Duneland School Corporation has announced the lease of the current Chesterton Middle School  building to the Duneland YMCA. The Duneland YMCA is partnering with local companies and organizations such as the Town of Chesterton, Porter Starke Services and the Duneland Chamber of Commerce to build a “Healthy Living Campus.” The proposed Healthy living campus  will house DSC offices, and student programs such as alternative education and virtual  school.  It will also include early childhood education, a swimming pool, and a gym. 

“To better address the expectations of the Y’s members, and meet the needs of the community, the Y was looking to renovate or replace our current facility,” said YMCA Board Chair Elizabeth Adcock in a YMCA press release. “The opportunity presented by the Duneland School Corporation, and the middle school site will allow the Y to exceed member expectations as well as meet current and emerging needs in collaboration with providers and employers whose work compliments, supplements and supports our own.”

 This new lease is part of the plan to reduce DSC’s operating budget. The plan included redeveloping Chesterton Middle School. Chesterton Middle School was the site of Chesterton High School from 1922 to 2000. Chesterton Middle School will continue to function as a school until May 2024. The current students of Chesterton Middle School will be transferred to either Westchester Intermediate School or Liberty Intermediate School. 

“The school corporation is excited about the possibilities this partnership presents for extended and innovative use of the CMS site in service to the entire community,” said Duneland School Corporation Superintendent of Schools Dr. Chip Pettit. “The School Board and I look forward to participating in the development process with the Y and its impressive list of potential partners.”