Community Schools, Not Competition: Building a Shared Future

South Bend’s recent debate over Clay High School shows how a city can get caught up in institutional pride instead of student needs. The real story is about preparing young people for a workforce that increasingly demands more than just a diploma.

Nearly seventy percent of Indiana’s upcoming jobs in fields like manufacturing, healthcare and data science will require a high‑school credential plus extra training. This fact should push schools, both public and charter, to work together rather than compete for students or funding.

In St. Joseph County, almost one in six families lives below the poverty line and one in five children does too. Those numbers remind us that schools are a lifeline for many families who rely on education to lift themselves out of hardship.

Instead of treating Clay High School as a trophy, the community should view it—and every school building—as an asset that can serve multiple purposes: career pathways, apprenticeships, college prep, and industry partnerships. Every square foot should help students reach their goals.

Collaboration between school types is not a new idea; it’s a practical solution to keep South Bend competitive with other regions that already align education and employment. Leaders must ask: What does our community need most? Then they can unite around that answer, share resources, and design programs that benefit all students.

Moving past ownership battles means being ready to face criticism and making tough choices for the long‑term good of the city. When schools focus on outcomes instead of control, they become powerful engines for economic growth and civic engagement.

If South Bend can put aside rivalry and coordinate its public and charter schools, Clay High School can become more than a building—it can be a catalyst for collective progress. That shared vision is what will truly shape the city’s future.