incorporate the stipend and extend certain administrators’ contracts through the 2026–27 school year. Dr. Sanders read a list of named administrators who will sign the new contracts.

Other routine measures passed included classified handbook updates, approval to surplus about 50 used computer monitors, and adoption of the 2026–27 calendar with a tentative 2027–28 calendar (the latter marked tentative pending a university calendar release). Dr. Sanders said reducing teacher workdays from 185 to 183 would save about $130,000 annually, a step the board discussed as part of broader expense‑control measures.

All motions during the meeting were carried by voice vote; the transcript records "all those in favor, say aye" and confirmation of the motion carrying but does not provide a roll‑call tally.

What’s next: The district will process the Nov. 28 stipend payroll and proceed with the appropriation encumbrances; the business manager said administration will continue budget meetings to address a longer‑term cash‑flow gap.