District leaning toward closing its two elementary buildings

What happened

South Vermillion is studying a move to one campus starting in the 2029-30 school year. Under the plan, PK-6 students would use the current middle school building and grades 7-12 would share the high school campus, instead of renovating Central and Van Duyn elementaries. In July, the superintendent said this is 'the strongest long-term option.' No final vote has been taken. Formal public hearings are planned at the November 23 and December 14 board meetings, and a final decision is expected in early 2027.

Why it matters to families

Every elementary family would change buildings, and Central and Van Duyn would no longer be used as elementary schools. The district says its buildings are only 52.89% full. It says taxes would not rise and no one would be laid off.

The evidence

July 2026 minutes: administration 'believes transitioning to a single-campus model beginning with the 2029-2030 school year represents the strongest long-term option.' June 2026 minutes: 'The proposed configuration will be a PK-6 and a 7-12 on one campus' and 'The current capacity of our schools is at 52.89%.'

The source