Human resources chief for Hammond schools departs

HAMMOND | The School City of Hammond's longtime chief administrator for human resources has resigned, school officials confirmed Thursday.

The resignation of Eliza Vela Gonzalez, who has been with the district about five years, was effective Jan. 23, according to the district.

Hammond Superintendent Walter Watkins said, "It's my understanding she resigned because she wanted to pursue consulting with a variety of corporations to broaden her experiences."

Watkins said a search will begin in the spring for Gonzalez's replacement.

Watkins and Hammond School Board member Cindy Murphy confirmed that Gonzalez's husband, Ramon Gonzalez, works for the district in the bilingual program and will remain with the district. The pair also confirmed that several people who are related to Gonzalez also work for the School City of Hammond, but neither could say in what capacity.