Leaders of Knox County’s three public school systems gathered Wednesday for the Knox County Chamber of Commerce’s annual State of Education program. The event highlighted key initiatives shaping local schools.
South Knox Middle-High School Principal David Cochenour opened the event by celebrating the school’s girls’ basketball team, which reached the state championship for the first time in school history. He commended the players for their dedication on and off the court, noting their impressive 3.8 GPA and strong character.
Beyond athletics, Cochenour highlighted the school’s academic offerings, including dual-credit programs that allow students to graduate with up to 39 college credit hours. “A lot of times we send kids to school as sophomores,” he said. “We get complimented a lot on that because they’ll come back and thank us for the opportunity to maybe graduate in three years.”
Vincennes Community Schools Superintendent Greg Parsley emphasized the district’s commitment to school safety and new educational initiatives. Among these are the Washington Learning Academy, which serves as an alternative education program, and the Little Alices Learning Center, a partnership with the YMCA, which helps address childcare needs.
Parsley also highlighted the creation of the school system’s own police department this year, noting that Vincennes was one of the fastest districts in Indiana to implement such a program. “We couldn’t do that if it weren’t for partnerships,” he said, crediting the city of Vincennes for its support.
Parsley also addressed concerns over the state’s career pathways program, which requires eighth-grade students to choose a career focus through high school. He believes that is too early for students to make such a decision, as interests often change. To support students, the district has added career exploration counselors at the elementary, middle, and high school levels.
North Knox Superintendent Dr. Darrel Bobe focused on workforce readiness and vocational training, urging local businesses to offer internships that provide students with real-world experience. “I’m huge on internships,” he said. “Sometimes students find out a job isn’t for them, and that’s just as important as finding one they love—before they spend a lot of money on college or training.”
Bobe also voiced concerns about potential state tax changes that could shift costs to local entities. He cautioned that these changes could affect not just schools, but also towns and libraries, placing more financial responsibility on local taxpayers.
All three education leaders emphasized the importance of collaboration and innovation to ensure Knox County students receive a high-quality education. They urged the community to stay engaged and support local schools.
For those who missed the event, the full State of Education program is available for viewing at VincennesPBS.org.
