The departure of MGT Consulting, the private Florida-based company that has run the Gary Community School Corp. since 2017, has left its new administration scrambling to fill key top-level vacancies.
The job openings include chief academic officer, chief financial officer, chief of public and community relations, chief technology officer, director of human resources, citywide athletic director, and chief operations manager.
“We have eight open positions in leadership and while I think I’m Superman, I can’t do all of them,” Superintendent Yvonne Stokes told the school board at its Wednesday meeting, its first since gaining full governing authority.
She said the state agreed to continue funding one position so the administrator could continue during the transition.
The state Distressed Unit Appeal Board released Gary from state control last month, leaving little time for new officials to assemble a fresh team as school begins Aug. 14.
Public relations consultant Chelsea Whittington also agreed to stay on as the district searches for a communications director.
During the meeting, the board elected Glenn Johnson as its vice president and Shontrai Irving as secretary. Michael Suggs serves as president, according to state law.
The board also approved its state-allotted annual compensation of $2,000 per member. Suggs voted no on the measure. He later explained he served as a volunteer and didn’t want to get paid.
Whittington reported the district’s schools have begun enrollment for the coming year. Registration is available from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday at Gary Middle School, Tuesday at Bailly STEM Academy, Wednesday at Bethune Early Learning Center, Thursday at Beveridge Elementary and July 22-25 at West Side Leadership Academy.
Adults registering children should bring the student’s birth certificate, vaccination records, proof of residency, and a driver’s license or state ID of the parent or guardian.
For registration information, contact 219-881-5466.
Carole Carlson is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.