Board Meeting September 1 , 2026

The School City of Hammond Board Meeting held on September 1, 2026, focused primarily on financial updates, grant approvals, and contract authorizations. The board reviewed the July financial report highlighting fund balances and expenditures, noting typical fluctuations due to payroll cycles and debt service payments. Several grant approvals were passed, including $20,000 each for Hammond Central and Morton High School athletics from the City of Hammond Gaming Advisory Committee, the 2026-2027 Carl D. Perkins CTE Basic Grant, and a $317,945 Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program grant. The board also approved contracts with Edmentum Exact Path for individualized student learning, partnerships with the University of Indianapolis and University of Southern Indiana for educational support programs, and an agreement with Intermission for student mentoring and life skills development. Additionally, a resolution was adopted to authorize wage payments for classified employees during recent weather-related school closures. Community partnership efforts were highlighted by a presentation from the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority's Gary Alumni Chapter, proposing educational programs and scholarship opportunities. The meeting included public concerns about school conditions following severe weather, particularly regarding air conditioning and support for transportation staff. The board set future meeting dates and expressed appreciation for staff and community collaboration during challenging circumstances.