4 local schools selected to receive portion of $10 million state grant

Four region schools are among 40 selected statewide to receive a portion of a $10 million state grant to recognize their best teachers.

Blue Ribbon welcome

Students at Banneker Achievement Center applaud Tuesday as Tony Bennett, state superintendent of schools, visited Banneker Achievement Center for its Blue Ribbon awards celebration. The school was named a national Blue Ribbon School last year.

Blue Ribbon welcome

Naomi Williams, a Banneker Achievement Center third-grader, welcomes students and guests Tuesday to the school's Blue Ribbon awards celebration. State Superintendent of Schools Tony Bennett, far left, presented the national award to Principal Sarah Givens.

Blue Ribbon welcome

Third- and fourth-grade students at Banneker Achievement Center perform a musical selection Tuesday afternoon during the school's Blue Ribbon awards celebration in Gary.

Blue Ribbon welcome

State Superintendent of Schools Tony Bennett is joined by Banneker Achievement Center Principal Sarah Givens, left, and Gary Superintendent of Schools Myrtle Campbell Tuesday afternoon during a visit to Banneker for its Blue Ribbon awards celebration.

State to take over Gary's troubled Roosevelt

State Rep. Vernon Smith, center, poses a question Thursday to Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Bennett, right, and staff members Alex Damron, far left, and Jim Larson. Smith, a Gary Democrat, attended Bennett's news conference at Tolleston Park.

State to take over Gary's troubled Roosevelt

Members of the community listen Thursday as Indiana's education superintendent announces the state will hire a private firm to take over Gary Roosevelt Career and Technical Academy.

State to take over Gary's troubled Roosevelt

Tony Bennett, Indiana superintendent of public instruction, announces the unwelcome news Thursday that the state will hire a private firm to take over Gary Roosevelt Career and Technical Center. Local officials had hoped the state would prescribe less intrusive intervention for the failing h…

Hello, cello fellow

Josh DeVries, 15 of Chesterton, gives brothers Bennett, 3, and Max, 5, LoPiccolo of Beaufort, N.C. an impromptu cello lesson Saturday at Thomas Centennial Park in Chesterton.

Roosevelt to learn fate in mid-August

Kendra Sue Johnson speaks emotionally at a hearing Monday at the Roosevelt Career and Technical Academy.

Roosevelt to learn fate in mid-August

Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Bennett speaks earlier this month during a special hearing at Roosevelt Career and Technical Academy. Unlike four other region high schools, the Gary school did not progress enough to get off academic probation.

Roosevelt to learn fate in mid-August

Kendra Sue Johnson speaks emotionally at a hearing Monday at the Roosevelt Career and Technical Academy. The hearing was hosted by Indiana Superintendent of Public Schools Tony Bennett.

Roosevelt to learn fate in mid-August

Indiana Superintendent of Public Schools Tony Bennett speaks Monday during a special hearing at Roosevelt Career and Technical Academy.

Tony Bennett hearing at Roosevelt Career and Technical Academy

Indiana Superintendent of Public Schools Tony Bennett listens to concerned Gary residents Monday during a special hearing at Roosevelt Career and Technical Academy.

Tony Bennett hearing at Roosevelt Career and Technical Academy

Indiana Superintendent of Public Schools Tony Bennett speaks Monday during a special hearing at Roosevelt Career and Technical Academy.

Tony Bennett hearing at Roosevelt Career and Technical Academy

Indiana Superintendent of Public Schools Tony Bennett speaks July 11 during a special hearing at Roosevelt Career and Technical Academy in Gary.

POTW Feb 27-Mar 5 - Tony Bennett

Protesters stand outside the Centennial Park clubhouse in Munster before Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Bennett arrives to participate in a teacher roundtable discussion Monday, Feb. 28. Teachers and supporters were protesting proposed education reform along with legislati…

Bennett packs house at Hebron High

Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Bennett, right, talks with Crown Point High School orchestra director Jim Deal after a regional education forum Monday afternoon at Hebron High School.

Bennett packs house in Hebron

Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Bennett waits to talk to a crowd about state education proposals Monday during a regional education forum meeting at Hebron High School.

Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Bennett

Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Bennett participates in a teacher roundtable discussion Monday at the Centennial Park clubhouse in Munster.