A state-appointed school board for the Gary Community School Corp. advanced a step closer Tuesday, passing the Senate by a 40-9 margin.
Senate Bill 327 now shifts to the House where it’s sponsored by Rep. Jeff Thompson, R-Lizton, who’s a non-voting member of the state Distressed Unit Appeal Board that has governed the district since its 2017 takeover.
Democrats in the lopsided GOP-dominated chamber could do little to derail the bill. State Sen. Eddie Melton, D-Gary, offered a bill to establish an elected board, but it didn’t receive a hearing.
Gary voters haven’t had an elected board since 2017, when the state eliminated the board and superintendent in favor of a state-appointed emergency manager, MGT Consulting.
Gary school officials blamed their cratering finances on the state for allowing charter schools to siphon away enrollment and for permanent tax caps, which reduced revenue.
The bill, sponsored by Sen. Ryan Mishler, R-Mishawaka, and Ed Charbonneau, R-Valparaiso, requires a seven-member board, with five members directly appointed by Secretary of Education Katie Jenner.
One of those members must be representative of higher education. Two members would be appointed by Jenner from a list of six candidates provided by the Gary mayor.
The bill calls for two members to reside in Gary and two other members to live in Gary or Lake County. The remaining three can live anywhere.
The new board members will serve staggered terms beginning July 1, 2023. Four initial members must be appointed for one year and three appointed for two years. Vacancies would be filled by Secretary of Education who also would name the board’s chairperson.
The new board will serve in advisory capacity to MGT and DUAB UNTIL July 1, 2024, or when the district’s distressed status is terminated.
The school board can select a superintendent who would begin on July 1, 2024.
The new board would begin governing the district in July, 2024 as the state begins to loosen control of the district.
Carole Carlson is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
