Parents and supporters pleaded with the East Chicago School Board to keep the Carrie Gosch Early Learning Center open on Tuesday but facing painful budget realities, board members voted 3-2 to close the school.
Superintendent Stephan D. Bournes recommended the closing, citing more than a $2 million budget shortfall, in part from a new state law aimed at reducing property taxes for homeowners and businesses.
The board members who supported the closing still expressed conflicting emotions.
“We are really holding two truths at one time. The need is real and the financial reality is just as real. That’s exactly why this decision is so hard. We don’t want to do this….” said Mercedez Taylor, the board president.
Board members Diane Smith and Joel Rodriguez joined Taylor in the vote to close the school at 4001 Indianapolis Blvd.
The district’s website lists its enrollment at 129 but a school social worker said Tuesday it’s about 152 with about 45 children with disabilities who receive special care and instruction. It opened in 2017.
Next year, the district’s preschoolers will attend the elementary school in their neighborhood. The resolution approved by the board called it a cost-effective shift and blamed the property tax law, a measure promoted by Gov. Mike Braun and GOP lawmakers.
“SCEC is currently facing a period of financial uncertainty as a result of anticipated state and local revenue decreases following the passage of Indiana Senate Enrolled Act 1 in 2025…” the resolution stated.
A facility assessment showed a need to prioritize repairs and renovation to other schools, other than the learning center, the resolution said.
The early learning center is not mandated by law and doesn’t receive the same type of funding as other schools and Carrie Gosch’s expenses exceed the revenue it generates, the resolution said.
Bournes said the Carrie Gosch building might be repurposed, but plans weren’t finalized.
“So how can we save money if it’s still open and all the staff is going to other buildings still will be on a payroll?” asked Carrie Gosch social worker Suzanne Chick.
She said the learning center is vital to closing the achievement gap.
“We need high-quality early learning centers in our communities, where there’s significant poverty,” she said.
Carrie Gosch Principal Daria Rancifer said she was blindsided by the closing.
“I didn’t know the school was in trouble,” she said. “I was crushed and devastated.”
Carole Carlson is a freelance reporter at the Post-Tribune.
