November 25, 2019

Northwestern Indiana District Plans Closing 2 High Schools

School City of Hammond Superintendent Scott Miller (left) speaks during a Hammond School Board meeting on Nov. 20, 2019. - School City of Hammond via YouTube

School City of Hammond Superintendent Scott Miller (left) speaks during a Hammond School Board meeting on Nov. 20, 2019.

School City of Hammond via YouTube

HAMMOND, Ind. (AP) — The head of a northwestern Indiana school district says it must close two high schools to avoid the possibility of a state takeover.

A plan approved by the Hammond School Board closes Clark and Gavit high schools following the 2020-2021 school year to save $36 million over five years. About 1,850 students each would attend Morton High School and a new school under construction next to the current Hammond High School.

The (Northwest Indiana) Times reports district Superintendent Scott Miller says he doesn’t want a state-picked private company running its schools like in Gary and Muncie after they both faced a financial crisis.

Miller says the district’s enrollment has fallen by nearly half to about 12,000 students over the past 50 years while continuing with four high schools.

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