The Rossville Consolidated School District Board of Finance met Tuesday evening, January 6, 2026, to carry out its statutory responsibilities and provide the public with a comprehensive overview of how school funding works in Indiana and how local dollars are managed.
Under Indiana law, the Board of Education serves as the Board of Finance, with the same officers fulfilling leadership roles. During the meeting, board members reviewed required financial actions and received an in-depth informational presentation designed to promote transparency and public understanding of school finances.
As part of routine business, Superintendent Dr. Jim Hanna recommended continuing Regions Bank and First Financial Bank as the corporation’s designated depositories for school funds. The board also discussed investment practices, noting that while board policy authorizes the treasurer to invest funds in compliance with Indiana law, the district currently has no funds invested. Additionally, the board considered authorizing the voiding of outstanding checks more than two years old, a standard accounting practice to keep financial records accurate while allowing vendors to resubmit claims if funds remain owed.
The meeting also included a review of conflict-of-interest disclosure requirements for public officials. Any required disclosures will be submitted through the State Board of Accounts Gateway system to ensure compliance with state transparency laws.
A significant portion of the meeting focused on an overview of school funding in Indiana. District officials explained that public schools receive funding from a combination of state, local, and federal sources, and that no two districts receive identical funding due to differences in enrollment, demographics, and assessed property values. The presentation outlined the roles of the Education Fund, which supports instructional expenses and is driven largely by student enrollment, and the Operations Fund, which is supported by local property taxes and covers transportation, facilities, and operational costs.
Federal funding sources were also reviewed, including Title programs, special education funding, and food service support, all of which are restricted to specific purposes. Board members discussed additional revenue sources, including extracurricular accounts, grants, and fundraising, as well as the appropriate use of debt and referenda to support large-scale projects and long-term needs.
The meeting concluded with a review of the annual budget process, historical financial indicators, and the district’s financial goals, including maintaining a balanced budget, protecting operating reserves, monitoring tax rates, and preserving the district’s rainy-day fund.
The Board of Finance adjourned after reaffirming its commitment to responsible stewardship of public funds and to providing clear, accessible financial information to the Rossville community.