Judge rules SBCSC does not have to sell Clay High School property to Charter Network
ST. JOSPEH COUNTY, Ind.— An administrative law judge in Indianapolis has ruled that the South Bend Community School Corporation does not have to sell the former Clay High School building to a charter school for one dollar, reversing an order from the Indiana Department of Education.
The decision marks a victory for the South Bend Community Schools in the legal battle over the old Clay High School.
The former Clay High School closed its doors in 2024 as part of the district’s consolidation plan. The building currently serves as a career and technical education (CTE) hub to support district programming. The judge cited its use by the school corporation as part of the decision in favor of the appeal.
In a statement shared with ABC57 following the decision, the South Bend Community School Corporation said:
“South Bend Community School Corporation has received the Final Administrative Decision dated February 16, 2026, regarding the former Clay High School building. We are pleased that the Administrative Law Judge reversed the Indiana Department of Education’s prior determination and affirmed SBCSC’s position.
Clay remains an important part of our community, and SBCSC will continue to utilize the facility in a manner that supports students and advances the Corporation’s long-term strategic priorities.
As this matter involves ongoing legal considerations, SBCSC will not provide additional comment at this time.”
The statement went on to say that Clay remains an important part of the community and the district’s long-term strategic priorities. Leaders would not comment beyond that due to ongoing legal considerations.
The judge’s ruling estimates the building to be worth more than $50 million but notes it is in need of delayed maintenance.
The Career Academy Network announced plans in December 2023 to invest in the property and reopen it as a charter school as it looked to expand.
It is not too late for the Indiana Department of Education or Career Academy Network to appeal the ruling.
Jeremy Lugbill, CEO of Career Academy Network, said the network is talking through options internally and will remain in communication with the South Bend Community School Corporation.
“Clay High School it’s really it’s a community asset and it should be leverage for the collective good in our workforce needs secondary and real learning experiences, so we are just excited to continue having those conversations,” Lugbill said.
ABC57 also reached out to South Bend schools about plans for other closed properties. The district did not comment beyond its original statement.