Keri Yousif, October 30, 2025

The Vigo County Council held a special meeting on October 29, 2025, including nearly two hours of public comment, on the proposed creation of an independent oversight board that would pursue and plan for collaborative ways to finance and implement the Vigo County School Corporation’s Future Ready Plan.

The meeting was held in the auditorium of Terre Haute South High School. The location was appropriate, as the auditorium temperature hovered at 60 degrees, serving as a harsh reminder of the real issue behind the proposed oversight board:  the deteriorated conditions of the school corporation’s buildings.

More than 150 people attended the meeting, many never taking off their coats, and the persistent squeaking of the auditorium seats provided a telling accompaniment to the speakers, who universally cited problems with the school facilities and their negative impact on teaching, learning, and extra-curricular activities. 

The County Commissioners’ opening presentation included a parade of county who’s who:  State Senator Goode, State Representative Pfaff, the County Commissioners, the president of the Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce, a board member from the Casino Foundation, and the superintendent of the Vigo County School Corporation.

In addition, local CPA Earl Elliott, provided a status update on the county’s current financial position as evidence that the county can, in his opinion, afford the proposed $100,000 to finance the oversight committee.

But what drew even more attention was who was not there, as only three of the seven County Council members were in attendance. Notably absent were Nancy Allsup, Steve Ellis, Randy Gentry, and Viki Weger. Also absent were any official speakers representing a view point opposed to the oversight committee.

Former city attorney, Eddie Felling, asked during his public comment,  “Where in the hell are the other council members?” The same sentiment (albeit not as direct as Felling’s question) was heard over and over during both the official presentation and public comment, as speakers repeatedly thanked people for “showing up” and the need for “all sides” to talk and hear from the public.

Dan Gmelich chastised the missing council members for “turning their back” on the county. The message was clear:  the public has a right to give input and, equally important, be heard by all of the County Council. Indeed, the County Council Four garnered disapproval from both sides of the aisle and beyond. As one gentleman sitting behind me mumbled, “let’s vote ‘em all out.” 

The Commissioners’ presentation walked the county council and the public through the creation, function, and financing of the oversight committee, providing details as to the committee makeup, its responsibilities, and the chain of command between the council, the oversight committee, and the school corporation.

The public, however, took a different approach, speaking directly to the larger issue of the school corporation’s facilities. From elected officials to local businesses, from teachers to students, the public asked Vigo County to act now. The two Terre Haute North High School students who closed the meeting asked for “real leadership” and action that “shows” that the county supports education. 

You can watch the recording of the special meeting here. And if you need a refresher on the County Council, see below:

Refresher:  What is the County Council? 

The Vigo County Council is the fiscal body for Vigo County, which—in sum—means it oversees the county’s treasury, including budgets, debt, county salaries, payments, and appropriations. The county council consists of seven members:  four district representatives and three at-large representatives. See the Vigo County Council Website.

Current County Council Members: 

David Thompson, Council President, District 1, elected 2022, term ends 2026, Republican

Nancy Allsup, District 2, elected 2022, term ends 2026, Democrat

Vicki Weger, District 3, elected 2022, term ends 2026, Democrat

Randall Gentry, District 4, elected (via Republican Caucus to fill vacancy) 2025, term ends 2026, Republican 

Brad Anderson, At Large, elected 2024, term ends 2028, Republican

Steve Ellis, At Large, elected 2024, term ends 2028, Republican 

Brenda Wilson, At Large, elected 2024, term ends 2028, Republican

What is the difference between the County Council and the County Commissioners?

The County Council manages the county’s money, while the County Commissioners are responsible for administration, including operations and policy implementation. The commissioners are the people who manage the daily business of the county. 

Current County Commissioners:

Mark Clinkenbeard, District 1, Republican, elected 2022, term ends 2026

Chris Switzer, District 2, Republican, elected 2024, term ends 2028

Mike Morris, Republican, District 3, Republican, elected 2024, term ends 2028