The Common Council approved a special exception (bill 41-25) allowing a school to operate at 1024 Thomas Street on the Near West Side, with the petitioner saying the proposed school will serve students in grades 6 through 12 and that it will provide internal financial aid as well as access to public resources for some accommodations.

Mark Hill (city staff) described the planning review and said the site was compatible with existing neighborhood institutions, including a nearby Catholic school and a child development center. Scott Fenn (staff) and Joshua Kent, the presenter for the school, said the site historically housed community-serving uses and that the proposed use fits the neighborhood plan'9s objective to preserve places of learning.

Joshua Kent told the council the organization has long experience in local schools and expects to continue that work in the near West Side. When asked, Kent said the school will offer grades 6 through 12 and that it provides both tuition and internal financial aid and would be eligible for other public funding programs. Kent also said the school does not have in-house comprehensive special-education services for students with severe disabilities but that the school plans to partner with South Bend community schools to provide accommodations where appropriate.

No members of the public offered testimony in opposition during the hearing. The committee recommended the special exception favorably and the council recorded an 8-1 roll-call on approval (one nay recorded). The school'9s opening will depend on the petitioner'9s subsequent licensing, permitting and program approvals.