Baugo Schoolhouse

Summer provides a well-deserved opportunity for students, teachers, and families to slow down, recharge, and enjoy time together. While our classrooms may be quieter, the work of preparing for a successful 2026–2027 school year continues throughout the district. Behind the scenes, our administrators, custodians, maintenance staff, transportation team, technology department, and district office are working diligently to ensure everything is ready to welcome students back this fall.

One important change for the upcoming school year involves the use of personal communication devices. Recent changes in Indiana law require school districts to strengthen existing policies restricting the use of cell phones and other personal communication devices during the school day. Building principals will consistently enforce these requirements, and students are expected to comply with this state mandate. While technology remains an important educational tool, it should never distract from our primary mission of teaching and learning. By minimizing unnecessary distractions, we can help create classrooms where students are fully engaged with their teachers, their classmates, and their learning.

Across the district, renovation projects are also nearing completion. Each improvement has been carefully planned to maximize the value of taxpayer dollars while addressing important facility needs. From refreshed learning spaces to upgraded building systems, these investments will make our schools safer, more welcoming, and better equipped to support student success for years to come.

As summer continues, thank you for your ongoing support of Baugo Community Schools. We look forward to welcoming our students and staff back soon for another outstanding school year.

Recent reporting suggests that Indiana may experience a record number of school districts seeking operating referendums during the 2026 election cycle as districts respond to changing financial conditions and the effects of recent property tax reforms. As highlighted by the Indiana Capital Chronicle, many schools are evaluating local operating referendums to address growing fiscal pressures.

At Baugo Community Schools, one of the core commitments of our Strategic Plan is financial transparency and fiscal responsibility. While many districts are considering asking local taxpayers for additional operational funding, Baugo Community Schools will not be placing an operating referendum before voters in 2026.

This decision reflects years of careful financial planning and a continued commitment to managing taxpayer resources responsibly. The district has implemented numerous cost-saving strategies, including strategic staffing decisions through reductions in manpower and thoughtful hiring practices, negotiated employee benefits, sound financial management practices, and shifting appropriate expenses away from the operating fund whenever possible.

One significant investment has been the installation of district solar arrays using available bond capacity rather than operating funds. Those systems now generate electricity that reduces utility costs by approximately $250,000 annually, providing meaningful long-term operational savings without increasing the tax burden for day-to-day operations.

These efforts have become increasingly important as recent property tax changes have reduced Baugo Community Schools' operating revenue by approximately $400,000 this year. Although these reductions present real financial challenges, our ongoing cost-saving initiatives have allowed the district to remain financially stable while continuing to provide high-quality educational opportunities for students.

District leadership will continue to monitor the financial landscape closely, including the outcomes of school referendums across Indiana during the upcoming election cycle, to better understand how changing state funding policies affect public education and the long-term financial health of school corporations.

Baugo Community Schools remains committed to operating efficiently, maintaining safe, well-maintained learning environments, and ensuring that our community continues to have schools in which families are proud to enroll their children and taxpayers can take pride in supporting.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Elkhart County is proud to provide after-school programming for Baugo Community Schools students at the Jimtown Community Center. The Club is open every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday after school until 6:00 p.m., offering students a safe, engaging, and supportive place to spend their afternoons.

Through a variety of recreational, educational, and enrichment activities, students have the opportunity to build friendships, develop new skills, and enjoy a positive environment outside of the school day. Families are encouraged to take advantage of this affordable community resource and use the attached complimentary day pass to experience all the Club has to offer.

For more information about membership or programming, please contact the Boys & Girls Clubs of Elkhart County.

Summer improvement projects continue to make steady progress across Baugo Community Schools. New entrance awnings are being installed at Jimtown Elementary, Jimtown Junior High, and Jimtown High School, enhancing both the appearance of our campuses and providing added protection from the elements for students, staff, and visitors.

At Jimtown Junior High, crews are completing a renovation of the locker room facilities, while replacement roofing projects are underway at both the junior high and high school. The storage building at Jimtown High School is also receiving a refresh to extend its useful life and improve its appearance.

Improvements continue at the softball complex as well, including enhanced drainage, a new press box, new sidewalks, and paving. These investments reflect our ongoing commitment to providing safe, functional, and well-maintained facilities for our students, staff, and community.

Jimtown Elementary students and families enjoyed a variety of activities to celebrate the close of another successful school year. From Title I Math Night and Field Day to grade-level picnics and classroom celebrations, these events provided meaningful opportunities to recognize student accomplishments while creating lasting memories.

A special thank you goes to the dedicated staff of Jimtown Elementary and the JES PTO, whose time, planning, and support were instrumental in making these events a success.

One of the most meaningful moments of the year was the dedication of a butterfly bench and butterfly bush in honor of our beloved Miss Pam. Her family joined our second-grade students for a heartfelt ceremony recognizing her many years of faithful service to Baugo Community Schools. While the permanent placement of these memorials will be determined following completion of the school's new front façade, the impact Miss Pam had on generations of students, families, and staff will remain a lasting part of Jimtown Elementary.

Thank you, Miss Pam. Your legacy will always be remembered.

Mr. Jeff Deak has assumed the role of Chief Operating Officer, where he will provide leadership for the district's technology, operations, maintenance, and transportation departments. After 13 years of dedicated service as principal of Jimtown Elementary School, Mr. Deak brings a wealth of experience and a proven record of leadership to this districtwide role. Baugo Community Schools extends its sincere appreciation for his years of service to the Jimtown Elementary community and look forward to the positive impact he will have in strengthening district operations.

Returning to Jimtown Elementary as principal is Mrs. Amy Vollmar, who most recently served as Assistant Principal at Jimtown Intermediate School. Mrs. Vollmar brings extensive instructional and administrative experience, a deep commitment to student success, and a strong understanding of the Jimtown community. Her leadership and dedication make her exceptionally well-suited to guide Jimtown Elementary into the future.

Mr. Nicholas Garstka brings 15 years of educational experience to Jimtown Intermediate School, most recently serving as principal at Career Academy South Bend. A dedicated educator and collaborative leader, he is committed to fostering student success through strong relationships with students, staff, and families. Nick and his wife, Alishia, are the proud parents of two sons, Evan and Grant, who will be entering fourth and sixth grade this fall and are already proud Jimmies. The Garstka family has quickly embraced the Jimtown community, where Nick volunteers as a coach in the Jimtown youth basketball and baseball programs. He looks forward to becoming even more involved in the many events, traditions, and opportunities that make Jimtown Intermediate and Baugo Community Schools such a special place.

Email: confidential@baugo.org
Website: baugo.org
Location: 29125 County Road 22, Elkhart, IN, USA
Phone: 574-293-8583
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BaugoCommunitySchools
Twitter: @Baugosuper

• Julie Phillips, President jphillips@baugo.org
• Robert Barbour, Vice President rbarbour@baugo.org
• Chris Carithers, Secretary ccarithers@baugo.org
• Bill Gletty, Member bgletty@baugo.org
• Todd Hochstetler, Member thochstetler@baugo.org