Sunman‑Dearborn school board approves employee daycare at North Dearborn Elementary

The Sunman‑Dearborn Community School Corporation board voted March 12 to establish an employee‑only daycare and learning center at North Dearborn Elementary for the 2026–27 school year.

Superintendent Dr. Jackson recommended the district create the program to retain and attract staff, saying a district survey showed interest for about 52 children and the board should authorize a program with a maximum capacity of 46 and up to six qualified staff. "I recommend establishing and operating the daycare for the upcoming 26–27 school year," Dr. Jackson said.

The district outlined capacity and costs: an infant room capacity of 10; younger toddlers (18–23 months) capacity 6; older toddlers (24–35 months) capacity 8; and a preschool room capacity of 22. Dr. Jackson said total employment costs if the program is fully staffed would be about $260,000, and estimated gross revenue at full capacity roughly $320,000, leaving about $60,000 to cover supplies and other expenses. One‑time furnishings were estimated near $50,000.

Daily rates presented were $42 for infants, $38 for older toddlers and $35 for preschool. Registration will require a $100 deposit to hold a spot, credited toward tuition; superintendent staff said the district plans a registration deadline of April 15.

Board members asked about staff qualifications, pay and oversight. Dr. Jackson said positions will be posted and that minimum requirements include a high school diploma for some roles; pay will use the district instructional assistant pay schedule. He said the program will be supervised at North Dearborn by the staff member identified at the meeting as Jeff and that the district will maintain Indiana child‑care health and safety standards and follow required fire and health inspections. "We will maintain required supervision ratios," Dr. Jackson said.

Several trustees and a parent raised logistical concerns about pick‑up times, parking and classroom noise. A parent asked whether staff from other schools could reach North Dearborn in time for contracted schedules; Dr. Jackson said planned hours (about 7–7:15 a.m. to 3:30–4 p.m.) allow roughly a 20‑minute commute and are designed to avoid peak traffic. Trustees discussed potential staffing turnover and administrative workload; Dr. Jackson noted other area districts have similar programs.

Board member (name not provided in the transcript) moved to approve the daycare; Dr. Jackson seconded the motion and the board approved it by voice vote. The superintendent said registration information would be sent to staff the next day or the following Monday.

The board also approved a parent handbook that outlines enrollment, eligibility, hours, tuition, staffing requirements (including CPR, first aid and safe‑sleep training for relevant staff), health and illness procedures, daily schedules and safety protocols. Board members were told the handbook may be adjusted as the program begins.

Next steps: the district will open registration with the $100 deposit requirement and proceed with furnishings and staffing postings, subject to required inspections before operation.