Blackford County Schools Approves 2027 Bus and Capital Plans

From the Blackford County Schools Board meeting on September 15, 2026

Blackford County Schools approved its 2027 bus replacement plan and capital projects plan Tuesday after a public hearing, putting next year's planning framework on the books with a 4-0 vote.

During the hearing, district administration said the school system usually replaces one full-size bus each year and that a fully specced replacement bus now costs north of $185,000. That price point shows how much routine transportation replacement is costing the district even before other projects are considered.

Administrators also outlined a list of possible capital projects for future consideration. The list included student-device replacement, a utility tractor, a used maintenance vehicle, replacement of the aging high school sign, window work at Blackford Primary School, dugout replacements, preschool restroom additions, parking-lot sealing and striping, and a football-field placeholder.

One item discussed with a specific figure was a possible studio-theater conversion back into choir space at about $250,000. The board's vote did not approve every project on that list, but it did advance the district's public planning for 2027.

Source: YouTube transcript — Blackford County - County Schools Board Meeting - September 15, 2026

Some information may be inaccurate due to video audio quality.