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District details Phase‑3 consolidation timeline and staffing plan; superintendent orders HR and transportation review

Elkhart Community Schools Board of Trustees · February 25, 2026

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Summary

Superintendent Doctor Hough and cabinet members outlined Phase 3 of the consolidation process and a staffing timeline (preference lists March 4; preference forms due March 13; reassignment notices by March 27; transfers window May 1–15). Doctor Hough also said he will authorize an investigation into HR and Transportation procedures after recent safety concerns were raised.

Superintendent Doctor Hough and district leaders presented a Phase‑3 update on Feb. 24, outlining how the district will shift from policy design to people‑centered implementation for its consolidation plan.

Hough said Phase 3 focuses on how to 'move people from A to B' with care and intentionality, and emphasized that while consolidation is necessary because of structural financial challenges, many implementation details are subject to revision in response to staff and family feedback. The administration recommended centralizing K‑12 nontraditional programs (Elkhart Academy, Pride Middle School Academy, and Pride Academy) into a single building to create a continuum of services and improve access to resources. District staff also proposed relocating PACE, Title I and Head Start preschool classrooms to Roosevelt STEAM Academy to co‑locate early learning programs.

On staffing, Maggie Lozano outlined the selection timeline: the district will share a list of available positions March 4 and provide impacted staff a preference form due March 13; reassignment notifications are planned for March 27; the internal transfer window runs May 1–15 with notifications by May 29; and remaining vacancies will be posted externally on or after June 1. Registration for 2026–27 will open March 9 and the transfer application window is April 13–May 8.

Doctor Hough also said he will authorize an internal review of HR and Transportation to verify hiring processes and strengthen student safety after public comments and media reports highlighted recent incidents; he committed to report findings to the board before spring break.

Administrators stressed that preserving cohorts and trusted adult relationships for students with significant disabilities is a priority and said they would continue to adapt plans in response to staff and family input. The board thanked staff for the update and asked for clear presentation materials and opportunities for further Q&A prior to formal recommendations.