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East Chicago board tables parts of personnel report after debate over nonrenewals and stipends
Summary
Trustees debated several personnel items including the nonrenewal of three teachers with emergency permits and two administrative stipends tied to a career coaching grant. The board voted to table the stipend items and to table the nonrenewals for further review; the personnel report was later approved as amended.
Trustees for the School City of East Chicago spent extensive time May 29 discussing personnel items, including the nonrenewal of three teachers whose emergency permits expire June 30 and two administrative stipends tied to a career coaching grant.
A member of the public, Helen Steinbeck, raised concerns about involuntary transfers and nonrenewal procedures and asked the board to remove certain items from the personnel report so the district could provide more information. “My second item is item number 9, 10, and 11. There’s teachers listed as being non renewed and I'm concerned that the procedure that's supposed to be followed in the state of Indiana has not been followed,” Steinbeck said during public comment.
Superintendent Dr. Bornay and district staff explained the nonrenewals were tied to emergency teaching permits that expire June 30 and said principals recommended nonrenewal as part of standard staffing decisions. Dr. McJunkins (building-level administrator) said the principals recommended the nonrenewals and noted some emergency permit teachers could reapply if they obtain licensure. The superintendent also said copies of nonrenewal letters were available from Human Resources.
Trustees moved to delay action so staff could supply clarifying documents. The board voted to table agenda items 27 and 28 (stipends tied to the career coaching grant) and then voted to table items 9, 10 and 11 (the three nonrenewals) as well. Trustee Gomez repeatedly asked for clearer documentation and urged the district to prioritize helping emergency-permit teachers gain full licensing.
After tabling, the personnel report was brought back, amended to remove the tabled stipend items, and approved by majority vote. Trustee Gomez voted against the final personnel package and said the public lacks transparency when personnel reports omit identifying details.
The board’s action left open further follow-up: staff said they would provide the requested letters and clarifications about the career-coaching stipend (the grant allocation was described by staff as $15,000 total, with $10,000 for administrative stipends and $5,000 for field trips) and about the process the principals used to recommend nonrenewal.
The debate highlighted two continuing issues for the district: an ongoing teacher shortage (staff reported about 80 positions filled by emergency permits) and community concerns about transparency and timelines for personnel notices.
Trustees said they would continue to review the personnel documents in executive or follow-up sessions and to provide the affected employees opportunity to meet with district staff as needed.
