|
After taking the oath of office, the Franklin County School Board elected officers during their first meeting of 2026 and made changes from last year. New to their positions are President Jessica Brennan and Vice-president Kim Simonson. Brandy Wilson continues as board secretary and Kevin Kaiser as legislative liaison.
Most votes were unanimous, but not all. The vote was split 5-2 for Kim Simonson as Vice-president with Kevin Kaiser and Brandy Wilson opposed.
School board officers have been elected before without unanimous support; it happened in 2021 and 2025.
The Board of Finance officers for 2026 are President Beth Foster and Secretary Gregg Burris. Finance officers are required to be named as part of the school board’s annual Board of Finance meeting. Both votes were split. Of note, Mr. Burris did not vote for himself.
Appointments
Chief Financial Officer Kendra Franks will continue as the school corporation treasurer. Amber Orozco will continue as the corporation attorney. Kevin Kaiser was appointed to the Franklin County Redevelopment Commission and replaced Sara Duffy, whose term expired.
Conflict of Interest Statements
Board Member Burris disclosed a financial conflict of interest that his wife is the owner and shareholder in Burris Transportation, Inc., which contracts with the schools.
Board Member Kim Simonson disclosed that his spouse works for the schools.
Board Member Kati Holman disclosed that her husband drives a school bus and is employed by a contractor – not the school corporation. Attorney Amber Orozco advised there was no requirement for this disclosure, but it is a good idea for the sake of transparency.
The board voted to accept all of the disclosures.
Four Teachers Will Retire
The following teachers will retire at the end of this school year:
Bobbi Princell - Brookville Elementary School
Amy Mitchum - Franklin County Middle School
Brad Stacy - Franklin County Middle School
Jacqueline Barricklow - Franklin County High School
Click to read the consent agenda with other personnel changes.
Public School Board Recognition Month
Mr. Gehring publicly thanked the school board for their work and for their support. Next, three students read thank you speeches that they wrote and then handed out candy, cake and certificates.
Photo below: High school students Savannah Leach (left) Gina Crawford (right). In the centers are two students who led the pledge of allegiance.
| Photo below: Student Dottie Langdon-Jessie and Middle School Teacher Hollie Noah. | Photo below: Superintendent Gehring holds a big banner created by Mt. Carmel Elementary School students to thank the school board. | Photo below: Brookville Elementary School and Laurel Elementary School students made thank you cards. Below is photo of one of many cards. | |
Superintendent Gehring announced a new tradition of dedicating a book to each school library in honor of the school board. This year the book is Dr. Seuss’ Oh The Places We Will Go. The school board members were invited to write a message in each book and sign it.
Contract Bids
The School Corporation is accepting bids for school bus contracts through Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
Bids for mowing and landscaping are due at 2 pm on February 26. Click for more information about all contracts.
Laurel Elementary School News
The Parent Teacher Organization raised $600, which will pay for supplies for the teachers’ lounge.
The blank walls in the library will be decorated with historical scenes by the high school art club.
A special meeting will be held on Thursday, January 29, at 5:30 pm, to award a contract for liability and property insurance. The next regular meeting will be Monday, February 9, at 6:00 pm.
Reported by Sara Duffy
| | |
Franklin County School Finances
A Look Back
Business Manager Kendra Franks described the school corporation’s finances as “steady” during the required annual board of finance report. The school corporation has bank accounts with FCN Bank, First Financial Bank, Bath State Bank and TrustINdiana, which currently pays the highest checking account interest rate of 3.78%.
According to Ms. Franks, the school corporation earned less interest in 2025, because rates have dropped since the 2024 top rate of 4.5% and there is less money in six bond accounts, due to expenditures for projects.
2024 interest $677,646
2025 interest $498,170
Less Money Than Last year
For most of its funds, the school corporation ended 2025 with less money than in 2024. The biggest gap was almost $800,000 in the Education Fund that pays teachers’ salaries. Its balance is $6.5 million.
On the other hand, the Operation Fund, which pays for day-to-day operations from property taxes, had a higher balance by $300,000 for a total of $1.25 million.
