Jennifer Bognar

Valparaiso residents have just a few more days to apply for a seat on the school board. Applications are due at noon on Friday, April 21.

Porter County high school students will soon be able to earn a veterinary technician certification. The Valparaiso School Board officially added a veterinary science program to its career and technical education offerings last week.

The Valparaiso School Board's first Black member has found herself at the center of a political battle in the Center Township trustee race. The township board's appointment of Erika Watkins to the school board last year was cited as a poor decision in materials from Casey Schmidt's campaign, according to residents. Schmidt currently serves as Valparaiso City Council president.

Valparaiso Community Schools is asking for more money next year. The school district plans to request a $92.2 million budget for 2023, an increase of almost $7 million from this year. Much of that would cover increased costs in salaries, insurance and benefits, according to chief financial officer Jim Holifield.

The Valparaiso School Board is looking to extend the superintendent's contract.