FRANKFORT, Ind. — Superintendent Dr. Matt Rhoda said Wednesday that the Community Schools of Frankfort will press ahead this summer with major facility upgrades and continue to address state-level funding challenges impacting local schools. Rhoda discussed upcoming projects, staffing changes, and academic progress during a live interview on the WILO/Boone 102.7 FM Party Line program.
Summer Construction and Facility Projects
Rhoda said the district has “a lot of projects going on” this summer, including work on the middle school, Suncrest Elementary, and athletic facilities.
“The big part of it will be just changing out all the flooring in the commons area, walking into the middle school,” Rhoda said. “We’ve got new floors, new bleachers, new painted gyms — it makes a big difference.”
Other current projects include a chiller replacement at Suncrest Elementary and a new weight room and film room at Frankfort High School expected to be finished by June. Roofing work at Blue Ridge and Green Meadows elementary schools is nearing completion. Rhoda said those updates will complete replacements across all district roofs except the administrative building.
The district also plans to sell a bond this fall to fund athletic facility improvements. “That bond will bring big improvements to our outdoor facilities — football, baseball, softball, synthetic turf, and upgrades to our swimming pool,” Rhoda said.
Funding and the SEA 1 Bill
Rhoda voiced concern about the ongoing impact of Indiana Senate Enrolled Act 1 (SEA 1), noting an existing $1.3 million tax cap loss that could grow to around $1.6 million under the changes.
“That’s out of our operations fund — the fund that pays for transportation, bus drivers, custodians, and building upkeep,” he explained. “It’s going to be a negative hit.”
He also clarified that building and renovation funds come from a separate debt service account, not from classroom funds or teacher pay. “If it could be used for salaries, we would — but it can’t,” Rhoda said. “The only way to catch up on teacher pay would be through a referendum, and we don’t want to burden our community with that.”
Virtual Learning and Enrollment Trends
Frankfort’s self-run Virtual Academy continues to serve around 85 students, giving flexibility to families with unique scheduling needs. Rhoda said the district sees the program as essential amid competition from other online options.
“I think every high school in the state will have a virtual academy,” Rhoda said. “We’ve got kids taking care of their families. Virtual education won’t go away — there’s a need for it for a certain group of students.”
Rhoda added that growing and scaling the academy requires dedicated staff support, led by director Kristen Horrell and high school counselors.
Staffing Reductions Through Attrition
Facing declining enrollment, the district plans to reduce about 18 positions at the end of the school year — but no teachers will lose their jobs.
“The good news is we’ll do that through attrition,” Rhoda said. “We don’t have to send out reduction-in-force notices, and that’s a blessing.” He said retirements and resignations will allow staff to shift between buildings without layoffs.
Rhoda said class sizes will remain manageable, averaging only one additional student per classroom.
Academic Achievement and Community Engagement
Testing season is underway districtwide, with graduation scheduled for May 30 in Case Arena. Hoosierland TV partners with Hot Dog TV to broadcast the graduation ceremony. Rhoda said he is proud of the district’s academic performance, citing a 90% reading proficiency rate and visits from other school leaders seeking to learn from Frankfort’s success.
“It really comes down to mindset,” Rhoda said. “If you believe that no matter what address a child comes from, they can achieve at high levels — they can.” Rhoda also highlighted the success students have been having in the Science Fair initiative at Frankfort Community Schools, led by Director of High Ability for Community Schools, Bret Rhea. Frankfort Students have excelled at the state and even the International Science Fair levels over the years.
He said the district is now turning attention to improving SAT results and reinforcing its “Pillars of Excellence” to keep momentum going. “Education is the way to turn around any society,” Rhoda said. “If you’ve got kids living in poverty, it’s the way out — and we take that seriously.”
Families can register for the 2026–27 school year online at [frankfortschools.org](http://frankfortschools.org). Rhoda concluded by praising the Frankfort and Clinton County communities: “It’s a blessing to be part of this county.”