Marlon Mitchell, left, and Scott Miller

Superintendent changes keep school districts busy this summer

Contributed By: The 411 News

Following Gary’s heralded superintendent appointment, neighboring school districts just announced shuffles in their leadership positions.

Thea Bowman Leadership Academy’s Board of Trustees picked Dr. Marlon Mitchell as its new superintendent. The appointment, announced July 1, is effective immediately said board president Eve Gomez.

Dr. Mitchell is leaving East Chicago’s school district where he served as interim school superintendent and Director of Human Resources.

Stephen Bournés was approved as the new superintendent of the School City of East Chicago during a special meeting of the board on Monday, July 1.

According to the NWI Times, Bournés previous position “was the deputy superintendent of Chester Community Charter School near Philadelphia. He had previous stints as the assistant superintendent of Rich Township High School District 227 in Matteson, Illinois, and as chief academic officer for Montgomery Public Schools in Alabama.”

In the biggest switch, School City of Hammond Superintendent Scott Miller is leaving to join the staff of Hammond Mayor Tom McDermott.

Mayor McDermott announced yesterday that Miller will become his next chief of staff.

“Scott is a perfect fit for my administration, and I’m excited to have him as part of our team,” the mayor stated. “He’s operated as an executive with the School City and he brings that experience with him to the city. He wanted a change of scenery and I’m happy he put his name in the hat to be considered. The School City’s loss is the City of Hammond’s gain.”

In a statement from School City of Hammond Board of Trustees, President Lisa Miller (no relation to the superintendent) said, “Mr. Miller has faced an incredibly difficult time in the history of our district. His cooperation with the school board in carrying out the hard decisions has tested him in ways I’m sure he never dreamed of when he was hired. He has remained steadfast through it all and always prioritized what was best for our children.”

COVID, enrollment loss, the non-renewal of a referendum and a host of other issues led to difficult and often unpopular decisions.

Miller was appointed superintendent in 2019 of Lake County’s largest school district. In November 2023, the Hammond school district came under the mandate of Indiana’s Distressed Unit Appeal Board to balance its budget. Balancing the budget meant closing 3 elementary schools and 170-plus staff cuts.

Mayor McDermott said, “Mr. Miller will begin duties at the city as Chief of Staff in July, although a specific date has not been set so that he can wrap up his duties and responsibilities at the School City.”

Story Posted:07/03/2024