At 13 years old, Terrence “TJ” Harvey has already learned how cruel the world can be. The taunts came first. Name-calling, teasing, the kind of juvenile insults meant to wound but possible to ignore. Then, the physical harassment. And then, the shame. One day, something private — something never meant to be shared — was […]
Education
Posted inEducation, Partner Content, Politics & Policy
Indiana Lawmakers Push Bills Targeting DEI, Sex Ed, and Curriculum
This story was originally published by Chalkbeat. Indiana senators discussed and passed controversial bills on Wednesday about social studies curriculum, sex education materials, and chaplains in public schools. One would require schools to seek school board approval for and publicize information about their sex ed curriculum. Another would allow chaplains to work as counselors in […]
Posted inEducation
Gary Unites Against Bill That Could Erase Public Schools
With a possible hearing in the Statehouse for House Bill 1136 looming, the fight over the future of public education in Gary has escalated into a battle for the district’s survival. Seeing the bill as a direct threat to its schools and community, the Gary Common Council voted unanimously on Jan. 21 to approve a […]
Posted inEducation
New Bill Threatens to Dissolve Public School Districts Across Indiana, Including Gary
A controversial bill in the Indiana legislature could force the dissolution of public school districts across the state, including Gary and Indianapolis, raising alarms among educators, legislators, and Hoosiers. For Gary, the stakes are especially high — just six months after regaining local control of its schools following a seven-year state takeover, the district’s future […]
Posted inEducation, Partner Content
Indiana Graduation Rates Reach Record High, Including Gains in Gary Schools
This story was originally published by Chalkbeat. Sign up for their newsletters at ckbe.at/newsletters Indiana high school graduation rates for the class of 2024 inched up to a record high of 90.2% and increased across Black, Hispanic, and English language learner students. The latest graduation rates are the highest in a decade, marking a 1.25 […]
Posted inEducation, Partner Content, Politics & Policy, State Government
What Indiana Lawmakers Said About the State Budget and Property Tax Reform
This story was originally published by Chalkbeat. Sign up for their newsletters at ckbe.at/newsletters Uncertainty about Indiana’s budget marked the unofficial start of the 2025 legislative session this week — and comes at a particularly bad time for schools. Earlier this month, legislative leaders agreed with the Indiana Chamber of Commerce that the state will […]
Posted inEducation, Mental Health, Partner Content
Student Mental Health Needs Are Growing. Will the Legislature Help?
This story was originally published by Chalkbeat. Doreen Waldbieser, a school counselor in Vigo County, stepped to the microphone Nov. 8 at a Department of Education hearing on diplomas and began alphabetically listing her counseling duties: Attend active shooter training. Analyze transcripts. Answer emails and phone calls. Change schedules. Conduct screenings. Connect students to assistance. […]
Posted inEducation
Gary Voters Keep Democrats in Key Seats for State and Federal Leadership
Democrats swept key races in Northwest Indiana on Tuesday, securing major wins for U.S. House and state legislature seats critical to Gary and the surrounding areas. Rep. Vernon Smith held on to his Indiana House District 14 seat, defeating Republican Ivan Ursery II handily, securing 72% of the vote. Smith, who was originally elected to […]
Posted inCommunity, Education, Youth
Gary ‘Canoemobile’ makes a splash at Marquette Park
Alongside a stunning sunset overlooking the water of Marquette Park, Gary residents ranging from 7 to 74 years old gathered on the trail behind Marquette Pavilion. Amid tea, snacks, and shimmering waters, curiosity and excitement surrounded the two light blue canoes tucked atop the Marquette lagoon. But these are no ordinary vessels: they’re 24-foot “Canoemobiles.” […]
Posted inEducation, Health
Gary’s School Board Considers a Proposal for New Cell Towers in the Area. Here’s What Is at Stake.
They are in our homes, at our dinner tables, and on desks. We put them up to our ears, carry them in our hands, and slip them in our back pockets. In many ways, cellphones have become a daily part of our lives. But as the cell towers that power them continue to crop up […]
