(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — An excessive number of staff call-offs prompted a system-wide cancellation of classes in Hammond, Ind., on Wednesday.
The cancellation of classes came one day after the school board voted 3 to 2 to close Wallace, Morton, and Kenwood Elementary schools--despite dozens of parents, teachers, staff and other community members voicing their opposition to the move at Tuesday night's board meeting.
April Avila is a parent and preschool aide at Kenwood.
“I questioned the safety of our schools for our children, particularly where we’re reducing the number of support staff, recess and lunch aides, secretaries, assistant, principals, and nurses,” she said.
Trustee Carlotta Blake-King left her seat briefly to joined those speaking out against the closures during public comments.
“I just don’t know where we are,” Blake-King said. “It’s like I’m in the twilight tone. Every day is something different. Every day is, ‘This is going on’ and the rumor mill. As a board member I’m the last person to know half of what’s going on. “
Blake-King and Kelly Spencer were the two trustees who voted against the closure, which the school board hopes will help the system save money and avoid state intervention.
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