Blackford County Schools Building Project in Month 3 — Performing Arts Center on Track for April 2027

From the Montpelier Redevelopment Commission meeting on May 11, 2026

Blackford County Schools Superintendent Chad Genser provided an update on the district's performing arts center construction project, now in month 3 of a 16-month build. Completion is expected by the end of April 2027.

Genser said the project was delivered with no impact to the local tax rate, the result of five to six years of strategic planning by the school board. He credited the board's "fiscal conservative nature."

Genser also flagged challenges from Indiana Senate Enrolled Act 1, the 2025 property tax reform legislation, combined with declining enrollment. SEA-1 raised the personal property tax exemption and modified homestead credits, which can reduce revenue to local taxing units including school districts. The building project has lost some days due to rain but is "moving along pretty well."

Source: YouTube transcript — Montpelier Redevelopment Meeting - 5/11/2026

Some information may be inaccurate due to video audio quality.