The Lake Central School Board has named Assistant Superintendent Sarah Castenada to succeed retiring school chief Larry Veracco.
The board unanimously approved the appointment at its Feb. 17 meeting.
Castenada has been with Lake Central for about 13 years. Her new three-year contract, which begins July 1, lists a base pay of $212,500 with five one-year extensions.
“In my 13 years, I’ve witnessed firsthand how extraordinary this district is. Teachers and staff are absolutely phenomenal, and I’m incredibly excited I get to work behind them,” she said.
Castenada praised Veracco’s leadership, saying there have been academic gains at all levels.
“He’s made us a destination of choice,” she said.
She also said the district’s climate reflects caring and options.
“We offer so many opportunities for students to get involved and find their people. The thing is if something happens, there is an army of people to help you.”
Veracco, who’s been superintendent since 2010, has shepherded the district through several referendums and capital projects that reflect the district’s growth to about 9,000 students.
Last year, voters backed an eight-year $142.8 million operating referendum to keep the district’s finances healthy in the wake of a state property tax reform law that will cost the district about $12.3 million over a three-year span.
Castenada said the district “was a little bit of a mess” when Veracco took over.
“You spent your entire tenure building it up. My goal is to build on that strong foundation and continue to move schools forward,” she said.
Board president Cindy Sues said Castenada has a deep understanding of the district’s values and has demonstrated strong leadership.
“She’s positioned well to lead our district into the future,” she said.
Veracco, who is retiring, spent most of his career at Lake Central as an administrator.
“I am a short-timer now, and I commend the board for reviewing 13 years of quality leadership provided by Mrs. Castenada.
“I’m confident the quality of our schools, and the levels of students’ achievement, will continue to rise under her leadership,” he said.
Along with Veracco, superintendents have recently announced their departures or retirements in Duneland, East Porter, and Lake Station districts. Hammond has been seeking a new superintendent since last year.
In December, the Lake Ridge School Board appointed Calumet New Tech Principal Christopher Bajmakovich as its superintendent.
First-year superintendents include Stephen Bournes in East Chicago, Matthew Hicks in Munster, Leigh Barnes in Union Township, and Paige McNulty in Tri-Township.
Carole Carlson is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
