La Porte Community Schools to close Lincoln Elementary, expand preschool program

LA PORTE, Ind. -- The La Porte Community School Board voted Tuesday night to close Lincoln Elementary and repurpose it for a district-wide pre-school.

In a special meeting of the school board, members voted unanimously (7-0) to approve the resolution that addresses planning for the 2025-26 school year. 

Three keys to that plan include the decommissioning of Lincoln Elementary, establishing La Porte Community School Corporation Early Childhood Center in the Lincoln building, and expanding the district's Career and Technical Education program at the former Boston Middle School building.

With the closing of Lincoln Elementary, school administrators redistrict students in programs to nearby elementary schools. Planning for redistricting and reassigning those students will begin at the regularly scheduled January board meeting.

The new space will allow for preschool program expansion and expanding the CTE program at the former Boston Middle School building will help the school board explore partnerships with local industry partners and hire partners to expand opportunities for students, according to school officials.

The goal is to work with the community to be able to provide a service in regard to their CTE preparation certification programming and have them serve as a direct pipeline to industry partners in the city.

School officials say the decision comes after years of lost revenue from declining enrollment throughout the district.