Knox Community School Corp. board approves five-year plan to fund marching band uniforms

The Knox Community School Corporation board approved a five-year funding plan to purchase new marching band uniforms after parents urged the board to act.

Superintendent presented a proposal committing $7,000 annually to a dedicated budget line for band uniforms, totaling $35,000 over five years, with any unused annual amount rolling into a sixth-year balance. The proposal requires the band to follow standard purchase-order procedures through the high school; the district said new uniforms will be purchased this year and subsequent purchases will follow the established funding cadence.

Parent Lindy Riggs told the board that the marching band''s uniforms are worn out and that the program brings visible recognition to the district. "These students have waited patiently since February for a decision," Riggs said, asking the board to "show them that their hard work, their dedication, and the representation of our school matter." Jake McIntyre, a Knox alumnus and parent, also spoke in support and offered booster help.

Board members debated budget implications and equity across extracurriculars. One member noted many extracurricular programs have had line items cut in prior budgets, leaving boosters and volunteers to fill gaps. The board discussed resale of retired uniforms through consignment to recoup funds and emphasized standard financial controls for purchases.

A motion to approve the five-year funding approach was made and seconded; the board voted in favor. The superintendent said the band will submit a purchase order and follow district financial protocols.

Next steps: the high school band or booster organization will submit a formal purchase order through the high school bookkeeper (Mrs. Tyler), and the district will track the dedicated line and any rollover into year six. The board did not publish a roll-call tally in the transcript.