🏫Vigo County commissioners pause school funding talks until 2027

If you've followed the push to consolidate Vigo County's schools and build a new high school, talks just got more time. Commissioners announced Tuesday the item is off their November and December agendas, and a deadline that put major funding in jeopardy will no longer be enforced.

The Terre Haute Casino Foundation had promised $95 million over 20 years, but only if the county approved its own support by the end of 2026. The Vigo County Council, which controls the budget, did not approve school-related funding this year. Commissioner Chris Switzer said the new county budget changed the financial picture, and officials want to review the numbers with their advisers. WTHI puts the foundation's offer at about $94 million.

• Pause lasts: the rest of this year
• Status: county funding efforts are paused, not ended
• Foundation's deadline: moved into 2027

The school corporation said in a statement it's appreciative of the commissioners' support. It said the extension gives its board of trustees, along with new members, time to discuss funding options.