What happened? Increased student enrollment, decreased funding.
What it means – Zionsville Community Schools has had 139 students enroll since May, bringing the total number of enrolled students to 6,156. The growing enrollment adds to the financial challenges faced by the district because state funding per pupil continues to decline each year.
What’s next? The gap between the state funding and ZCS remains a challenge. The district has created a short presentation about the ongoing issue which can be found at http://cms.zcs.k12.in.us.
What happened? Board approved the purchase of technology infrastructure equipment.
What it means – ZCS have experienced frequent and destructive outages with equipment that has not been replaced since 1998.This new equipment, responsible for fiber connectivity to all ZCS buildings and some phone systems, will cost the district $186,146.50.
What’s next? The corporation will take advantage of the lowest prices in the state due to Indiana’s quantity purchase agreement with Cisco.
What happened? ‘Cenergistic Pacesetter’ Award presented to board.
What it means – The award recognizes the district for achieving a 30 percent gross cost savings totaling $1,563,985 in the 31 months since forming a strategic alliance with Cenergistic, a national energy conservation company. The Energy Pacesetter Award is reserved for organizations that are “setting the pace” in energy savings for others. Energy specialist, Jim Uland, and Director of Operations Bob Bostwick were recognized in their efforts to save the corporation money through energy savings.
What happened? United Way named ZCS as a Pacesetter organization.
What it means – ZCS remains a willing partner to the local United Way Campaign, having raised $61,000 dollars in the past four years. ZCS are currently at 92 percent of their $18,000 goal for 2013.
What happened? ZCS is partnering with Chaucie’s Place, a child advocacy organization in Hamilton County, to bring Smart Steps: A Body Safety Program to elementary schools.
What it means – Children in kindergarten and secondand fourth grades will be able to take Smart Steps, a child sexual abuse prevention and education program that coaches children to say “NO!” to any unwanted touching and abuse.
What’s next? Pleasant View Elementary School will host a Chaucie’s Place Parent Night from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 24. These meetings are open to all parents and guardians of children in kindergarten and secondand fourth grades students. To learn more about Chaucie’s Place visit: www.chauciesplace.org.