Valparaiso Community Schools

Valparaiso Community Schools Valparaiso Community Schools provides a safe and supportive educational environment maximizing the l

Through a broad-based curriculum, special programs, and extracurricular activities, the Valparaiso Community Schools has earned the reputation for excellence in all areas of learning. This tradition of excellence is based on the best cooperative efforts of the Board of Education, administration, faculty, students, parents, and the community. The Valparaiso Community Schools (VCS) is composed of ei

ght elementary schools, two middle schools, a comprehensive high school, an alternative high school, and a vocational high school. The school district seeks to balance academic, physical, practical, social, and emotional needs so that students value all facets of learning. Talented and creative teachers develop relevant learning experiences to challenge students and connect their learning through authentic means. In Valparaiso, the range of programs offered and the individual attention provided students gives each student ample opportunity for success. A concerted effort is made to provide a standards-based curriculum, criterion-referenced assessment plan, and formative and summative feedback to provide an academic background to support the future goals of all students and to provide academic assistance designed to prevent students from falling behind. The Valparaiso Community Schools has made a commitment to excellence. Parents and community members are invited to reinforce this commitment by being involved in the schools and working together with faculty and staff to provide the best educational opportunities for all Valparaiso students.

06/02/2026

Please use this link for the Class of 2026 Graduation Live stream which will take place on Wednesday, June 3, 2026 at 7pm(CST).
https://www.youtube.com/live/vj1BCbAjGf4
Valparaiso Community Schools

Celebrating the VHS Class of 2026!
05/19/2026

Celebrating the VHS Class of 2026!

The Valparaiso Community Schools Board of Trustees received 17 applications for the superintendent position from a broad...
05/04/2026

The Valparaiso Community Schools Board of Trustees received 17 applications for the superintendent position from a broad candidate pool that included internal, national, and international applicants. After reviewing the applicant pool, the Board is narrowing the field to six finalists who will move forward to the first round of interviews.

As we enter the interview phase, the Board remains committed to a thoughtful, confidential, and student-centered process. To protect the integrity of the search and the privacy of candidates, specific candidate information will not be shared publicly at this stage.

We continue to welcome feedback from staff, families, students, and community members regarding the qualities, priorities, and leadership characteristics they believe are most important in the next superintendent of Valparaiso Community Schools.

Feedback may be submitted by clicking the Google Form below.

Thank you for your continued engagement and support as we take this important next step for VCS.

Respectfully,
Valparaiso Community Schools Board of School Trustees

The School Board of Trustees is searching for the new VCS Superintendent. The Board recognizes the value of stakeholder input during this process. Please provide comments and questions for the Board to consider when identifying superintendent candidates. Thank you in advance for your participation.

04/20/2026

Statement from the Valparaiso Community Schools Board of School Trustees

The Valparaiso Community Schools Board of School Trustees has heard the concerns expressed by students, families, staff, and community members regarding the recent Career Day event. We are sorry that this experience fell short of the standards our students and families deserve, and we regret the disappointment and hurt it caused.

Our schools exist to educate, support, and prepare students for their future in an environment where every child feels respected, valued, and welcome. School-sponsored events should be student-centered and aligned with that purpose.

We appreciate those who have shared their concerns and perspectives. Feedback from our community matters and reinforces the importance of thoughtful planning, clear expectations, and accountability.

We have confidence district administration will continue reviewing this matter carefully to ensure guest speaker selection and guidelines, event planning processes, and clear communication with parents about upcoming events are guided by appropriate policy. We also expect that any necessary steps will be taken to ensure future school-sponsored events reflect the standards our community expects. The Board will remain engaged in this matter and looks forward to appropriate follow-through.

Most importantly, we want every student, family, and employee to know this: you belong here, and our schools should reflect that every day.

Respectfully,

Valparaiso Community Schools Board of School Trustees

04/20/2026
04/17/2026

Dear Valparaiso Community,

The district is aware of concerns that have been raised about one of today’s VHS Career Fair keynote speakers, Lieutenant Governor Micah Beckwith.

Mr. Beckwith was invited because of his role as Indiana's Lieutenant Governor, with the intent of having him speak on the state of business in Indiana and career opportunities for students. VHS had planned his appearance as a special reveal and as a result did not tell families who was coming in advance. That was wrong and we should have done better. Parents deserve to know who is speaking to their children.

Mr. Beckwith’s introduction was taken directly from his official government biography. That biography included a political phrase that had no place in our school, and it should have been caught and removed by our staff before it ever reached that student's hands. We're sorry for that.

No student was prevented from leaving during the keynote. After Mr. Beckwith finished his prepared remarks on his professional background and the state of business in Indiana ahead of schedule, students moved toward the career fair, but vendors weren't ready yet so they had to remain in the auditorium. That was a scheduling gap on the school’s end, nothing more.

Finally, some additional individual exchanges that took place after the keynote, including Mr. Beckwith’s personal opinions shared directly with students, were not part of the planned program. Many found these exchanges offensive, and they should not have occurred.

Mr. Beckwith's personal views are his own and do not reflect Valparaiso Community Schools. Our schools are not a platform for any political agenda, and every student deserves to feel respected and welcome here. We will vet outside speakers more carefully going forward, regardless of the title they hold.

We welcome your feedback and encourage anyone who wants to talk to reach out to our office directly.

With appreciation and respect,

Jim McCall, PhD
Superintendent

In March, Valparaiso High School and the Porter County Career Center welcomed a special visitor: Dr. Katie Jenner, the I...
04/17/2026

In March, Valparaiso High School and the Porter County Career Center welcomed a special visitor: Dr. Katie Jenner, the Indiana Secretary of Education. During her visit, Dr. Jenner interacted with students who showcased the Hall of Honor and shared demonstrations in robotics, flight simulation, and the Anatomage Table. She also engaged with future teachers before heading to the Porter County Career Center, where she explored the radio, television, and machine shop programs.

During the VCS School Board meeting on April 16th, the board celebrated Nicole Biehn, the district's Human Resources and...
04/17/2026

During the VCS School Board meeting on April 16th, the board celebrated Nicole Biehn, the district's Human Resources and Benefits Coordinator. Nicole was nominated by her peers in Region I for the 2026 Indiana Association of School Business Officials (IASBO) award and, in addition, has been named the 2026 IASBO State School Support Professional of the Year.

The ISBA has announced the recipients of the 2025 Individual Exemplary Governance Award for Commendable Distinction, whi...
04/17/2026

The ISBA has announced the recipients of the 2025 Individual Exemplary Governance Award for Commendable Distinction, which recognizes outstanding efforts, professional development, and meeting attendance. Congratulations to VCS School Board members Erika Watkins, Ashley Kruse, and Karl Cender for receiving this recognition!

Address

3801 N. Campbell Street
Valparaiso, IN
46385

Telephone

+12195313000

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