Days before the Democratic National Convention, Indiana’s Black Legislative Caucus gathered in Gary on Saturday for a community town hall, providing residents with a review of key legislative outcomes from this year and a glimpse of the caucus’s priorities for the upcoming session. At Indiana University Northwest’s Bergland Auditorium, nine of the caucus’s 14 members […]
Education
Posted inEducation
Gary Students Return to Class as New School Year Begins
In the gentle glow of the morning sun, newly appointed Gary schools Superintendent Yvonne Stokes stood at the entrance of the Bethune Early Childhood Development Center, warmly greeting parents and students on the first day of school. She ushered in the new school year with a wave and a smile, marking a pivotal moment for […]
Posted inCommunity Spotlight, Education
Cultivating Dreams: How a Gary Teen Discovered His Future in Farming
Surrounded by dozens of packing boxes and duffel bags in his childhood Gary home, Reid Hall prepares himself for his next adventure: going to college. Stuffing suitcases full of clothes, shoes, and golf clubs, he hasn’t fully packed for his move out of state. But he said he is excited to begin a new chapter […]
Posted inEducation, Partner Content
Confused About High School Diploma Changes? We Explain the Proposal.
This story was originally published by Mirror Indy. State education officials are revealing more details about their plan to rework Indiana high school graduation requirements. The officials recently submitted a detailed proposal of what courses students would need to graduate amid a push to create more flexible diploma paths that encourage teens to seek more […]
Posted inEducation, State Government
New Laws Went Into Effect This Week; Here’s What Gary Residents Should Know
Indiana’s fiscal year began on July 1, and with it a slew of bills signed into law by Gov. Eric Holcomb after months of legislative crafting and debate by state lawmakers. These new laws, ranging from education reform and public safety to immigration, are now in effect. Here are some laws that could significantly impact […]
Posted inEducation
Hatcher Defends Gary’s Immigration Policy After Attorney General’s Legal Threats
State Rep. Ragen Hatcher, D-Gary, has condemned Attorney General Todd Rokita’s recent threat to sue Gary and three other Indiana cities if they do not repeal their “sanctuary city” ordinances by July 1. In a statement released Thursday afternoon, Hatcher challenged not only the legal basis of the attorney general’s threats but his political intentions as […]
Posted inEducation
Gary Selects Stokes as Its Next Schools Superintendent
It’s official: Yvonne Stokes will be the next leader of the Gary Community School Corporation. The new superintendent was announced at a special board meeting on Friday, where her contract was also approved. After being named, Stokes introduced herself to those in attendance. Facing the crowd, she stressed her commitment to bettering students’ educational outcomes […]
Posted inEducation, Partner Content
New Diploma Requirements Could Impact Indiana’s College-Going Students
This story was originally published by Chalkbeat. Sign up for their newsletters at ckbe.at/newsletters A plan to refocus Indiana’s graduation requirements on work experiences would eliminate a diploma linked to college-going without providing a clear alternative for students seeking postsecondary education. The proposal would effectively eliminate the Academic Honors diploma option, the diploma that’s linked […]
Posted inEducation
Gary’s First Superintendent in 7 Years Will Be Named Soon. Here’s What to Know.
The monthslong saga of the Gary Community School Corporation’s superintendent search is coming to a close. After a recent public hearing over the details of the next leader’s contract, the school board will convene again on June 7 to vote on the contract. There, the name of the incoming superintendent is expected to be released. […]
Posted inEducation, LGBTQ, Partner Content
Indiana Tells Schools to Ignore LGBTQ Student Protections as Title IX Fight Begins
This story was originally published by WFYI Indiana’s education department is telling school districts not to adopt new federal protections for LGBTQ+ students and sex-based discrimination until several lawsuits challenging the regulations, including one by the state’s attorney general, are settled. The new Title IX guidelines, released by the U.S. Department of Education, forbids discrimination […]
