GOSHEN, Ind. - Goshen Community Schools' Chandler Elementary School will be repurposed into a career and technical education center, according to district leaders.

Administrators will redistrict the elementary schools for the 2023-2024 school year.

The decision to repurpose the school comes after years of discussion between the Indiana legislature and the Indiana Department of Education about "reinventing" the high school experience.

Officials want to create a pathway that leads directly to skilled, high-wage, high-demand careers in the Elkhart County area as skilled workers retire from trade jobs.  

The new career center will serve students at Goshen High School.

Chandler Elementary's building was chosen as the location of the career center because of its proximity to Goshen High School, according to Goshen Schools.

Chandler is also centralized between three other elementary schools, making it easier for current Chandler students to attend a different school nearby.

The decision had nothing to do with student or staff performance at Chandler, according to school officials.

Goshen Community Schools will host a parent meeting for Chandler families on March 6 to go over the new plan, including the updated map outlining elementary districts.

Current Chandler students will be divided amongst Parkside, Chamberlain and West Goshen schools.

The meeting will be held at 6 p.m. at Chandler Elementary School.

Residents with questions about the repurposing can call or email the Administration Center at 574-533-8631 or at [email protected].