Gary is bracing for a surge of extreme heat this week, with temperatures nearing triple digits and deteriorating air quality prompting health and safety warnings from local authorities. As temperatures rise, the combination of scorching heat and high humidity is expected to create dangerous conditions for Gary residents. The National Weather Service has forecast that […]
Gary public schools
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 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
Has Gary’s Superintendent Search Taken Too Long? Residents Think So.
When the appointed school board of the Gary Community School Corporation was created last May, its members had the power to do just one thing: choose a superintendent to take over after emergency management ended. Today, with less than two months left before the district’s distressed status ends, its next leader has yet to be […]
Posted inEducation
Gary Public Schools Need More Teachers. Can the District Find Them?
In the nine years that GlenEva Dunham’s been president of the Gary Teachers Union, there has never been a teachers’ contract covering anything longer than a single school year — until now. A two-year contract for teachers within the Gary Community School Corporation was approved late last year, marking the first time in Dunham’s tenure […]
Posted inEducation
How Will Gary Students Be Impacted by a New Law Addressing Literacy?
Ten little feet stomped in unison inside the library at Frankie Woods McCullough Academy, and a loud chant started. “Can you read like the cougars read, can you write like the cougars write? Can you roll like the cougars roll?” asked the elementary school’s cheerleaders, facing a crowd of students, parents, and educators. “I don’t […]
Posted inCommunity Spotlight
Gary High Schooler Finds Purpose in Representing Classmates
This story is part of Capital B Gary’s Community Spotlight series. We’re shining a light on the people, places, and businesses working to bring joy to and uplift Gary. To nominate a deserving spotlight, reach out to Gary Community Engagement Editor Derreka Rollins at derreka.rollins@capitalbnews.org. Last fall, Rayven Anderson had an idea. College application season was starting, […]
Posted inEducation
Pause on Gary Middle School Closure Decision Is Not an ‘All-Clear Signal’
Any plans to close two of Gary’s public middle schools are off — for now. Bailly STEM Academy and Gary Middle School for the Visual and Performing Arts will remain open through this school year, as the district prepares to exit a yearslong state takeover and return to local control. The Gary Community School Corporation’s […]
Posted inLocal Government
Gary February Public Meetings Preview
Here’s a look at some important public meetings scheduled in Gary in February 2024 Common Council Early in Mayor Eddie Melton’s tenure, most city departments are under new leadership. Dwayne Halliburton, council member for the 2nd District, and Mark Spencer, councilman-at-large, are still transitioning into their new council roles. Tune in to see what the […]
Posted inEducation
Charter Revocation Leaves Thea Bowman Leadership Academy’s Fate in Limbo
Aisha Vinson’s ninth-grade daughter has only ever attended Thea Bowman Leadership Academy, a K-12 school in Gary. The experience there hasn’t been perfect. But Vinson said the school’s staff knows her daughter well. Vinson, who has a disability that affects her mobility, also likes that the school is nearby and easy for her to get […]