Jim Holifield

"It seems to me like we only have part of the picture right now, with the information given to us, but our job is to see where taxpayer funds are going and make sure that they're needed," council member Emilie Hunt said during Monday's meeting.

Valparaiso Community Schools may soon be adding propane school buses to its fleet. Chief Financial Officer Jim Holifield discussed the possibility during the school board's hearing on the bus replacement plan last week.

Leaders at Valparaiso Community Schools are welcoming the elimination of textbook rental fees, as part of the state budget. Chief Financial Officer Jim Holifield says the fee often surprised families moving to Indiana from other states.

Energy-saving upgrades are coming to Valparaiso Community Schools. The school board voted Thursday to seek proposals for work outlined in the district's energy management plan.

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.