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 […]
Gary Community School Corporation
Posted inLocal Government, Public Meetings
February 2025 Public Meeting Schedule for Gary
February is shaping up to be an important month for Gary, with key public meetings set to address major changes. The Common Council will see a shakeup as a Democratic caucus selects a new 4th District representative, following Council President Tai Adkins’ move to Calumet Township Trustee — with a council vote to name a […]
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 inLocal Government, Politics & Policy
January 2025 Public Meeting Schedule for Gary
As the new year begins, a critical meeting on Jan. 7 will shape the leadership of Gary’s Common Council for the year ahead. During the reorganization meeting, members will vote on positions within the council, including president, vice president and parliamentarian, as well as various committee assignments. These decisions set the tone for council priorities […]
Posted inEnvironmental Justice
How Gary Residents Made Strides Toward a Cleaner, Greener City in 2024
From a citywide clean-up campaign to resisting the arrival of behemoth polluting facilities, the fight to make Gary greener and more sustainable never stops. Gary, one of Indiana’s most polluted areas, is burdened by toxic air pollution, flagrant zoning and land use violations, and decades of economic disinvestment, which only heighten the stakes of the […]
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 inEconomic Development, Local Government
Residents Reflect as Norton Elementary’s Demolition Clears Path for Redevelopment
Foster Bell estimates he’s lived across from Horace S. Norton Elementary School for close to 40 years. Often, the 80-year-old would sit outside watching the trees that obscured the school where all eight of his children went. The tree he enjoyed looking at the most had beautiful flowers, with leaves that hung down like string […]
Posted inLocal Government
Gary July Public Meetings Preview
Here’s a look at some important public meetings scheduled in Gary in July 2024: Meeting Calendar Gary Common Council Date: Tuesday, July 2 and 16 Location: City Hall, 401 Broadway Time: 6 p.m. CSTContact: (219) 881-1315 * Biweekly on the first and third Tuesdays of each month * Broadcast on Facebook Live Parks and Recreation Date: […]
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 […]
