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Board approves drumline enrichment MOU after heated debate over timing, staffing and liability
Summary
Trustees approved a memorandum of understanding with a community drumline provider following extended public testimony from the district band director and community members who argued for local staff to lead summer programming. Trustees asked staff and counsel to clarify contract details after the vote.
The School City of East Chicago board narrowly approved a memorandum of understanding May 29 with Think Big Entertainment to provide a drumline and performing-arts enrichment program, approving the MOU despite extended public and trustee concern about timing, staffing and contract details.
Band director Walter Murphy (identified in materials as the district’s instrumental music lead) spoke at length and asked the board to prioritize district-employed teachers for summer positions. He told the board he had submitted a summer-band proposal in February and did not receive timely confirmation, and he criticized what he…
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