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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 called misinformation in an earlier work session. “I am the there is no performing arts. I am performing arts,” Murphy said, describing curriculum and long-term work to rebuild the district’s music program.
Multiple trustees and community speakers urged that district teachers be offered the work first and that any outside provider meet clear standards. Trustee Gomez said the draft MOU lacked details: participant counts, cost breakdowns, insurance status and sponsors. Attorney Jill Harris responded that the MOU contained an indemnification clause requiring the program sponsor to indemnify the district, and that staff and counsel could add clarifying language.
Administrators told the board the proposed program could be funded from federal and grant sources (administration said an introductory program could be paid from Title IV; last summer’s band program used ESSER funds). The original proposal discussed in board materials had requested larger amounts in prior versions; staff said the amount for this summer had been reduced and characterized as an introductory enrichment effort.
Several community members — including alumni and local leaders — urged approval to give students structured summer activity. Trustee Rodriguez and others emphasized the program’s potential to keep students engaged; Trustee Gomez and Trustee Smith urged more detail before implementation. The board approved the MOU on a roll-call vote and directed counsel and staff to clarify remaining contract details and to return amended language if needed.
Trustees, staff and the band director agreed on two practical points going forward: (1) the district should prioritize internal staff for summer programming where appropriate, and (2) any outside providers must have insurance and clear operational plans. Staff said they would return with any amended language and implementation details.
