Superintendent announces pre-K sliding scale, $5 million fundraising goal and facility-naming proposal
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Summary
Superintendent Dr. Milliman announced a sliding-scale tuition plan for the Tiger Cubs pre-K program, described a plan with the Lebanon Educational Foundation to build a Preschool Access Fund (aspirational $5,000,000 target), noted outreach on Senate Enrolled Act 1 revenue impacts, and proposed naming-rights opportunities for district facilities.
Superintendent Dr. Milliman used the board’s informational period to preview several district priorities and community initiatives.
Pre-K access: Milliman said the district will begin to implement a sliding-scale tuition for the Tiger Cubs pre-K program by using additional operating funds and partner support. He said the district is leveraging more than $600,000 annually from the operating referendum for pre-K operations and that tuition will cover instructional costs. To expand access, the superintendent said the district will work with the Lebanon Educational Foundation to create a preschool access fund and will solicit private and foundation donations; he called a $5,000,000 fund a long-range aspirational goal.
Local coordination and SEA 1: Milliman said he had requested a joint work session with the city of Lebanon and the town of Whitestown to discuss implications of Senate Enrolled Act 1 on municipal and school revenues, noting the district and municipalities face related revenue impacts and potential planning opportunities.
Facility naming and fundraising: Milliman reviewed the district’s facility-naming policy and proposed actively marketing naming opportunities to offset taxpayer costs. Suggested prices (examples for board consideration) included $150,000 for the primary Herman B. Wells meeting room, $100,000 for other meeting rooms or central office meeting room, $200,000 for the preschool activity room, and $300,000 for the high-school auditorium. He said agreements would be vetted through policy and legal counsel and that the board would reserve the right to revoke naming under specified circumstances.
Community projects and recognitions: Milliman also recognized the business office for a clean State Board of Accounts audit, celebrated student achievements (including a record-setting season by Clara Grama), and introduced an Eagle Scout proposal to improve tennis-facility seating and shed repairs. The student (Jake/ Jacob Eggers) presented the Eagle Scout plan and the board approved it at the meeting.
What’s next: staff will pursue cooperative fundraising, pursue foundation grants to seed the Preschool Access Fund, and follow up on scheduling a joint municipal work session requested by the superintendent.
