August 14, 2023

The NACS Strategic Plan outlines goals to improve educational quality, consistency, and community connection. It focuses on expanding career and technical learning, aligning grading and homework practices, and enhancing staff development. The plan prioritizes student and staff wellness, trust, and transparency through better communication and belonging. Overall, it aims to ensure every student feels supported, challenged, and connected within the school community.

Resource Document: Initial Presentation

Resource Document: Living Document

School Board Meeting: August 13, 2023 (Start time: 1:18:40)

August 28, 2023

The September 2023 NACS School Board meeting included the approval of the 2024 Budget, Capital Projects Plan, and Bus Replacement Plan. Discussion centered on state funding changes that will leave the district with a $300,000 shortfall for classroom materials due to incomplete legislative calculations across districts. Board members also reviewed funding sources, capital expenses, circuit breaker limits, and the new 4% maximum levy growth quotient, which now restricts operations fund growth that previously averaged over 7% annually.

Resource Document: 2024 Budget Presentation

School Board Meeting: August 28, 2023

June 10, 2024

This presentation and meeting marked the beginning of a long-range planning initiative for Northwest Allen County Schools (NACS), outlining facility, staffing, and program needs over the next ten years. District leaders — Mr. Barker, Mr. Basham, Dr. Bitting, and Dr. Toler — shared an exhaustive list of priorities, including estimated costs, space requirements, and alignment with student and community needs, while emphasizing that limited resources will require strategic decision-making.

During discussion, board members expressed broad support for expanding Career & Technical Education (CTE) opportunities, addressing staffing shortages and pay gaps, and ensuring arts programs and student support services are included in future planning. They also requested that each proposed project be tied to the Strategic Plan and include student impact data to help prioritize needs. Next steps will include reviewing connections to the strategic plan, updating enrollment and budget projections, and presenting upcoming Indiana diploma requirement changes at future meetings.

Resource Document: NACS: The Next Decade Needs

School Board Meeting: June 10, 2024

June 24, 2024

Superintendent Barker shared updates on the progress made toward the Strategic Plan adopted in early 2023, highlighting key achievements and next steps. A student representative from the steering committee also spoke about her experience, reflecting on how community feedback shaped the plan, the positive changes already taking place in schools, and the lasting impact the plan is having on students and the broader NACS community.

Resource Document: Strategic Plan Progress Update

School Board Meeting: June 24, 2024 (Start 9:20)

September 3, 2024

This resource outlines updates to state diploma requirements and the Career Pathways framework, which require schools to provide broader options for students pursuing college, employment, or enlistment after graduation.

It highlights the need to expand Career & Technical Education (CTE) so students can graduate with industry-recognized credentials and real-world skills—reinforcing the importance of additional space and resources like a dedicated CTE building.

School Board Meeting: September 3, 2024 (Start time 3:30)

September 16, 2024

This meeting covers topics of capital improvement projects over $10,000, bus replacement plan, and the budget hearing for 2025. Discusses changes in income from the state, measures taken to maintain a flat tax rate, and challenges due to grant reductions for SROs.

In addition, this meeting includes a Policy Analytics presentation about the tax impact of a possible referendum.

Resource Document: Capital Projects Plan 2025

Resource Document: Budget Hearing 2025

Resource Document: Baker Tilly Financing Presentation

Resource Document: Policy Analytics Referendum Impact

School Board Meeting: September 16, 2024

February 10, 2025

Presentation to the board covering funding comparisons, why a referendum is needed, overview of how funds would be used that tie directly back to the strategic plan, the operational impact, financial overview, and timeline for approval.

In addition, the meeting covers concerns from possible legislation that affects property taxes, with an estimated impact of 4-6 million dollars (40% impact). It also describes possible limitations for operating referendum elections.

Resource Document: Operating Referendum

School Board Meeting: February 10, 2025

February 24, 2025

The February 24, 2025 NACS School Board meeting focuses on legislative updates and the Superintendent’s Reportoutlining NACS: The Next Decade – Planning for Continued Excellence. Discussion highlights include state funding challenges for fast-growing districts, updates on long-term facility needs like a new CTE/Alternative Education Center, transportation facility, and future elementary expansion, as well as the timeline for the November 4, 2025 operating referendum.

The meeting also reviews budget performance and operational transparency, covering fund balances, capital project updates, and planned improvements such as LED field lighting and new media center furniture at Carroll High School. Viewers will gain insight into how NACS is planning responsibly for growth while maintaining quality educational programs and facilities.

Resource Document: 2024 Budget Analysis

Resource Document: Funding Comparisons Presentation

School Board Meeting: February 24, 2025

May 19, 2025

The “Understanding Indiana’s School Funding” presentation explains how state laws limit how much local school districts like NACS can collect and spend, even as enrollment and community growth rise. Funding comes mainly from state tuition support and local property taxes, but caps such as the 4% levy limit and property tax circuit breakersrestrict revenue growth.

It also outlines how operating referendums can provide local funding approved by the community to maintain competitive salaries, expand programs like Career & Technical Education, and address safety and staffing needs — helping ensure NACS can sustain high-quality education despite state funding shortfalls.

Resource Document: Understanding School Funding

School Board Meeting: May 19, 2025