Munster board opens required public hearings on proposed 15-year $62 million capital authorization

The School Town of Munster Board of Trustees on Aug. 2026 opened the first of two required public hearings on a proposed 15-year capital authorization that staff estimated at a $62,000,000 maximum borrowing amount. Superintendent Dr. Hicks and outside advisors described the package as a proactive financing plan to address deferred maintenance, aging HVAC and roofing systems, pool and track work and technology upgrades.

Dr. Hicks said the list of potential projects is representative, not exhaustive, and that projects would be prioritized by end‑of‑life assessments and board approval. "Our goal is to manage all of this in a preventative maintenance stance so that we already have the money squared away," he said. Jeff Quackenbush, who explained legal notice and hearing requirements, told the board the district is required to hold the public hearings under Indiana law and will return Sept. 14 with the same presentations and a resolution to establish maximum financing parameters the board cannot exceed.

Why it matters: the authorization would let the district issue multiple bond series over time so work can be timed as needs arise, staff said. Baker Tilly, the district’s municipal advisor, presented conservative maximums for interest and repayment terms to provide flexibility while aiming not to increase the district’s total debt service levy. The board invited public comment and received none at the Aug. hearing; the process will repeat at the September meeting ahead of any board resolution.