According to a report in the Times of Northwest Indiana, tensions ran high as over 50 concerned residents, school employees, and teachers convened at the Hammond Public Library on Thursday to address recent layoffs and potential school closures within the School City of Hammond.
The community meeting, spearheaded by parent Shannon Servin, provided a platform for voices to be heard regarding the abrupt displacement of essential school staff and the looming threat of shuttered educational institutions. In February, Servin delivered a petition to the school board calling for the resignation of Superintendent Scott Miller, reflecting widespread discontent within the community.
One of the primary grievances voiced during the meeting centered around the detrimental impact of recent layoffs on crucial school personnel, including custodians, clerical staff, and recess aides. Concerns were raised regarding the potential ramifications of reduced staffing levels, particularly in terms of maintaining clean and sanitary school environments and preventing staff burnout.
Of particular concern were the layoffs affecting the language development program, which provides vital support to English language learners. Paraprofessionals from the program expressed dismay over notifications received earlier in the week, signaling the imminent loss of their positions.
The anticipated increase in caseloads for language development teachers raised alarm among attendees, highlighting the potential strain on resources and quality of instruction for vulnerable students.
Calls to action reverberated throughout the meeting, with attendees urged to engage elected officials and demand accountability from school administration. Suggestions ranged from advocating for a congressional inquiry into school spending to organizing parent strikes as a means of exerting pressure on the district’s leadership.
The financial challenges facing Hammond schools, attributed to declining student enrollment and escalating health insurance costs, underscored the necessity for difficult cost-cutting measures. The impending vote on school closures, slated for the next board meeting, has fueled apprehension within the community, with four elementary schools reportedly under consideration.
As the Hammond community grapples with the repercussions of these decisions, the rallying cry for collective action and advocacy serves as a testament to the resilience and determination of its members in safeguarding the future of its educational institutions.
Terre Haute Vice News 