Elkhart Community Schools

"We want to keep our kids in Elkhart," said Director of Secondary Schools Cary Anderson. "We want to provide them with an equitable online solution, and we think that we have the people in place and the programming already in place to be able to establish this virtual school."

Elkhart schools plan to consolidate preschool and alternative programs, create a virtual school, and relocate adult education amid declining enrollment.

Elkhart school bus driver Lisa Wig is under investigation. WNDU reports she was fired by Concord Schools in 2021. The district says she is not transporting students.

An Elkhart middle school teacher allegedly told police that his encounter with a 15-year-old was a “Grindr hookup.” Donald C. Shafer, 54, of Bristol, and the boy were allegedly found in a parked car early Wednesday, by a Goshen police officer conducting a routine patrol of Shanklin Park.

The Elkhart school board advances a consolidation plan that would shift students, relocate programs and recommend closing five elementary schools amid financial strain.

In a message to families Wednesday, the school district said it’s “aware of online discussions” about potential walkouts over federal immigration issues. If a walkout were to occur at Elkhart Community Schools, classes would continue as scheduled, and attendance would be recorded.

New Elkhart Community Schools Superintendent Michele Riise brings 38 years of experience, including two prior superintendent jobs, to lead the corporation through a building consolidation driven by declining enrollment and financial challenges.

Elkhart Community Schools Superintendent Larry Huff says he'll stay on the job through June, delivering his school closure recommendations because of declining enrollment to the board in February

Elkhart Superintendent Larry Huff will receive a $285,000 salary, compared to his $218,000 approved by the Elkhart Community Schools board in June, and he'll no longer have to lead what could be an unpopular school consolidation process in Elkhart.

Elkhart Schools won’t raise teacher salaries next year due to a budget deficit and state law. Superintendent Larry Huff says the pause is temporary.