Tipton School Board Briefs: March 10, 2026

Submitted by Tipton Community School Corporation

Tipton Community School Corporation Board Briefs is designed to share highlights from the most recent School Board of Trustees monthly meeting. Official minutes of each Board meeting are posted on the district website and are available for public viewing.

The next scheduled meeting of the Board of School Trustees is Feb. 10. School board meetings are conducted from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the TCSC Board Room at the Administrative Offices and are open to the public.

Blue Future Awards

TCSC School Board President Rob Cochrane presented Blue Future Awards to Cadence Stout, Addie Gilson, Ava Brewer, Luke Walker, and Hope Walker for their behind-the-scenes work at TCT’s Cinderella production.

The following high school recipients were recognized by Principal Craig Leach and Band Director Lisa Wallyn with Blue Future Awards for athletic and band achievements: Will Wolford and Brayden Hight (Semi-State Wrestling Qualifier).

Kinzey Baugher, Colt Buttke, Corvyn Chambers, Connor Clouser, Zoe Garrison, Josiah Goshern, Emma Gunn, Ryan Hare, Sarah Jane Hill, Savannah Lucas, Cadynce Martin, Cheyenne Mulvaney, Selkie Parsons, Amelia Porter, Jude Rockwell, Aria Shuler, Kaiden Vaughn, Willian Wainscott, Luke Walker, Jake Wray, Roland Yates, Adelynn Yeary (italicized denotes State Bound) (District Solo and Ensemble Gold Rating).

TCSC Multilingual Coordinator JR Dover presented Jessica Nichols and Community Service Students with a Blue Future Award for helping the Homeless in Indianapolis with Dr. Andrews.

TMS Principal John Ayars presented the following band students with Blue Future Awards for their recent performance accomplishments: Nicolette Biros, Hailyn Leiding, Avery Hazelett, Owen Goings, Sopia Leyva, Genevieve Pearson, Vanessa Lee, Levi Comer, Damon Saltzman, Emma Shirley, Emily Vaughn, Caleb Furlani, Elliot Jones, Karson Webster, Eli Long, Caitlyn Carothers, Gunner Moore, Zoe Shirley, Alaina Mast, Kohen Habrych, Loretta Harbaugh, Bryleigh Bales, Hailey Carr, Kat Case-Baez, Cecilia Shimer, Logan Harns, Jack Lamie, and Sam Ramirez (District Solo and Ensemble Gold Rating); Eli Long (Gold “With Distinction” State Solo and Ensemble).

TES Principal Brian Johnson and Assistant Principal Sara Wiggington recognized Carolyn Friend with a Blue Future Award for going above and beyond in her service of a student and their family.

Associate Superintendent Report

Associate Superintendent Scott Jaworski provided an update on Indiana’s new K-12 accountability model.

The Indiana Department of Education has introduced a new K-12 accountability model that broadens how school performance is measured. Aligned with the Graduates Prepared to Succeed framework, the system expands beyond standardized test scores to include indicators of academic mastery, career and postsecondary readiness, communication, collaboration, work ethic, and civic, financial, and digital literacy.

School letter grades will now be based on points earned by individual students through state assessment performance and additional measures such as attendance, advanced coursework, and career credentials. High school accountability will also incorporate readiness seals, credentials of value, graduation rate, and SAT proficiency.

The state will begin with a “Year Zero” baseline year to establish initial data before full implementation. The new model maintains strong expectations for academic achievement while recognizing a broader definition of student success and preparation for life beyond high school.

New Business

MOU for one-time retirement incentive approved

The Board approved a Memorandum of Understanding between TCSC and the Tipton Education Association establishing a one-time retirement incentive for certified staff as part of efforts to address financial pressures related to SEA 1.

The incentive provides $50,000 paid over five years, which may be taken as cash or applied toward an eligible TCSC insurance plan, and includes a buyout of up to 100 sick days at $100 per day. Participation is limited to the first eight eligible staff members unless both parties agree to expand the program.

The MOU will also require approval from the Indiana Education Employment Relations Board (IEERB).

Mowing contract for 2026-2027 approved

The Board previously authorized advertising for mowing bids at the Feb. 10 meeting, with notices published in the Kokomo Tribune, Tipton Tribune, and on social media. Seven bids were received on March 2. It was recommended that the two-year mowing contract be awarded to Cage and Company LLC as the lowest, most responsive bidder.

Important dates

• March 19 to 23: Senior Trip
• March 26: Snow Make-up Day (school will be in session)
• March 27 to April 5: Spring Break
• April 6: Flex Day
• April 14: Monthly Board Meeting