Valparaiso Community Schools

The VCS Board of School Trustees has approved the district’s Wireless Device Policy as required under Indiana’s new wireless device law.

Please review the infographic below for an overview of the new requirements and what families can expect for the upcoming school year.

Additional school-specific guidance will be shared before the start of the school year.

Congratulations, VHS Class of 2026!

Valparaiso High School Graduation 2026 On June 3rd, Valparaiso hosted its 2026 graduation.

Please use this NEW link for the Class of 2026 Graduation Live stream which will take place on Wednesday, June 3, 2026 at 7pm https://youtube.com/live/CDxstwFVAEI?feature=share

Valparaiso High School Graduation Ceremony 2026 VHS Graduation Ceremony

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://youtube.com/live/CDxstwFVAEI?feature=share
Valparaiso Community Schools

Celebrating the VHS Class of 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

Superintendent Search Stakeholder Input 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.

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

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 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.