Richmond Community Schools officials are preparing their 2026 budget carefully because they might lose hundreds of thousands of dollars in tax funds starting next year through state changes.
Budget
One resident spoke during RCS’ public hearing for its budget, capital projects and bus replacement plans.
Karen Scalf, assistant superintendent of business and finance, noted uncertainties from upcoming changes to Indiana tax collections. Although older estimates were favorable, new ones show RCS could lose as much as $584,000 in 2026, followed by an additional $630,500 in 2027 and $556,010 in 2028.
Nevertheless, Scalf said students’ needs will be prioritized, and careful monitoring and thoughtful planning, resource realignment and reductions are planned.
RCS proposes an education fund of $44,441,4333 with an expected cash flow of $39,019,016 based on projected student enrollment. Education funds must be used for direct classroom impact (salaries/benefits, training, supplies and technology).
Up to 15% can be transferred for operations expenses such as administration, transportation, busing, utilities and facility maintenance/repairs. Despite requesting an operations levy of $23,710,163, RCS’ maximum likely will be $11,453,890. The projected debt service levy is around $4 million.
RCS expects to see an assessed value growth of 7.5%, likely a mix of trends, the current real estate market and new builds, Scalf said.
Resident Rod Weiss, speaking during public comments, said he believes RCS has more than 1,000 previous students attending other schools, so finding ways to draw them back would reduce budget woes.
The budget can be viewed at gateway.ifionline.org. Approval is expected at RCS’ 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 8, meeting at 300 Hub Etchison Parkway. The public is invited.
Busing
Student Transit’s Tim Rowe said 26 buses are running, compared to 20 last year. Seven subs are available. Two drivers are training. Discipline incidents have decreased significantly from this time last year.
Public commentary
During open commentary, Weiss questioned several expenditures and priorities, believing addressing low test scores should be RCS’ focus.
Retired teacher Erica Pearson thanked RCS for offering Challenge Day at Dennis Middle School to help students gain empathy and compassion for peers. She said some young men shook hands and apologized for previous words or actions.
She also applauded allowing family liaisons to participate in a poverty simulation to learn what families face.
Pearson urged RCS to make its new anti-harassment policy easily available for families and teachers.
In other business
The board unanimously:
- Moved a reproductive health/family planning/human sexuality policy to fourth reading. It goes to RCS’ next policy meeting (4 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 28, at 300 Hub Etchison Parkway) before the Nov. 12 board meeting. Both are open to the public.
- Agreed to advertise rebuilding/replacing Fairview Elementary’s bell tower
- Approved 2025-26 course agreements with Ivy Tech for welding and certified clinical medical assistants; Richmond Fire Department for fire/rescue; and Wayne County Jail for adult education
- Approved RHS Philharmonic Orchestra’s trip to Chicago
A version of this article will appear in the October 8 2025 print edition of the Western Wayne News.