Indian Lake Schools Treasurer Brady Hipsher provides an in-depth financial update regarding the appropriations bill, preschool funding and a resolution relating to the issuance of refunding bonds to potentially take advantage of lower interest rates. (INDIAN LAKE SCHOOLS PHOTO)
The Indian Lake Board of Education discussed finances and the future of preschool services during their regular meeting this week.
District Treasurer Brady Hipsher presented the appropriations bill for the coming school year and the board voted to approve it.
Indian Lake Superintendent Dr. Rob Underwood explained that projected spending is down slightly from the previous year because of attrition in staff.
In addition, the board voted to contract with the Logan County Board of DD for special needs preschool through December 2026. However, if the Board of DD levy fails in November, the agency could be forced to cut preschool services.
Dr. Underwood explained that eliminating the Discovery Center could cause the IL district to be legally required to bring special needs preschool in house. "We've been on a right-sizing plan with our staff for many years and we are fiscally in a good position right now. But we know that there are lots of things that will impact our budget."
He continued, "One of the items that we're paying close attention to is serving our special education students at the preschool level.
“We've been fortunate to have a good partnership with the Board of DD for many years to provide that service. Obviously, the Board of DD is having some financial challenges, so we don't know where that's headed for sure, but we know that there could be additional costs to our district.
“We're just trying to make sure that we live within our means and we plan for those sorts of things."
Indian Lake Board of Education members meet Monday night. (INDIAN LAKE SCHOOLS PHOTO)
In addition, board members also approved a resolution to authorize issuance of refunding bonds. This means if interest rates are favorable starting in September, the board would be able to lower the rate at which tax payers repay the bond that was used to fund the construction of Indian Lake Elementary School.
Hipsher explained this is much like refinancing your home loan if interest rates decrease. The board also received an update on summer campus improvements, including a multi-step project to enhance the ILHS cafeteria.
Members also approved meal prices for the 2026-27 school year, with no changes.
In other action, the board:
• approved the following advancements on the salary schedule: master’s plus 45 - Todd Dietz, Zach Overturf; master’s plus 25 - Tracey Notestine, Tracy Whitlow, Jamie Hampton, Ryan Stanford;
• approved a Jake Longbrake for a one-year contract as assistant technology coordinator;
• extended a supplemental contract to Brian Tidwell – Assistant Golf;
• approved substitute bus drivers and certification of school bus drivers for
the 2026-27 school year pending submission of required documents; and
• approved the Depository Agreement with Huntington National Bank, from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2031.
The Indian Lake Board of Education will meet next at 5 pm Monday, Aug. 17, which is also the All-District Open House Night.
School is set to begin for 2026-27 on Wednesday, Aug. 19.
