New Leaders Take Charge of Gary Schools, Pave the Way for Financial Stability and Academic Success
In a significant development, Gary Community School Corp. is seeing a wave of new leaders taking charge. This change in leadership comes as the district prepares to exit state control while also striving to maintain financial stability and accelerate academic improvement. The arrival of four newly appointed school board members, along with new district manager Mike Raisor, signals a fresh chapter for the Gary Area Career Center.
Board chairman Michael Suggs, a consultant and retired Northern Indiana Public Service Co. official, expressed his hope and aspiration to gain a clear understanding of the district’s current status. Suggs was appointed by Indiana Secretary of Education Katie Jenner, who also appointed Danita Johnson, president and CEO of Edgewater Health, Inc., and Shontrai Irving, an associate professor of business law at Purdue Northwest, as board members.
Vanessa Allen-McCloud, president and CEO of the Northwest Indiana Urban League, was appointed by the city council, while Mayor Jerome Prince selected Akilia McCain, an educator and former member of the district’s advisory board. It is worth noting that Johnson was unable to attend the reception due to being out of town.
Under a new state law, the newly appointed board will initially serve in an advisory capacity until July 1 of next year, when the state Distressed Unit Appeal Board is expected to release the district from state control. During their first year, the board will focus on researching potential candidates for the role of superintendent.
Board member Akilia McCain has emphasized the importance of enhancing literacy, particularly through the science of reading curriculum. The district’s performance in the spring IREAD standardized exam, where only 47% of third-graders passed, highlights the need for improvement. A new state law mandates the implementation of this curriculum, and McCain aims to ensure transparency with parents and involve them in the alignment process.
Allen-McCloud, a former Gary educator, is determined to engage parents and foster a collaborative learning environment. She acknowledges that achieving substantial progress will require time, planning, and concerted efforts.
Board member Shontrai Irving has expressed the board’s commitment to forge connections with the community by actively participating in local events. Their collective dedication aims to provide children with the best possible education.
State Rep. Vernon Smith, D-Gary, who is also an educator, has commended the selection of the new board members and noted that he has not received any negative feedback from citizens regarding issues in the first few weeks of school.
Overall, the new leadership in the Gary Community School Corp. brings hope for positive change and lays the groundwork for financial stability and academic success. The appointed board members, along with district manager Mike Raisor, are determined to address the district’s challenges and enhance educational outcomes for the students of Gary.
