Strong elementary test results, opportunities to improve middle school mathematics, and a proposed $12.17 million budget highlighted the Rossville Consolidated School District Board of Education’s Oct. 6 meeting.
Middle/Senior High School Assistant Principal Sierra Hall presented ILEARN results showing Rossville elementary students exceeded state averages in English language arts and mathematics. Middle school students also surpassed the state average in English language arts.
For grades three through five, Rossville’s English language arts proficiency rate was 50.7%, compared with the state average of 41.7%. Mathematics proficiency reached 64.4%, exceeding the state average of 48.6% by 15.8 percentage points.
Rossville led the elementary comparison group in both subjects. The presentation compared the district’s performance with Clinton Prairie, Clinton Central, Carroll, and Delphi.
Fifth graders posted particularly strong results, with 73.8% performing at or above proficiency in English language arts and 71.4% reaching those levels in mathematics.
Among students in grades six through eight, Rossville’s English language arts proficiency rate was 49.1%, above the state average of 42.3% and the highest among the neighboring districts included in the presentation.
Middle school mathematics results showed room for improvement. Rossville’s proficiency rate was 34.1%, compared with the state average of 36.8%. At or above proficiency were 33.3% of sixth graders, 28.7% of seventh graders, and 42.2% of eighth graders.
The assessment overview also showed 77.4% of students performing at or above proficiency in social studies and 76.2% on the Biology End-of-Course Assessment.
Financial planning occupied another major portion of the meeting, with a public hearing on the proposed 2027 budget, school bus replacement plan, and 2027–2029 capital projects plan. Budget adoption is scheduled for Oct. 20 at 7 p.m.
The proposed budget totals $12,173,470 across the Education, Operations, Debt Service, and Rainy Day funds.
The Education Fund accounts for $6.8 million and supports instruction, including teacher and support staff compensation, building administration, and classroom supplies. Approximately $4.85 million is allocated for salaries and $1.38 million for benefits. Purchased services, supplies, and other expenses make up the remaining amount.
Superintendent Dr. James Hanna outlined the planning process, including detailed estimates of employee salaries and benefits. Because the budget covers a calendar year, compensation projections combine portions of the 2026–2027 and 2027–2028 school years.
The proposed Operations Fund budget is $3,329,250. It covers transportation, maintenance, utilities, technology services, central administration, and other operating expenses.
Debt Service spending totals $1,859,220, including payments for earlier facility projects and new debt associated with HVAC, roofing, and technology improvements. The Rainy Day Fund includes $185,000 for emergency needs.
The presentation reported Education Fund transfers to Operations at 14.74%, below the 15% threshold discussed during the hearing. At the Oct. 20 adoption meeting, the board will consider a resolution authorizing monthly transfers of up to 15% of state basic grant receipts to support operations.
In related facility business, the board approved financial items that included $892,000 in recommended bids for the roof and chiller project. Eberhardt Heating & Cooling LLC submitted the $264,000 chiller bid, while Insley Systems submitted the $628,000 roofing bid.
The next board meeting will consider the budget and related financial plans after the public hearing process.