As blue confetti rained down last November, about 500 Porter Lakes Elementary students and teachers celebrated its first National Blue Ribbon School honor for high academic achievement.
A similar scene played out in Munster as students and staff at St. Thomas More rejoiced in the same honor.
Students at Eads Elementary School cheer during an assembly to celebrate the Munster school’s national Blue Ribbon Award on Monday, Sept. 19, 2022. (Michael Gard/Post-Tribune)
The two schools were Northwest Indiana’s only Blue Ribbon recipients last year.
They may be the last.
The Trump administration ended the program without warning last month after nominations had already been submitted as it downsizes its role in education, saying it’s better handled by the states.
Established in 1982 under President Ronald Reagan, the program recognizes high-performing schools and schools that narrowed academic gaps between student groups.
Saint Paul Catholic School kindergarteners, dressed in pajamas to celebrate Catholic Schools Week, hold blue flags in celebration of the school’s blue ribbon accreditation on Monday, January 30, 2023. (Kyle Telechan for the Post-Tribune)
State education leaders received notification of the program’s demise last month from the U.S. Department of Education.
“State leaders are best positioned to recognize excellence in local schools based on educational achievements that align with their communities’ priorities for academic accomplishment and improvement,” said Madi Biedermann, a spokesperson for the department.
“In the spirit of Returning Education to the States, USED is ending its role in the program,” she said in a letter to state education officials.
Many local school leaders expressed disappointment in the end of the program.
Central Elementary students applaud during a program celebrating the school’s selection as a National Blue Ribbon School for 2022 by the U.S. Department of Education on Friday, September 16, 2022. Central Elementary was one of 297 schools nationwide that earned the honor. (Andy Lavalley for the Post-Tribune)
Three schools in Munster received the honor, most recently at Eads Elementary in 2022.
“The decision to end the National Blue Ribbon Schools program is about more than losing a federal accolade. It takes away one of the few chances we had to shine a light, across the entire nation, on the powerful things happening in our schools,” said Munster Superintendent Matthew Hicks.
“For years, the Blue Ribbon distinction lifted up schools in every corner of the country, calling attention not only to top performance but also to the relentless work of educators who help close gaps and expand opportunity.
“Moments of recognition — like the celebration held at Eads Elementary — carried meaning well beyond a plaque or banner. They affirmed the everyday effort of teachers and staff, gave students a sense of pride, and reminded whole communities that educational excellence is something to be noticed and valued,” he said.
The Kolling School Cougar mascot and Principal Cassandra Cruz (front) along with the committee that worked on getting the National Blue Ribbon Schools Award for Kolling School are, (from left) Michelle Vogt, D’Ann McDermott, Erin Cook, Jennifer Havens, Lizzy Meyers, Jackie Naughton, Briana Goodfriend, and Kelly Horton. They greeted students as they arrived on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2020. (John Smierciak / Post-Tribune)
Porter Township Superintendent Stacey Schmidt said a medallion marking the school’s Blue Ribbon honor last year still hangs on the front of the school.
“We worked hard to celebrate it as a school staff, as a school with our students and families, and as a district. It was great to also be recognized as one of Indiana’s Blue Ribbon Schools,” Schmidt said.
The Indiana Department of Education didn’t respond to an email on whether it would continue some form of the program. Schmidt expressed confidence in Secretary of Education Katie Jenner’s commitment to promoting high-achieving schools.
“I can only imagine she will find a creative way to celebrate excellence moving forward,” Schmidt said.
The Valparaiso Community Schools leads Northwest Indiana with five Blue Ribbon schools, dating back to Valparaiso High School in 1983.
“The Blue Ribbon Schools program has long been a meaningful recognition for schools demonstrating excellence and commitment to student growth and achievement,” said Valparaiso Superintendent Jim McCall.
“We are proud that several schools in Valparaiso have been honored in the past; these awards have truly inspired pride and celebration within our school community.”
McCall said even though Trump’s Department of Education discontinued the program, a commitment to recognizing high-achieving and high-growth schools remains essential.
“We look forward to seeing how the Indiana Department of Education chooses to recognize outstanding schools moving forward. Ultimately, maintaining a culture of excellence and continuous improvement in our schools is what matters most, regardless of the recognition,” he said.
The Diocese of Gary has three Blue Ribbon schools, including St. Patrick in Chesterton, St. Paul in Valparaiso and last year, St. Thomas More in Munster.
“I am saddened that the National Blue Ribbon Schools program is being terminated. Losing this program takes away the opportunity to celebrate excellence in our schools at the national level,” said Diocese Superintendent of Schools Colleen Brewer.
“I know the Indiana Department of Education is working on creating a parallel award for schools in the state, and I look forward to seeing how that program will be implemented.”
This year’s nominations were already in the pipeline and recognition in Washington was anticipated in two months, she said.
“Having something in place at the state level will be nice, but it won’t replace the prestige of the national recognition that school leaders would strive to achieve,” Brewer said.
U.S. Rep. Frank Mrvan, D-Highland, voiced support for schools.
“I am disappointed in the cancellation of this program and will continue to do all I can as a federal legislator and member of the House Appropriations Committee to support our educators and recognize their exceptional work to build thriving communities.”
State Rep. Vernon Smith, D-Gary, who sits on the House Education Committee, doesn’t think the U.S. Department of Education should be eliminated by Trump.
“One of the reasons we need national input and leadership, as well as oversight, is because many of our states may not value education,” Smith said. “That’s one of the reasons we became such a great power.”
Smith doesn’t favor the state-by-state approach. He said the national Blue Ribbon program inspired a desire in schools to create excellence.
“I’m sorry to see it go. I think we need those kinds of challenges,”
Carole Carlson is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
