The Huntington County Community Schools Board of Trustees met on September 22, 2025, for a packed agenda that included approving significant facility improvements, celebrating a historic environmental achievement, and receiving updates on student mental health initiatives.
Historic Environmental Achievement
The meeting began with a celebration as Huntington North High School became the first high school in Indiana to receive the prestigious Tree Campus USA designation from the Arbor Day Foundation. Huntington North High School Science Teacher Mr. Park and members of the HNHS Green Team were recognized for their outstanding environmental stewardship efforts.
"I am pleased and honored to announce that Huntington North High School is the first high school in the state of Indiana designated as a Tree Campus USA by the Arbor Day Foundation in America," Mr. Park proudly declared.
The designation required completing five specific requirements, including creating a stakeholder board, establishing sustainable funding, developing a tree management plan, conducting community outreach (including planting 39 trees at Crestview), and recognizing Arbor Day with educational components.
Board President Allen emphasized the significance: "Being the first in anything in state is a big deal. We don't have a lot of firsts in Huntington, but we got a few and they're all big deals. Being the first high school to get this designation is a proud moment for us."
The achievement represents a collaborative effort between the school district, city government, and Huntington University, with students conducting a comprehensive inventory of every tree on the 60-acre campus.
Facility Improvements Approved
The board unanimously approved a general obligation bond to fund critical facility improvements across the district. President of Viridian Architectural Design Inc., Terry Thornsbury, shared that the projects include:
Security Enhancements: New secure entry vestibules at Andrews Elementary, Flint Springs Elementary, and Lincoln Elementary, plus additional access controls at other locations
High School Window Replacement: Replacement of single-pane windows with insulated glass and ballistic film for improved safety and energy efficiency
Building Maintenance: Exterior building and masonry maintenance at elementary schools and middle schools
HVAC Improvements: Replacement of aging HVAC equipment at multiple facilities
North Arena Ceiling Renovation: Repainting of the high school arena ceiling
Salomonie Facility Updates: Removal of the underutilized natatorium and locker rooms to reduce maintenance costs
"The board will continue to work with the administration and its professionals to look for efficiencies to conserve tax dollars while meeting our educational needs," stated Board President Allen during the public hearing.
According to Virtual CFO Becky Smith, the bond will not raise the tax rate, keeping the district's debt service fund tax rate at approximately 39.5 to 39.9 cents, well below the 40-cent threshold.
Financial Health Remains Strong
Mrs. Smith presented the August 2025 financial reports, showing the district maintains a healthy cash balance of over $16.2 million in the education fund. Revenue projections are on target, with the district receiving 67% of the budgeted revenue while being 66.5% through the fiscal year.
"We're about spot on," Smith noted when discussing revenue forecasting accuracy.
2026 Budget Process Continues
The board held public hearings for the 2026 budgets, capital projects plan, and bus replacement plan. The district anticipates replacing seven buses in 2026 as part of its ongoing effort to catch up on deferred bus replacements. No public comments were received during any of the hearings.
Mental Health Initiatives Expand
Director of Behavioral Health and Wellness Meg Friesen provided an update on the district's mental health and suicide prevention efforts. The district now operates three suicide prevention clubs under the Hope umbrella organization - two at middle schools and one at the high school.
"You would not believe the energy in the middle schools to be part of Hope in the Middle," Friesen reported. "They know exactly what the group or the club is about, and they really want to be part of it."
Friesen highlighted several September initiatives, including 988 Day celebrations and all-seventh-grade training at Riverview Middle School. The district also received a grant to implement a peer-to-peer counseling program starting in the 2026-27 school year.
Technology Leadership Transition
The board accepted the resignation of Director of Technology Michael Sumpter, effective December 10, 2025. Superintendent Trout announced plans to meet with the technology team to design a replacement process, beginning with an interim director position.
Looking Ahead
The board will hold its budget adoption meeting on October 13, 2025. Construction on approved facility projects is scheduled to begin during summer 2026, with some projects extending into fall 2026 or 2027.
Every Student. Every Day.