Northwest Allen County Schools officials detailed an operating referendum on the Nov. 4 ballot that would raise up to $12,156,914 a year (rate up to 0.2787) to fund a new career and technical education facility, districtwide salary and staffing increases, safety staffing and instructional supports. Administrators and several residents spoke in the
The board approved the 2026 capital projects plan, bus replacement plan, budget adoption (Form 4), authority to adjust appropriations, and an additional appropriation tied to the 2025 GO bond sale; it also approved early purchase of 2026 buses to lock in lower prices.
The board recognized the Northwest Allen County Schools nutrition services team after the district’s K–12 food-service entry placed among the top four in a national JTM Food Group K12 Crave competition; administrators also highlighted district meal counts and staff hours.
District operations staff described progress on the transportation center and Willow Creek Middle School construction, and reported big reductions in late bus routes this school year after hiring drivers and improving operations.
The board accepted a retirement and approved personnel recommendations that include administrative and multiple certified and classified positions; the personnel director reported that certified openings are filled and highlighted one summer retirement with 31 years of service.
Carroll High’s new additions are in active use and Willow Creek construction is approaching key milestones, while the district continues schematic design for a transportation center and a proposed CTE/alternative facility.
Neighbors of Baird Road told the Board of School Trustees that a proposed entrance to a planned Career and Technical Education (CTE) facility should not be routed across their properties because the road is narrow, has a history of crashes and could damage adjacent yards and driveways.
District administrators presented 16 policies and two forms on first reading that reflect recent changes enacted by the Indiana General Assembly and the district's legal partner; the board will take action on second reading at its next meeting.
Superintendent Barker told the board the district will aim for factual public information about the operating referendum, will publish staff rules about communication during school hours and said only designated administrators will discuss the referendum with staff during work time.
Northwest Allen County Schools held a project and preliminary determination hearing and set a maximum issuance of $88.85 million for a proposed career-technical center and new transportation facility while staff continues work on site access and traffic mitigation after public safety concerns.
