The Indiana State Board of Education this week will hold public hearings at two failing schools in Northwest Indiana to determine the future of the schools.
Beveridge Elementary School in Gary, and Joseph L. Block Junior High in East Chicago received five consecutive ratings of F on the state’s annual A-F grading system.
Current state law says if a school receives six years of failing grades, the State board will determine a turnaround plan for the school.
State board of education chief of staff Brian Murphy says the hearings are crucial in determining the next step in these situations.
“If the school does receive a sixth F, and we expect those grades to come out this winter, then the board can begin looking at what options it wants to, if any, take,” Murphy says.
The options include hiring an outside company to come in and operate or consult with the school, or creating a team within the district to help improve the school.
The State board will officially vote on plans for the schools later this year.
