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.
Capital B Gary has gathered key information about the district’s search for your reference in preparation for the upcoming announcement.
What’s the significance of this search?
The state took over GCSC seven years ago because it was in financial disrepair. Since then, MGT Consulting — the Florida-based company selected by the Indiana Distressed Unit Appeals Board — has overseen the district’s day-to-day operations.
Last year, a law was passed that saw a form of local control return to GCSC with a five-member appointed school board and a superintendent set to manage the district starting July 1. On that date, the district will no longer be considered financially distressed.
GCSC was the first district taken over in Indiana, and community members have voiced their desire for a superintendent instead of an emergency manager.
How long has the search taken?
The school board began looking for search firms in September 2023. The superintendent job application opened in January and closed in March. The board identified finalists in May.
Click here for Capital B Gary’s full search timeline.
Were the names of the finalists revealed?
No. State law doesn’t require candidates’ identities to be disclosed. While the board previously said finalists would be introduced to the community, they chose to keep this information confidential.
How much will the superintendent be making?
The incoming superintendent’s salary is $215,000. The superintendent will receive the same raises given to the district’s teachers over their three-year contract. This makes the next leader the second-highest-paid superintendent out of 12 neighboring districts in Lake and Porter counties, according to a Capital B Gary analysis, trailing only the School City of Hammond.
Also, yearly incentives of up to $5,000 can be earned for gains in academic improvement, financial and operational leadership, and district enrollment increases. For more details on the contract, click here.
What’s next?
Board members will vote on the proposed superintendent contract and update the public on who was selected to assume the position. The meeting will take place at 3 p.m. on June 7 at the Gary Area Career Center.