Proposed improvements at Hagerstown schools include a playground, carpeting and stair repairs.
During its Tuesday, Sept. 16, work session, Nettle Creek’s school board conducted public hearings on the district’s 2026 budget, bus replacement, capital projects plans and related resolutions.
Some ideas for the capital projects plan include Hagerstown Elementary’s playground equipment ($750,000), LGI room carpet ($13,400) and an awning over the preschool exterior doors ($10,000).
Suggested improvements at Hagerstown High School would include the locker room floor ($56,810), pool liner and deck flooring ($125,114), overhead doors ($31,000), first-floor carpeting ($49,000), and repairs to the swim parking lot stairs ($31,000).
Board member Mike Banning asked about the condition of HHS’ roof. Superintendent Emily Schaeffer said it can be delayed for a little while, but roof repair is a long-term need because district employees have addressed areas as issues arise. Because of the expense, it needs to be a debt project.
Schaeffer said that before Nettle Creek’s 2020 construction project, an architecture firm conducted a needs assessment for the corporation’s buildings and grounds. The firm ranked priorities from high to low need and provided year projections. The board reviewed the list early this year, but Schaeffer supports revisiting it soon.
“Honestly, the list of capital projects goes on and on,” Schaeffer said. “I feel like we add to it weekly just from walking our facilities and seeing the needs in them.”
The board also reviewed a list noting the mileage of each current bus and a five-year tentative schedule for replacement. Nettle Creek aims to operate each bus for at least 12 years. The district will replace three full-size buses in 2027. Future replacement goals for 2028 are one full-size and one minibus; in 2029, two full-size; and 2030, two minibuses.
Some financial concerns for the education fund include a projected 5% increase for employees’ insurance and whether costs will increase per pupil for special education and career center services.
Schaeffer noted that from the 2025 education fund budget, 88%, or $6.8 million, went to salaries and benefits.
Information for each plan is on the district’s website, nettlecreekschools.com, and on Indiana’s Gateway platform for government reports, gateway.ifionline.org.
Schaeffer encouraged board members to go to Indiana’s Department of Local Government Finance website and review the Budget 101 and Budget Workshop Overview and Preparation to understand the process better.
The board plans to vote to approve the budget at its next regular monthly public meeting. It’s scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 15, Hagerstown Elementary, one week later than usual because of the district’s fall break. The public may attend.
In other business
- No one spoke during the public hearing between Nettle Creek Classroom Teachers Association and the board regarding teacher pay. Private, formal negotiations can now begin. Schaeffer shared her appreciation for teacher Glen Meek and the association. She said she’s thankful for their partnership and how well both sides work together.
- The board approved a contract with Reid Health for athletic training services.
A version of this article appeared in the September 24 2025 print edition of the Western Wayne News.