Students at West Side Leadership Academy staged a peaceful walkout Friday a day after the Gary Community School Corp. board voted not to renew Principal Carl Scott’s contract.
The board declined to explain its decision, citing personnel policy. Scott could not immediately be reached for comment.
The vote has sparked backlash from students, staff, and parents who say Scott helped stabilize the school and build stronger relationships with students during his four years as principal. Many said they were frustrated by the lack of public explanation for the decision.
The 2-1 vote came during Thursday’s school board meeting, where the non-renewal of Scott’s contract appeared as an agenda item, along with that of an elementary school administrative official.
Students organized Friday’s demonstration after learning of the vote and circulated a flyer online expressing frustration.
“We the students of West Side Leadership Academy have been robbed out of our principal of four years with absolutely no reason,” the statement reads. “Mr. Scott has came to WSLA when it was at its worst, and flipped it around.”
Students said Scott helped support seniors in the Class of 2026 in staying on track to graduate and created an environment where they felt heard and supported.
During Thursday’s meeting, West Side staff members used the public comment portion to voice support for Scott.
“It was very disturbing to see one of the agenda items was the non-renewal of the administrator and teacher of our principal,” said West Side assistant principal Janora Holmes. Holmes said she previously left the school but returned last year because of Scott’s leadership.
“I was informed of the respect and vision of the current principal,” she said. “My son is an honor student and athlete who represents the sentiment of his graduating class, and they believe that the principal hones in on their academics and respects their voice.”
Girls’ basketball coach Angela Hamblin also spoke in support of Scott.
“From my perspective, I have seen our principal move with intentionality and focus,” Hamblin said. “I have seen a focus on structure, expectation, and academic alignment. Those things matter.”
Support for Scott also spread across social media Friday, with students, parents and alumni posting messages backing the principal and criticizing the decision:
“I’m definitely pulling my student out. … I stand with Scott,” one parent wrote.
“Well my kids will be transferred,” another parent posted.
“I stand for my principal, we need him,” one student wrote.
Another parent who said they have a senior at West Side, wrote: “I am deeply disturbed and disgusted at the news of the potential non-renewal of Mr. Scott as principal. I do not agree with this decision. Mr. Scott can only lead as much as the superintendent and board will allow. I stand with Scott.”
“As a student currently attending West Side Leadership Academy, I stand with Mr. Scott!” another student wrote.
The Gary Community School Corp. declined to discuss specifics.
“When it comes to personnel matters, the school district does not comment,” the district said in a statement to Capital B Gary. “However, I can confirm that students participated in a peaceful march earlier expressing their feelings regarding the non-contract renewal. They are now back in class receiving instruction.”
Board members Danita Johnson-Woods and Shontrai D. Irving, both appointed by the Indiana Department of Education, voted in favor of not renewing the contract. Glenn Johnson abstained. Angela Lockett, a Gary Common Council appointee, voted no. Board Chair Michael Suggs was not present.