District overview
Valparaiso Community Schools
Funding structure, how it compares to peers, and where major projects stand.
How is Valparaiso Community Schools paid for, and who decides?
Most of the district's money comes from Indiana's per-student funding, about $7,400 to $7,700 per student. Local property taxes pay for buildings, buses and debt. Voters also approved an operating referendum, which pays for class sizes and staff retention, and a capital referendum. The district is run by a five-member Board of School Trustees appointed by the Valparaiso City Council, not elected. The city council must also approve the district's budget each year.
Appointed board
Trustees are appointed by the city council. Erica Watkins is president and Ashley Cruz is vice president, re-chosen in January and July 2026.
New superintendent
Dr. Brian J. Smith became superintendent in July 2026. He replaced Dr. Jim McCall, who led the district from 2020 to June 2026.
2027 budget
The proposed 2027 budget for tax-supported funds is $106,125,723, up about 1.6% from 2026. The advertised tax rate is $0.9920. The city council approved the budget in October 2026.
Operating referendum
Voters renewed the operating referendum in May 2022 for eight years, so it runs out around 2030. It also pays a 1% yearly retention stipend to staff.
These facts come from what was said in meetings, not from audited financial statements. The district's own budget documents are on websites we cannot reach.
Where the district stands
Down about 40-45 students from the year before.
Up about 1.6% from 2026.
The state usually certifies a lower final rate.
Up from $55,300.
Rounded figure the superintendent gave on October 15, 2026. It is context, not an exact amount.
Major projects
Energy savings project, Phase 2
Under construction; microturbines waiting on the NIPSCO utility connectionAdds solar panels at many buildings, small on-site generators (microturbines) and new building controls. Phase 1 saved $495,000 in its first year, more than the $436,000 guaranteed.
- Board updated on Phase 1 results and Phase 2 scope.
- First-year Phase 1 savings reported at 114% of the guarantee.
Funding
Guaranteed energy-savings contract, paid back from guaranteed savings of about $34 million over its life
Amounts as stated in the December 18, 2025 recording.
2026 bond projects: middle school finishes, boilers and paving
Contracts awarded; work underwayBonds sold in April 2026 raised about $7.4 million at a 3.04% interest rate. They pay for new cafeteria, auditorium and wall finishes at Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson middle schools ($980,900), an instrument refresh and HVAC. Separately, a high school boiler ($667,000) and asphalt work ($450,460) were awarded in March.
- Boiler and asphalt contracts awarded.
- Bond sale reported (AA- rating, 3.04%).
- Middle school finish contracts awarded ($980,900).
Funding
2026 general obligation bonds
Net bond proceeds as stated in the April 16, 2026 recording.
Alternative school renovation and addition
Phase 1 complete; later phases under constructionThe district's alternative and career school is being renovated and expanded with spaces for culinary, graphic arts, vet tech and staff training. A new maintenance and IT building is also being built.
- Construction progress reported.
- Phase 1 reported complete.
- Maintenance/IT building timeline extended through late 2026.
Funding
District construction bonds
No total cost was stated clearly in the recordings.
Recent news
We reviewed 16 recordings of Board of School Trustees meetings from November 2025 to October 2026, using the auto-generated captions on the district's YouTube channel. Captions often garble names and numbers, so this page uses only figures that are clear in context.
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