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Parents praise student-led repainting project; another speaker alleges board resignation cover-up
Summary
Public comment at the Jan. 14 Elkhart board meeting included praise for a student-led project to rebrand freshman division walls and a parent's allegation that a board member's reported resignation was mishandled and possibly covered up by district staff.
During the board's public comment period Jan. 14, parent and district employee Jeff Miller praised freshmen who repainted stairwells and walls at the freshman division to reflect Elkhart High School Lions branding, saying the students spent 37 hours over winter break on the project.
"These kids have been told that this isn't their job," Miller said, describing resistance the students received from some adults after undertaking the work. He said the project cost about $500 in materials and asked the board to "build up our young people instead of crushing their spirit." Miller also urged the board to revisit employee recognition rules that delay service awards when employees take breaks in service.
Angela Whitlow, a parent, addressed the board later in public comment with allegations about the handling of board resignations. Whitlow said she discovered differing records for two board members: she said Jeff Bylar's open seat was posted after a reported Dec. 10 resignation but that Daisy Davis's September announcement that she planned to resign was not posted with accompanying paperwork. Whitlow said she spoke with the clerk's office, which confirmed Davis had not filed formal paperwork though she had reportedly called to ask about the process. "I asked, 'What games are being played here?'" Whitlow said, calling the situation "the outright deceitful behavior" and urging a written apology if Davis remains on the board.
Board President Troy Scott responded later in the meeting with procedural information about filling a separate vacancy in District B. He outlined the timeline for letters of interest and resumes (deadline Jan. 24) and a January 29 interview and appointment schedule to fill that seat within the 30-day statutory window. The board also said district maps and clerk's office resources can help residents confirm whether they live in District B.
No district staff provided a substantive denial during the public-comment speakers' remarks; the district said earlier in the meeting that resignation and appointment paperwork is processed through the clerk's office and provided contact steps for residents seeking information.