Slight Deficit for 2024 – 2025 School Year
Ms. Franks covered the required fiscal indicators for which the most recent complete year is the 2024-2025 school year. See chart below showing a slight deficit, because expenses exceeded revenue. The reasons were less state revenue and more payments on bond projects, said Ms. Franks
| |
The next chart shows the sources of the schools’ revenue; mainly state funding based on enrollment and local taxes.
To see all charts, go to Fiscal Indicators.
| |
Student Enrollment
As part of her report, Ms. Franks covered student enrollment, on which state funding is based. She noted that enrollment has been declining for 10 years.
Fall 2024 1,911 students
Spring 2025 1,881 students (drop due to mid-term graduates)
See enrollment chart below through 2024.
| |
Executive Session on 5-Year Financial Projection
The school board will hold a closed-door executive session to be trained by their consultant on the 5-year financial projection for the school corporation. When the information becomes available, we will report on it.
No Change in Investment Policy
The school board has made no changes to its investment policy since 2023. Money can be invested with the state of Indiana, certificates of deposit issued by Indiana financial institutions and “commercial paper rated prime 1 or prime 2 for less than 270 days. Click to read more.
Reported by Sara Duffy
| | |
FCCSC Pilots Virtual Academy
For Homeschooled Students
Franklin County Community School Corporation is hosting a pilot Virtual Academy program for a small group of up to 10 currently homeschooled Franklin County high school aged students.
Registration for the FCCSC Virtual Academy is now open, and seats are limited to 10 students.
This pilot opportunity is designed for students who are currently living within Franklin County, homeschooled using a virtual platform at least for the past semester, and looking for a flexible, virtual learning experience while becoming part of the Franklin County High School community. This pilot is not intended for current FCHS students.
Students enrolled in the FCCSC Virtual Academy will:
- Be enrolled as FCCSC students.
- Have access to FCHS activities and events (as eligible).
- Work toward and receive a fully accredited Franklin County. High School diploma upon completion of all graduation requirements.
This is an exciting opportunity for families who want to continue their virtual learning experience while still being connected to our school community and opportunities.
If you are interested or would like more information, please contact Dustin Gehring directly at dgehring@fccsc.k12.in.us.
Seats for the FCCSC Virtual Academy are limited.
From Dustin Gehring, Superintendent
Franklin County Community School Corporation
| | |
FCCF Scholarship Applications Available
Thanks to the generosity of our community, Franklin County
Community Foundation will once again offer multiple scholarships. The FCCF Scholarship applications are available beginning Monday, February 2, at www.fccfin.org by selecting Scholarships, FCCF Scholarship Funds, Scholarship Applications. The application must be completed online. The application deadline is March 2, 2026. The online application will be closed after that date.
In addition to the online 2026 FCCF general scholarship application for graduating high school seniors, the website offers online applications for current college students, FCN Bank employees’ children, and non-traditional students, all available in the same location. For more information about existing or establishing scholarships, contact the FCCF at (765) 647-6810.
Submitted by Shelly Lunsford
Scholarships for Future Teachers
The Whitewater Valley Retired Teachers Association is happy to announce that it is offering two $500 scholarships for the 2026-2027 school year. The first is our annual scholarship and the second is the Becky Meyer Memorial Scholarship in honor of long-time teacher and member of WVRTA, who passed away in December 2024. To be eligible to apply a student must:
- Be a resident of Franklin County
- Be a graduate of an Indiana high school
- Be enrolled in an Indiana college or university
- Be a junior or senior (2025-2026) preparing to teach
The application must be received or postmarked by April 1, 2026. In addition, there is a $2000 scholarship available in each of the Indiana State Retired Teachers Association‘s ten districts for students with the same qualifications, except the student must be a resident of Indiana, rather than just Franklin County. The deadline for that submission is 12:00 am on April 1, 2025. The application must be received at the IRTA office by that time. For more information or an application for either scholarship, contact: bamschw@yahoo.com.
Submitted by Barbara Walter
Whitewater Valley Retired Teachers Association
| | |
Council Pursues Money
for Storm Damage
County Council
January 27, 2026
Photo of other road damage from highway department.
- Council voted to pursue federal funding for storm damage to roads, but will not commit to the required matching money until updated estimates are available.
