The Duneland School Board gave its approval Monday to an updated agreement with the Duneland YMCA concerning the leasing of space for complementary businesses at the old Chesterton Middle School site.
The Chesterton Board of Zoning Appeals on June 25 granted the Duneland YMCA a blanket variance for businesses on site, giving them flexibility. The Duneland YMCA will not have to approach the BZA for permission every time a business wants to lease space.
The Duneland YMCA is converting a large portion of the middle school site into a Healthy Living Campus. The Duneland School Corporation still has offices and some programs at the building’s east end.
As part of the agreement, the Duneland YMCA gave a list of what would be considered complementary businesses. They included theater, music, art, child care, health, medical and dental and community uses.
One potential use was for Northwest Indiana Meals on Wheels to develop a small restaurant where people could come in and dine.
The agreement also calls for the Duneland School administration and school board to review every application from a prospective business.
Superintendent Chip Pettit said that the updated agreement continues to “strengthen the partnership” of the Duneland School Corporation and the Duneland YMCA.
Pettit said that the Duneland YMCA will be able to lease much available space on the second floor of the old middle school building that remains. Most of the western part of the building, up to the auditorium, has been demolished.
Construction site work has begun to clear the way for the construction of the 13,000-square-foot Dr. John and Linnea Forchetti Wellness Center. The addition will be located on the southwest side of the building and when it’s completed, the Duneland YMCA will close its operation at 215 Roosevelt Road.
In other business, the board set prices for meals at schools for 2025-26.
Breakfasts will cost $1.50 for elementary students and $1.75 for intermediate and high school students. Lunch will cost $2.75 for elementary students and $3 for intermediate and high school students.
The board also announced that Tonia Bartesole has been hired as the new child nutrition director for Duneland schools, replacing Tammy Watkins, who is retiring. Bartesole had been the child nutrition director with the Porter Township Schools.
Jim Woods is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.