Northwest Indiana Discussion

Here are the highlights of the meeting:

All board members were present, but Ms. Murphy was a bit late.

Special Recognition:

Students from Scott Middle School received trophys and plaques this evening for their accomplishments in reading, as part of the Million Word Club.

Students from each of the 4 high schools were awarded the $1,000 Swede Carlson Scholarship this evening by the Hammond Teachers Federation.

Consent Agenda/Personnel Reports;

Item 19 on the consent agenda was edited to include all board members in the training session offered in Indianapolis.
Dozens of layoffs/terminations are included in the personnel report this evening.

Calender:

The next regular school board meeting will be Monday June 25, 2012 5:30pm at 41 Williams Street.

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

Several SCH employees, and a parent, complained about the terminations/layoffs of Special Education and Media personnel. They all were in a consensus that this hurts the students who need the help the most.
A student from Hammond High tearfully told the school board, that because of a glitch in the PLATO system, her classes were not recorded, and that she will not be able to graduate with her class tomorrow.

My take:

Congrats to the students for their achievements ! Congrats to the graduating seniors who received the scholarships this evening !
The Hammond High student is not the only one caught up in the glitches in the system. Many others are also, most of whom are in the top percentage of their class. THIS is NOT acceptable.