South Bend Schools Reject Purdue Polytechnic HS
Purdue Polytechnic HS has two campuses in Indianapolis and plans to open a school in South Bend in 2020. (photo courtesy: Purdue Polytechnic High School)
Subscriber Benefit
As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowIndianapolis-based Purdue Polytechnic High School says it still intends to place a school in South Bend, even though the public school system will not be a part of it.
The South Bend Community School Corp. Board of Trustees this week voted unanimously to end negotiations with Purdue.
PPHS had hoped to use classroom space inside Washington High School in South Bend.
According to WNDU-TV, many community residents and public-school educators came out against the proposed charter school during numerous public forums.
In December, the Indiana Charter School Board approved PPHS’ plans to open a campus in South Bend. It would have been Purdue Polytechnic’s first campus outside of Marion county.
Despite the “no vote” from SBCSC, the charter school says it still intends to open a new STEM-focused school in South Bend this fall.
“We are still really excited to be coming to South Bend and providing a high-quality free option for high school students. Although the School Board has elected to not partner with us for now, we are still planning on having our first class start in August of 2020,” said PPHS in a statement.
The charter school says it’s currently looking at spaces in the South Bend area and will announce a location later this month February.
PPHS says the application process for students wanting to attend the South Bend location is now open.