Valparaiso Schools Ready for 2025 with a $101 Million Budget

Valparaiso Community Schools are gearing up for the new year with a substantial budget of nearly $101 million. Superintendent Jim McCall and Chief Finance Officer Jim Holifield have secured this budget, which includes a 3. 1% raise for both teachers and administrators. The budget, passed unanimously by the Valparaiso City Council, is composed of various funds, with the education fund being the largest. The education fund, which isn't supported by property taxes but by sales tax, covers most of the teachers' salaries and benefits. The budget has seen steady growth over the years, from $79. 4 million in 2021 to $93 million in 2023, and now just shy of $101 million for 2025. McCall highlighted that the budget process involved collaboration and trust, leading to a strong agreement on the new teachers' contract. Veteran teachers are set to receive a $2, 000 base pay increase, capping at $90, 500, while beginning teachers will see their base pay rise to $54, 300. The budget also includes changes to extracurricular positions, such as adding assistant coaches and increasing stipends for Science Olympiad. A new incentive formula aims to boost teacher retention by rewarding consistency and attendance. Additionally, teachers with excess sick leave can now exchange these days for a deposit into a VEBA account. The school's appointed board, determined by the Valparaiso City Council and the Center Township Advisory Board, means the budget is approved by the city council rather than an elected school board. Enrollment has seen a slight decrease, with 6, 359 students this year compared to 6, 470 last year. However, Valparaiso High School graduated one of its largest classes in 2024. Despite the decline in enrollment, the education fund remains healthy due to increased state revenue from higher per-pupil funding. Many schools are experiencing similar trends, with some compensating by enrolling out-of-district students.