South Bend Schools Appeals State Ruling on Clay High School Lease or Purchase

Photo by(WSBT photo)

South Bend, Ind. — South Bend Schools is challenging a recent ruling by the Indiana Department of Education that mandates the district to make the now-closed Clay High School available for lease or purchase. This decision comes after the South Bend Career Academy expressed interest in acquiring the building.

The state’s ruling stems from a legal requirement that unused school properties be offered for sale or lease. South Bend Schools, however, contends that it has ongoing plans for the facility. District leaders maintain that Clay High School is still vital to their future plans, particularly for expanding Career and Technical Education (CTE) programming, which they argue justifies its continued use.

Despite the state’s determination that the district has not provided sufficient evidence to be exempt from the law, South Bend Schools’ leadership remains resolute. "Our position has not changed," a district representative stated, emphasizing their commitment to utilizing the building for educational purposes that benefit the community.

The appeal underscores the district’s intention to preserve the school for its strategic educational initiatives, rather than relinquish it for external use. As the legal process unfolds, the district's dedication to its CTE programming and the future of Clay High School remains a focal point of its efforts.