PRIDE Academy is Elkhart Community School’s alternative education program for elementary aged students. PRIDE’s program currently serves approximately 35 students with emotional disabilities or extreme behavioral needs that significantly impact their education. The majority of these students have an Individualized Education Program (IEP).

We recently learned that Eric Chandler’s position as principal is under threat by the Elkhart Community School district. The removal of PRIDE Academy’s leader not only jeopardizes the progress of each student but also the very essence of what makes PRIDE Academy special. 

Eric Chandler’s dedication to the students he serves is evident in his 15+ years as an educator within our community. With the development of PRIDE Academy, Eric Chandler has championed a progressive approach that focuses on smaller class sizes, trauma-informed practices and social-emotional development. In addition, each member of PRIDE’s team participates in on-going crisis prevention training. This forward-thinking vision has fostered an atmosphere where students thrive while also growing in their social emotional development. The success of PRIDE’s program is evident in the approximately 40 students who have graduated in the past 5 school years.  

For many of us, the loss of Eric Chandler is personal since PRIDE is the first academic setting where our children have been successful. PRIDE is the first academic setting where our children have built positive relationships within a system that is not built for them. PRIDE has been the only place where our children feel loved and supported at school. PRIDE is the only school where they have not felt like the “bad kids.” For many of us, PRIDE is our last option prior to our children being placed on homebound services. None of this would be possible were it not for Eric Chandler and his passion and commitment to our students. Putting it simply, Eric Chandler is the heart and soul of PRIDE Academy and losing him will be catastrophic to many of our most vulnerable students.  

My son is currently in 3rd grade at PRIDE Academy. My family, like many others, have witnessed the transformation and growth in our child so much that I am proud to share that my child is a student at PRIDE. It also encourages me to hear that other districts are looking to model their own alternative education programs after Elkhart Community Schools PRIDE Academy.                 

PRIDE Academy’s success stories are testimony to the strategies and initiatives introduced by Eric Chandler. His presence and leadership have been instrumental to the success of PRIDE. The loss of Eric Chandler would create a void that would be impossible to fill with the same passion and commitment that he has exhibited.                

We urge Elkhart Community Schools leadership, including Dr. Larry Huff, to reconsider their stance on this matter. Retaining Principal Eric Chandler is essential in ensuring the success of PRIDE Academy, its staff and its special needs students.  

Please join me in supporting Eric Chandler by signing this petition. Let us do our part to ensure the PRIDE Academy students continue under the leadership & guidance that has proven to be successful.