East Chicago board approves consolidation of Carrie Gosch Early Learning Center amid $3.2M shortfall

The School Board of Trustees for the School City of East Chicago voted 3–2 on Jan. 27 to approve a resolution recommending consolidation of the Carrie Gosch Early Learning Center, the district said, citing a projected general‑fund shortfall and changes in state funding.

Superintendent Dr. Bornay framed the vote as part of a larger effort to “right‑size” the district to match facility and staffing levels with enrollment, warning that without hard decisions the district’s payroll could be at risk in the near term. Leila Simmons, executive director of business operations, told the board the cost to operate Carrie Gosch in the 2024–25 year was approximately $2.1–$2.3 million; she also said certain Title grants carry over and that the district is awaiting cash requests from the state.

Board members divided sharply. Trustee Smith moved the resolution and Trustee Rodriguez seconded; the motion passed with Trustees Rodriguez, Smith and President Taylor voting in favor and Trustees Gibson King and Gomez opposed. Opponents warned the consolidation would disrupt a highly specialized early‑learning program that serves children with complex needs.

Principal Rancifer, who leads Carrie Gosch, described the center’s services to children with disabilities — including students who use wheelchairs, require feeding support and need intensive one‑on‑one services — and said the building holds equipment and facilities (play rooms, adapted playground, therapy spaces) purchased with grants that “cannot be replaced.” She urged the board to allow staff time to seek fundraising and alternative supports before closing; the principal said staff and families were notified only shortly before the recommendation was made.

Several parents and staff offered examples of student progress at Carrie Gosch. Parent Sabrina Gonzalez said her son, who had significant medical challenges, improved profoundly after individualized help at the center. Student representative Jonathan Ayala recounted how Carrie Gosch helped his brother with autism and urged the board to keep services within the district.

Trustees voting for the resolution said the decision was painful but necessary to stabilize the district’s finances after a decline in property‑tax revenue and state funding changes. The superintendent said the administration’s recommendation is to repurpose the building, not demolish it, and promised communications about how services would be delivered to affected students during the transition.

Votes at a glance • 6.01 — Resolution approving consolidation of Carrie Gosch Early Learning Center: motion by Trustee Smith; second by Trustee Rodriguez; outcome: approved (3–2). • 6.02 — ESS addendum for paraprofessionals (rates for two positions): motion by Trustee Rodriguez; second Trustee Smith; outcome: approved. • 6.04 — Acceptance of high‑ability grant: approved by roll call. • 6.05 — Professional development request: approved by roll call. • 6.06 — School board calendar dates: approved by roll call. • 6.07 — Personnel report: approved (recorded dissent noted). • 6.08 — Facility use request (East Chicago Central parking lot): approved with condition that certificate of insurance and facility use agreement be provided.

What happens next The resolution creates a public record of the administration’s recommendation; the superintendent and staff said services for students in need of specialized early‑education supports will be transitioned into other district sites or alternative arrangements, and the board and administration will provide further details to families and the community. The board scheduled its next meeting for Feb. 10, 2026.

"This is the hardest decision I've had to make," President Taylor said during the meeting when explaining her vote; she added that the board must govern using the financial facts before it. Principal Rancifer said she was "devastated" by the prospect of closure but urged the district to consider the irreversible loss of grant‑funded, age‑appropriate equipment and partnerships if children are dispersed.