The Rossville Consolidated School District Board of Education met on Tuesday evening, October 7, 2025, to address a full agenda that included teacher contract updates, new personnel recommendations, and a review of the district’s proposed 2026 budget.
During the session, Superintendent Dr. Jim Hanna presented details of a tentative agreement reached between the Rossville Classroom Teachers Association (RCTA) and the Board of Education. The RCTA ratified the agreement on October 3, and the board is expected to vote on its ratification at the October 21 meeting. The proposed contract covers the 2025–2026 school year, with teacher salary ranges set to increase from $44,500 to $76,855 to $46,000 to $78,055. The agreement outlines eligibility criteria for salary increases based on performance evaluations and academic needs, including literacy endorsements and high-need licensure areas such as special education or dual credit instruction. The total potential base salary increase available to teachers under the new compensation plan is $1,800.
The Board also reviewed health insurance contributions, which will remain unchanged through December 31, 2025, before adjusting to a maximum of $8,500 for single plans and $15,500 for family plans, effective January 1, 2026.
In other personnel matters, the board accepted the resignations of Jessica Kelley as seventh-grade volleyball coach and Eric Schneider as a school bus driver. Dr. Hanna recommended creating a new Childcare Assistant Supervisor position to ensure consistent oversight in the district’s Before- and After-School Program and to facilitate potential summer childcare expansion. Numerous coaching appointments were also approved across volleyball, basketball, wrestling, and cheer programs.
Dr. Hanna further recommended designating himself, Technology Director Dustin Shadbolt, Mike Hammons, and Chad Dennison as School Safety Specialists for the district.
Financially, the Board reviewed the 2026 school budget and associated plans, including the School Bus Replacement Plan and the Capital Projects Plan, all of which were posted publicly in compliance with the Department of Local Government and Finance requirements. The proposed 2026 budget includes expenditures of $6.68 million in the Education Fund and $3.29 million in the Operations Fund. Debt Service expenditures total $1.56 million, with $185,000 allocated to the Rainy Day Fund.
Dr. Hanna reported that the district remains fiscally sound, transferring 14.72% of the funds from the Education Fund to the Operations Fund, which is below the state’s 15% limit. A resolution to allow up to 15% monthly transfers will be considered at the October 21 budget adoption meeting.
The board also approved the addition of a new transfer student and authorized a $17,684 transfer from the Operations Fund to correct a negative balance in the Food Service Account as directed by the Indiana Department of Education.
The meeting concluded with policy updates, including revisions to the district’s attendance policy, and recognition of the board’s ongoing collaboration with the Indiana School Boards Association to ensure that local policies remain current and compliant with state standards.
The next meeting of the Rossville Consolidated School District Board of Education is scheduled for Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at 7:00 p.m., when members are expected to adopt the 2026 budget and vote on the teacher contract.