EDITORIAL: Plan quickly for smoother turnaround

While academics must remain the top priority during the turnaround of the Roosevelt Career and Technical Academy, the school's athletics program should not be sacrificed.

Roosevelt in Gary is one of seven Indiana schools in its sixth year of academic probation. EdisonLearning, a New York-based company, was hired to evaluate the school and develop a plan for a turnaround that will be put to use over the next four years.

EdisonLearning is focused on the academic plan, which leaves questions about the other aspects of school life — including sports.

"The whole sports program is kind of up in the air," said Earl Smith, athletic director for Gary Community School Corp.

Michael Serpe, EdisonLearning's spokesman, said it will be up to the state to determine how to proceed. Stephanie Sample, the Indiana Department of Education's spokeswoman, threw the athletics ball back in EdisonLearning's court.

"EdisonLearning walked into this with their eyes wide open, understanding they would be operating the school next year," Sample said. "There is nothing that precludes the (turnaround school operators) from including sports and other extracurricular activities in their written plans and goals for State Board (of Education) approval."

Roosevelt has a long history of athletic achievements — not just in the distant past but also recently. That aspect of school life has been important not just to the athletes but to others as well. Sporting events help cement the bond between the school community and the public.

The Indiana Department of Education must make clear to EdisonLearning what is expected at the school when this evaluation year is over. It isn't just a matter of handing over the keys and saying, "Here you go!"

Details such as the fate of the athletics programs and other extracurricular activities must be worked out in advance — and quickly — so students and administrators can plan appropriately. Some events take months, or even years, of planning.

There will be enough changes at the school without putting the athletics and other extracurricular programs in limbo.