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Elkhart schools outline Phase 3 consolidation moves, recommend early-learning and special-education relocations

Elkhart Community Schools Board of Trustees · March 25, 2026

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Summary

Superintendent Dr. Hough and cabinet members presented Phase 3 of the districtconsolidation plan: recommended moves include relocating Hawthorne Early Learning to Roosevelt STEAM Academy, adjusting intense special-education program locations to preserve peer groups, centralizing nontraditional K 12 programs at Woodland, and siting a new virtual school and adult education in identified facilities.

Elkhart Community Schools administrators presented Phase 3 of the district consolidation plan on March 24, detailing program relocations, staffing timelines and parent/staff engagement steps as the district prepares for the 2026-27 school year.

Superintendent Dr. Hough said the consolidation effort has moved quickly but has focused on preserving program stability and student supports. "Phase 3 is a lot that has to do with the staffing and about the people," he told the board, describing work with principals and facilities teams to ready receiving schools.

Cabinet members proposed specific relocations: move Hawthorne Early Learning Center programs into Roosevelt STEAM Academy to place early-childhood programs within developmentally appropriate spaces; adjust locations for the district's intense special-education programs to preserve peer groups while increasing access nearer students' homes; and house all K-12 nontraditional programs (Bridal Academy, Pride Middle School Academy, Elkhart Academy) at Woodland Elementary to centralize support and proximity to Elkhart High School and the Elkhart Area Career Center.

Logan Anderson presented the district's plan for a new virtual school for grades 6-12, to be located at Woodland and using the district's existing Edmentum platform. Anderson said the districthad lost hundreds of students to online options and aims to provide an in-district virtual option while keeping students connected to Elkhart.

Administrators also proposed relocating adult-education programming to the freshman division because the space is secure and better served by public transit; reported that more than 90% of certified staff who submitted placement preferences received one of their top three choices; and reminded families of registration and transfer windows (registration open, transfer applications available April 13, close May 8).

No final board votes on consolidations occurred at the meeting; administrators said they will continue targeted outreach and return with implementation details and staffing placements as the spring progresses.