Elkhart Community Schools details staffing, buses and construction ahead of 6th‑grade move to middle schools

Elkhart Community Schools officials presented an update on the district’s plan to move sixth‑grade students into the three middle schools, outlining staffing timelines, transportation changes, phased construction and supports for English learners and students with disabilities.

The presentation, delivered at the district’s Jan. 28 public work session, covered staffing and placement plans, a Transfinder routing study that shrank secondary walk zones from 2 miles to 1 mile, facility upgrades at Northside, Westside and Pierre Moran middle schools and instructional scheduling for sixth grade.

Why it matters: The transition affects student assignments, daily schedules, bus eligibility and building work before next school year. Officials said they are trying to keep ride times and overall costs stable while expanding access to district transportation and classroom services.

Staffing and timeline Maggie Lozano, director of human services, told the board the staffing committee met in December and is finalizing a selection process and timeline. The committee plans to offer staff a selection form in early February and to notify teachers of placements by March 28. Lozano said placement decisions will consider core‑content needs and supports such as English learner instruction, high‑ability programming and special education. The staffing committee was scheduled to meet again the week after the presentation to finalize the selection form.

Transportation and routing Brandon Berger, director of transportation, said the district worked with Transfinder to run an efficiency study and reduce secondary walk zones from two miles to one. Berger said the change “will potentially add…