Northwest Indiana Discussion

Here are the highlights of the meeting:

An announcement was made at the beginning of the meeting this evening, as to the passing of Rebecca(Becky) Ward, a Hammond School Board Trustee for 20 years.

Special Presentation/Recognition:

The Morton Dance Team gave a performance this evening.
The Chess Teams were honored for their accomplishments this evening. They won numerous trophies in competitions, both locally and State.
The Hammond Reads Essay Contest winners were announced this evening.

Consent Agenda:

#24 Beginning with the 2012-2013 school year, there will no longer be School Choice, which gives students the opportunity to attend a better performing school. The students who are currently in this program, will be allowed to finish the highest grade in their choice school, but will have to be provided with their own transportation.
#25 Beginning with the 2012-2013 school year, all Supplemental Education Services(SES) and transportation for the SES will be discontinued. All monies allocated for this program will be channeled to the individual buildings to support intervention programs.

Calender:

The next School Board Meeting will be Monday April 30, 2012 6pm at 41 Williams Street.

Public Expression 2nd Session(no speakers 1st session):

Several people signed up to speak this evening declined, out of respect for the passing of Becky Ward. Some speakers who chose to speak this evening, expressed their sadness over the death of Becky Ward. Some other speakers talked about the ongoing problems still allegedly present in the SCH.

My Take:

I am extremely sad at the passing of Becky Ward. She was a reachable, genuinely concerned School Board Member. She treated everyone with dignity and respect.
The students who performed this evening, and were honored for their accomplishments, were absolutely fantastic !!!
One of the Hammond Reads contest winners, David Innes, who read his winning entry, touched many people with his piece. His testament of Faith, imbedded in his essay on the Bible, made me feel proud to know him as a former compadre at Cable, and as a friend.