Gary Community School Corporation
The Gary Community School Corporation (GCSC) has raised concerns about the potential impact of House Bill 1136, a new legislative proposal authored by Rep. Jake Teshka (R-North Liberty). The bill aims to convert 68 public schools, including the Gary Community School Corporation’s nine schools and 50 within the Indianapolis Public Schools district, into charter schools by July 2028. This move would result in dissolution of specific school districts based on enrollment statistics.
Under the provisions of House Bill 1136, if more than 50% of a district’s students are enrolled in schools outside of the district’s boundaries as of October 1 of the previous year, the districts listed in the legislation would be dissolved.
GCSC Superintendent Dr. Yvonne Stokes shared her sentiments over the bill’s reliance on enrollment counts as a primary metric for district dissolution without acknowledging significan progress made by Gary’s school district.
“It has only been six months since the Gary Community School Corporation was released from a seven-year state takeover. During this time, there was an exodus of thousands of students from the district. Since regaining local control, we have been laser-focused on increasing enrollment, maintaining financial solvency, and enhancing curriculum to improve the overall educational experience for children,” stated Stokes.
Since returning to local control on July 1, 2024, the Gary Community School Corporation enrollment count has continued to increase. October 2024 showed an increase of more than 200 students, and an additional 153 students have been enrolled as of January 2025.
“This growth demonstrates our progress and the momentum we are working diligently to sustain,” she added.
Commitment to Progress and Success
• Since the return of local control in July 2024, the GCSC has taken significant steps to revitalize its schools and improve student outcomes. Key achievements include:
• The establishment of a governing school board and the appointment of a new Superintendent.
• Formation of an experienced Chief Leadership Team dedicated to strategic planning and operational excellence.
• Implementation of robust efforts to recruit students and steady attendance, with notable enrollment increases.
• A continued focus on financial stability, academic development, and professional development for educators and adminstrators.
• Enhancements to facilities, athletics, fine arts, and career-oriented educational programs.
• Significant strides in parental and community engagement through expanded communication initiatives.
A Call to Action
The GCSC is encouraging parents, scholars, staff, community members, and stakeholders to voice their perspectives on House Bill 1136 as diistrict leaders continue to emphasize the importance of allowing communities like Gary to continue their path toward success and stability after years of external oversight.
“Gary Community School Corporation deserves the opportunity to build on the upward on enrollment and the progress we’ve made transforming our schools to elevate student outcomes,” Dr. Stokes affirmed.
For further inquiries about House Bill 1136, contact State Representative Dr. Vernon G. Smith at 317-232-9731. Impacted constituents are also encouraged to contact bill author Rep. Jake Teshka at 1-800-382-9841 to share thoughts and concerns.
An overview of House Bill 1136 can be found on the Gary Community School Corporation website at garyschools.org.