- No action was taken on a request for a part time health department nurse.
Which Way To Go On Grant For Road Repairs
Franklin County Emergency Management Agency Director Amy Lindsey presented several options to county council for securing federal funds to repair roads damaged last year. In April 2025, Franklin County was one of 42 Indiana counties hit by a monster storm along with the states of Arkansas, Kentucky, Missouri and Tennessee. This storm wreaked havoc on several county roads; the worst ones were Old State Road 52, Blue Creek, North Hamburg, Wolf Creek, Frazer and Simon Roads. County Highway Superintendent Justin Ball said that the roads are “open and passable,” but they are susceptible to damage again unless the road banks are stabilized.
For the last eight months, Ms. Lindsey has had a pending $3.8 million public assistance funding request with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). When grant funds are awarded, FEMA pays 75% and the county pays 25%. FEMA has already reimbursed the county by $22,900 for 75% of the cost of labor and materials supplied by the county highway department. A new FEMA grant for more repairs would benefit the county. However, the county would have to pay all costs and then wait months to be reimbursed by FEMA.
FEMA representatives visited Franklin County in August 2025, checked the roads and found reasons to cut back on grant money. Three roads were labeled as “Federal Highway Administration roads;” one was disqualified as already damaged. Of the remaining roads, FEMA cut the linear feet to be repaired by one half or more. Frazer Road was reduced from fixing 120 feet at a cost of $198,900 to only 64 feet at a cost to be determined.
Council had several complicated options to chose from concerning the FEMA grant. Council turned to Mr. Ball for his expert opinion. His recommendation is “to fix the roads right. I don’t want to band-aid it.” Road bank stabilization would prevent a reoccurrence. Mr. Ball had already discussed the road repairs with commissioners, who were agreeable to the project, if council provided the matching money.
Council President Carroll Lanning said that council previously agreed to use $125,000 from the rainy-day fund for a FEMA grant, if awarded.
Councilmember Patterson wants Mr. Ball to secure three undated estimates. Councilmember Bethany Luers said that the county could be “over extended” by adding this new project to the budget. Councilmember Eric Doll requested that the county commissioners prioritize this project along with all the other pending highway projects. He also asked, “Can the commissioners pay for this from their current budget?”
Council voted to continue to pursue FEMA money and appeal any rejection. They added one stipulation: council would not commit to matching funds at this point.
No Action on Part Time Nurse
The Health Department sent a written request for council to approve a new budget line for a part time nurse at a rate of $30.48 per hour. The office has a nurse who would be willing to cover vacations and emergency absences on a part time basis. Funds are available in the budget. Currently, the department has only one full time nurse, but is advertising for a second full time public health nurse.
Councilmember Brian Patterson had many unanswered questions. Council tabled action until next month, when someone from the County Health Board will be present at the meeting.
Finances
Council approved payments of $3,825 to attorney Anthony Smart and $5,027 to Reedy Financial Group.
In other business, council approved the rollover of unused funds from 2025 to 2026 for county departments.
Thanks
Councilmember Patterson thanked all first responders for work during the snowstorm. Council President Carroll Lanning remarked that many residents also praised the workers via social media.
The next meeting will be February 24, 2026, at 6:00 pm.
Reported by Sara Duffy
| | |
Who is running for political office?
Four Republicans want to be county commissioner and six want a seat on county council. Two are running for county sheriff, two for county prosecutor and three for county auditor. Click to see the official list from Franklin County Clerk Neysa Raible. Local State Representative Lindsay Patterson has one Democratic opponent so far - Victoria Martz. The Primary Election is May 5, 2026.
Reported by Sara Duffy
| | |
Imagination Library
of Franklin County
Thanks Franklin County Arts Council
Imagination Library of Franklin County (ILFC) extends sincere thanks to the Franklin County Arts Council for serving as our January Book Label Sponsor. Through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, enrolled children in Franklin County (from birth to age 5) receive an age-appropriate book in the mail each month at no cost to the child’s family. During January, 670 children were mailed books.
