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Sandra Ort Set to Retire After Decades of Service to Greene Township
- Logan Foster
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
Sandra Ort Set to Retire After Decades of Service to Greene Township
Date: 05/16/25 By Logan Foster
Sandra Ort pauses thoughtfully, speaking with the calm authority that comes from decades of experience. Her tenure as Greene Township Trustee, which began in 1983, has made her one of the longest-serving Republican Township Trustees in the state of Indiana. After over 40 years of service, Ort has announced her retirement, effective May 31st, 2025.
Ort’s contributions to Greene Township are as varied as they are impactful, ranging from community services to resolving infrastructure challenges. A loyal Republican, Ort has worked to uphold the values of her community while meeting the evolving needs of the township’s residents. This article marks the fourth in a series spotlighting Republican Trustees, joining features on Will Miller, Kelly Carrico, and Doris Portolese.
A Township Without a Fire Station
One of Ort's biggest hurdles was managing fire protection in a township that lacked its own fire station. To do this, Greene Township has relied on contracts with neighboring fire territories. To date, Greene Township partners with both the Liberty Township and Centre Township Fire Territories. Liberty Township also provides round-the-clock ambulance services to Greene Township residents as well.
Educational Change for Greene Township
Education stands out as Ort’s most profound legacy. After the South Bend School Corporation closed Greene School in 2018, residents voiced frustration. Families faced long bus rides to underperforming schools, leading many to seek alternatives. Ort spearheaded efforts to transfer Greene Township into the John Glenn School Corporation. The process involved legal navigation, countless community meetings, and advocacy before Indiana’s General Assembly. Ultimately, the transition succeeded, connecting families with a school system closer to home and better equipped to meet students’ needs.
Ort beams when discussing the support from John Glenn administrators. “They even provided two buses to come to Green Township to pick up our children for grade school and high school at their expense. We never had to pay anything for that, and we so appreciated it. We worked with them to make sure everything went as smoothly as possible because they were doing this to help us and they wanted us.” she adds. Ort also expresses hope that the historic Greene School building might reopen someday under John Glenn’s leadership, potentially as an agricultural education center.
A Legacy of Support and Community Engagement
From the very beginning of her first term, Ort has prioritized food accessibility for her constituents. In the 1980s, Greene Township participated in a government food distribution initiative, offering items like peanut butter, powdered milk, butter, and cheese to families in need. "It may not sound like much, but it made a big difference to many of our residents," Ort said.
Her support for the community extended to direct assistance with utilities, burials, and emergency needs. Working out of her home-based office, Ort demonstrated an open-door policy for residents needing guidance or aid. Recently, she’s even been driving local residents to the food bank every month, ensuring they have access to necessities.
Reflecting on a Lifetime of Service
When asked what inspired her to enter public service, Ort shared: "I was just 25 when the trustee at the time told me, 'You could do this. You could work from home, take care of your children, and still have a job.' and I went for it." The rest, as they say, is history.
At 76, Ort feels that the time has come to step aside. "I think it's time someone younger takes over," Ort said, citing health considerations and changing priorities. Still, the impact of her tenure will resonate long after her retirement.
With her retirement on the horizon, Greene Township residents face the task of finding a Republican successor in an upcoming caucus who can fill Ort’s considerable shoes. "I’m not indispensable," Ort said humbly. Though to many, her dedication and tenacity will always define a legacy of service and compassion.