South Bend Students Return to Class Amid Significant Changes and New Initiatives

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SOUTH BEND, Ind. — As students in South Bend head back to school for the new academic year, they are greeted by a landscape marked by substantial changes and renewed commitments to educational excellence.

This year marks the first school term without Clay High School and Warren Elementary, which will not reopen their doors. The shift comes alongside broader reforms in the South Bend School Corporation, including a new state mandate restricting cellphone use in classrooms and the reintegration of four schools previously managed by the Empowerment Zone, such as Navarre Middle School.

The district is actively working to restore these schools under its direct leadership, aiming to stabilize and improve educational outcomes across the board. This effort is particularly timely as the Corporation’s CFO and assistant superintendent, Kareema Fowler, announced her resignation, adding to the leadership transitions within the district.

Amidst these changes, transportation issues have been a significant concern for parents, with ongoing reports of late or missing buses—a problem persisting for the past two years. South Bend School Superintendent Todd Cummings, in an exclusive interview, addressed these issues while emphasizing the district’s focus on enhancing math and literacy performance.

Efforts to boost educational standards include providing additional training for teachers, particularly those with associate degrees, to ensure classrooms are fully staffed. Encouragingly, recent data shows improvements in reading proficiency, with third graders demonstrating increased literacy levels, as highlighted by the latest IREAD report.

In a positive development for students and families, the South Bend School Corporation has announced that it will provide free breakfast and lunch to every student, regardless of income, ensuring that all children have access to nutritious meals throughout the school day.

Superintendent Cummings expressed optimism about these initiatives, underscoring the district's commitment to navigating the challenges and leveraging opportunities to enhance student success and well-being.