According to Patti Wilhelm, President of the Franklin County Arts Council, “Our mission is to support all genres of the arts for the citizens of Franklin County, including visual arts, dramatic arts, musical arts, and literacy arts. When it comes to the literary arts, authors throughout their lives have been readers, beginning in their early years. It is an honor to show our appreciation for the work that the Franklin County Imagination Library tirelessly does to encourage readers from a very young age to engage in the literary arts by sponsoring a month of books”. ILFC extends its gratitude to the Franklin County Arts Council for becoming a book label sponsor and helping us to continue to support literacy in our community one book at a time.
If other organizations or businesses would like to become a book label sponsor for one month, please contact ILFC at imaginationlibrary@live.com or talk to any of our nine ILFC Board members who are listed on our website imaginationlibraryfcin.com.
Submitted by Linda Rosenberger
| | |
Oldenburg Academy
Thanks Ripley County &
Franklin County Community Foundations
Oldenburg Academy acknowledges and appreciates the continued support of the Ripley County Community Foundation and the Franklin County Community Foundation. Recent contributions from both foundations supported the purchase of a new Automated External Defibrillator (AED) for the Oldenburg Academy cafeteria. This equipment enhances campus safety and supports the well-being of students, faculty, staff, and visitors.
In addition, the Ripley County Community Foundation facilitated a gift from the Rahschulte Family Fund to support Oldenburg Academy’s Go Beyond initiative and Mission Monday program.
Submitted by Elizabeth Schulte Denton
Communications Specialist
| | |
Let’s practice those ABCs. Join us for a time of play while we learn about the letters in our names. Playdough, songs, yoga, magnets, and more will help us practice our letters and their sounds. January 30 at 10 a.m. at Brookville Library.
From Franklin County Public Library
| | |
FC Soil & Water
Conservation District
Annual Dinner Meeting
RSVP by FEBRUARY 2
Join the Franklin County SWCD for their annual meeting and dinner on Monday, February 9, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the Franklin County Farmer’s Mutual 4-H Expo Hall. Tickets are $20, which includes dinner and a show by Denny Baker, comedy ventriloquist. Door prizes. In the event of severe weather, the snow date is February 16. Please RSVP by February 2. To make reservations or for more info, call (765) 647-2651, ext. 3 or email ashlee.zins@in.nacdnet.net.
| | |
The Franklin County Chamber of Commerce will hold its first Meet & Greet for 2026 on February 4. Our presentation for the evening will be "The Importance of Your Google Business Profile." We will also have exciting updates about our new grant program, the 2026 Business & Travel Expo and our membership drive. It all starts at 5pm at the Brookville location of the Franklin County Public Library.
Submitted by Alan Stenger
| | |
Beat the Winter Blues
The Rockdale Community Church offers a remedy for wintertime isolation: Game nights and free, Sunday lunches.
Are you a card player? Join us for a competitive game of Euchre on Saturdays, February 7 and March 7 at 5:00 pm. Then, a strategic game of “Chicken-Foot Dominoes” will ensue on Saturday, February 21, also at 5:00pm. (Tutorials take five minutes and even a child can learn to win.)
Then, you’ll find the country-cooks of Rockdale serving up a plentiful, community luncheon called “The Ultimate Pitch-In Dinner” one Sunday per month at 12:30pm. The next two feasts will be February 22 and March 29. Come hungry and be our guest for lunch.
Rockdale Community Church is located in West Harrison, Indiana, on Johnson Fork Road—right off of Highway 52 & the Harrison, Ohio exit to Interstate 74. Don’t be a stranger.
Submitted by Pastor Adrienne Greene
| | |
The Franklin County Observer is a free news service. At the Observer, we focus our coverage on events and meetings in Franklin County.
Our volunteer staff writers are all Franklin County residents who are committed to factual, impartial news reporting.
*******************************************************
To subscribe to the Observer, just click on the JOIN OUR MAILING LIST link at the top of this page. Enter your email address.
*******************************************************
The Observer will also help spread the word about events sponsored by community groups and non-profit organizations. Just Send Us An Email with a brief announcement and we will try to publish it.
Copyright Notice:
Contact us by email to request permission to use
or to purchase a photo or article.
Copyright 2026
The Franklin County Observer
| | | | |
