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Hammond trustees approve acting-superintendent agreement amid public calls for clearer hiring process and preserved student supports
Summary
Trustees unanimously approved an acting-superintendent agreement and several consent items May 12 while public commenters urged more transparency in the superintendent process and opposed cuts to elementary student support specialists.
The School City of Hammond board on May 12 approved an acting-superintendent agreement and a slate of consent items, even as multiple community members urged clearer process and warned against staffing cuts.
Trustee Spencer moved to approve the acting-superintendent agreement; the motion was seconded and approved by roll call with Trustees Candelera, Spencer, Guierra and Blake King voting yes.
Several speakers during public expression asked the board to allow more time and clarity for a superintendent search. Dr. Michaela Spangenberg (Gary Education Coalition) told trustees the current acting agreement expires June 30 and asked that the board amend the agenda item to extend the timeline or add a contingency, arguing a "quality process gives you a quality result." She said the community perceives repeated "rushed" approvals and requested greater transparency.
Other public commenters focused on proposed reductions to elementary student support specialists. Reena Han said eliminating those positions "removes a critical piece in the MTSS system" and warned that the cuts could increase disciplinary incidents and long-term costs. Sarah Duffy, a current student support specialist, said her daily work includes crisis response, weekly check-ins and mediation; "A child cannot reach their academic potential if they do not feel safe, secure, and seen," she told the board.
Trustees responded during the meeting by noting prior uses of acting agreements and that previous temporary agreements had been approved to allow time for a final contract. Trustee Spencer also noted the board had taken time with prior acting agreements.
On the consent agenda the board approved items A through G, including the accounts-payable docket ($1,362,237.83) and payroll ($2,989,237.44) totals read into the record by Trustee Candelera. The board also approved the building service employees handbook and accepted 14 Hammond Community Corporation grants totaling $16,435.
The board recorded no formal change to the staffing decisions during public comment; public speakers asked the board to reconsider or clarify future actions. Trustees did not amend the acting agreement on the floor after the public comments and proceeded with the scheduled roll-call votes.
