Vermillion School Board approves $300,000 capital transfer and routine budget moves

The Vermillion School District 13-1 board unanimously approved a package of routine business at its June 8 meeting, authorizing a $300,000 transfer from the capital outlay fund to the general fund and several other budget and personnel actions.

Business Manager Mr. Kosher told the board the district is recommending the capital transfer to offset a drop in general-fund revenue and to rebalance funds after years when ESSER reimbursements covered costs traditionally paid from capital outlay. "By law, we can take 45% of our tax dollars from Capital Outlay," he said, adding, "That 45% would be $1.3 million. . . but we feel like $300,000 is definitely manageable based on where our fund balance is currently." The board approved the transfer as part of a motion that bundled items A through I.

The board also approved a $24,000 transfer from the general fund to support preschool this year, the maximum amount budgeted, after administrators said low preschool enrollment required a subsidy. "Our preschool program is mostly self-sufficient but we do have a small amount that we transfer in from the general fund every year," Mr. Kosher said, noting plans to partner with the Boys and Girls Club to raise enrollment next year.

Other approved budget items included a FY26 budget supplement of $50,900 to cover payments from a grandfathered early-retirement provision and authorization for staff to pay FY26 claims through the end of June to close the fiscal year. The board also approved the district's Medicaid administration agreement with the Southeast Area Co-op, which retains a 6.5% administrative fee for Medicaid reimbursements.

Superintendent Dr. Eldent reported ongoing facilities work and a recent donation: "We're adding a set of restrooms up there. We wanted to thank the athletic boosters for partnering with that and giving us a $40,000 donation towards that project," he said. Administrators described crane work to replace several rooftop air-exchange units at the middle school and the final summer work to complete the roof and HVAC upgrades.

The board approved routine personnel items on the consent agenda, including resignations and multiple new hires and summer-school appointments. The consent vote also noted a $1,000 liquidated-damages item related to a resignation from Taylor Davis.

Administrators told the board they are planning the FY27 budget around a projected enrollment of 1,280 students and flagged a middle-school entrance/vestibule project intended to improve secure entry; the project is planned for completion this summer. Preschool enrollment was reported at 31 of a 48-student capacity.

The board received canvass materials for the recent school board election, discussed turnout (reported in the 20–25% range depending on the measure), and confirmed canvass documents will be posted to the district office and website. Committee reports noted a foundation plan to explore small teacher grants and welcome packets for new teachers.

No executive session was held. The board set future meetings for July 13 and Aug. 10 and adjourned at 7:36 p.m.