Elkhart Community Schools

"This day means everything to me," said Osolo Elementary first grade teacher Annette Hines. "I’ve been here almost 30 years. This fall would’ve been 30 years since I student taught at this building."

Elkhart Community Schools received a national award for its partnership bringing dental exams, cleanings and treatment to students at school.

Elkhart Community Schools trustees will vote at their April 21 meeting on whether to make Michele Riise's promotion to superintendent effective immediately, rather than on July 1 as initially planned.

"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.