Schools in the Region approved new hires to various leadership within the school system, while also approving upgrades to the schools.
The highlights of what happened this last week:
Duneland School Corporation, When: April 6
Key takeaways:
The Duneland School Board was informed that certain items for the $14 million it issued in bonds for capital projects went under budget. With that in mind, the board approved spending just under $3.6 million for more upgrades to Chesterton High Schools’ baseball and softball fields.
The upgrades include new fencing, backstops and field turf for those athletic fields.
The School Board previously approved issuing over $14 million in bonds for a new soccer complex and new carpet and updating the building trades space at CHS and new playgrounds for the elementary schools.
The Board also amended the district’s lease with YMCA Duneland to transfer split ownership of that site's pool to sole custody, and liability, to YMCA in 2027.
Lake Central School Corp., When: April 7
Key Takeways:
The Lake Central School Corporation announced a new Assistant Superintendent and new Principal at Clark Middle School after two long-time educators announced their retirements at the end of the school year.
Larry Veracco, the school district’s superintendent since 2010, will retire, leaving his seat open for Assistant Superintendent Sarah Castaneda to succeed him. Clark Principal Scott Graber, that school’s principal since it opened in 2008, will also retire. The district brought in Chesterton High School Associate Principal Kristen Peterson to succeed Graber.
The School Board also honored students participating in the choir, band, girls and boys swimming, diving and more.
Gary Community School Corporation, When: April 7
Key Takeaways:
A spokesperson for the school district announced that over 30 applicants have signed up for the school district’s first “Knowledge Seekers” program.
The program is designed to give community members an inside look on how schools and school boards operate through eight training sessions.
The School Board also hired Mark Hidalgo to be the next head football coach for West Side Leadership Academy.
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