Lake County school construction built on red ink

CROWN POINT | Lake County's public school districts are carrying $1.8 billion in debt on their books.

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD: We're working to restore greatness to Gary's schools

I am excited about the passion and dedication I have seen, the work we have already accomplished, and the plans we are creating for the future of students attending Gary Community Schools.

EDITORIAL: Keep building, but attract a sponsor

The Charter School of the Dunes in Gary's Miller area is going forward with construction of its new building even though Ball State University decided to stop sponsoring the school. It's a gutsy move, but not the only one the school needs to make.

EDITORIAL: Progress on special ed in Gary schools

Gary Community School Corp.'s track record with special education has been abysmal, but there are signs of progress.

EDITORIAL: It's a new day for Gary school system

New Gary school Superintendent Cheryl Pruitt is building partnerships with local universities and businesses. This can only benefit the district and its students.

EDITORIAL: Government too slow to bank on donation

Among Gary Mayor Karen Freeman Wilson's ideas for the city is to move scattered city departments to the downtown for residents' convenience. Gary Community School Corp. is a different entity, but it would be good to have the district's headquarters downtown as well.

EDITORIAL: An education in using public transit

Students in Gary's secondary schools shouldn't be expected to walk two miles to school each day, regardless of whether it's uphill and there's snow on the ground. Fortunately, there's a better answer for them now.

EDITORIAL: Rewards would complicate school funding

Indiana's school funding formula is a favorite target for criticism, and that sport could grow even more popular in the future. Performance-based pay for school districts would add a whole new wrinkle to this complicated calculation.

EDITORIAL: Gary schools must compete for students

Gary Community School Corp.'s enrollment figures are evidence that Gary's parents want choices in the types of schools their children attend.

Convocation aims to inspire Gary teachers

GARY | A nationally recognized motivational speaker fired up Gary teachers Monday, telling them to bring perception and passion to the classroom.

EDITORIAL: Fully cooperate for the children's sake

It is an embarrassment that EdisonLearning has had to resort to legal action to force Gary school officials to do what they should have been doing all along — cooperate with the company at Roosevelt College and Career Academy for the sake of the children there.

Marion County Judge orders Gary schools, EdisonLearning to cooperate

INDIANAPOLIS | A Marion County judge ordered the Gary Community School Corp. and EdisonLearning Inc. to work out their differences.

EDITORIAL: Cutting brass polishes Gary schools' reputation

In a bid to save $2 million, Gary Community School Corp. is cutting 25 administrative positions.

Indiana Department of Education letter to Gary school superintendent

This letter warns interim Gary school Superintendent Edwyna Hord to tell students in the Roosevelt school area that they will not be involuntarily assigned to another school.

EDITORIAL: Rein in opposition to school turnaround efforts

Indiana's takeover of the first batch of troubled schools is proving to be a learning experience. The key is to apply the newfound knowledge so the next time goes smoother.

Use of marijuana doesn't change, attitude does

Whether they call it kush, loud or weed, Officer Wilson Pierce can smell the freshly smoked marijuana on students as they file into their morning classes.

EDITORIAL: Gary's school district requires innovation

Gary's new school superintendent, Cheryl Pruitt, was a good choice for that position. She is from Gary, knows the community, was a product of the Gary Community School Corp., but she left Gary and broadened her outlook on education.

Gary teachers union leader says layoffs must be shared

GARY | The president of the Gary Teachers Union contends the pain of layoffs must be shared by all employees.

EDITORIAL: Don't try to stifle school competition

The Gary politicians arguing against allowing more charter schools in that city are missing the point. Competition should make all schools better — the traditional public schools as well as private and charter schools.