The School City of Hammond has begun to notify some of its employees they are being laid off before the end of the school year, as the district starts to implement cost-cutting measures meant to address its grim financial situation.
According to the school city's spokesperson Donna Petraits, some noncertified employees were notified last week through a letter from Superintendent Scott Miller that their final day of work will be April 19.
Noncertified workers include custodians, clerical staff and recess and health aides, and employees in the technology and transportation departments.
Petraits said it would be expected that more than 200 certified and noncertified employees will be impacted by the layoffs.
Certified staff includes teachers.
The job terminations were part of the corrective action plan the district submitted to the Distressed Unit Appeals Board in February, according to the school city's spokesperson Donna Petraits.
On March 19, Hammond School Board trustees approved a resolution that directed Superintendent Scott Miller to take all actions necessary to implement the corrective action plan.
It instructed Miller to provide written notice to impacted employees by the end of the school year.
The cost-cutting measures are meant to address financial shortfalls that have been caused, in large part, by declining student enrollment and the nonrenewal of the district's operating referendum last November.
In December, the school board approved plans for reduce the district's administration by 40%, which represented around 12 position.
In addition, Petrait said with the likelihood of building closures ahead, fewer staff will be necessary.
"It is possible there will be pinch points, but essential educational operations will always be the most important consideration," Petraits said.
Four elementary schools — Franklin, Morton, Lew Wallace and Kenwood — have all been rumored to be slated for closure.
The likely school consolidation has been met with significant opposition from parents, teachers and residents.
Since 2019, five Hammond schools have been closed down, including Gavit and Clark middle/high schools.
A decision on school closures could come as soon as the next school board meeting, set for April 23.
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