Students, staff back West Side principal axed by school board
Students, parents and staff members at the Gary West Side Leadership Academy expressed surprise and shock at the school board’s decision not to renew Principal Carl Scott’s contract by a 3-1 vote.
Upset students walked out of school Friday and others questioned the decision at the Feb. 19 school board meeting.
On Monday, Mayor Eddie Melton said he also received about a dozen calls from Scott supporters. He said he plans to discuss the issue with the school board and school leaders, although he has no authority over the schools.
He has one board appointee, Glenn Johnson, who voted not to renew, along with Danita Johnson Woods and Shontrai Irving. Angela Lockett was the only one to vote “no”. Board Chairman Michael Suggs was absent.
Schools generally do not discuss personnel matters in public. Scott’s name did not appear on the Feb. 19 agenda, just the non-renewal of a high school principal. West Side is Gary’s only high school.
Senior Joel Moore, student council president, said students didn’t hear about the non-renewal vote until the day of the meeting and many were unable to attend.
“We were really upset. Myself and two other seniors wanted to have a protest,” said Moore, who thanked Scott for helping him find a part-time job at Culver’s in Merrillville.
“He’s done so much for us and our community. For me personally, he fought for me to get scholarships. I’m at $10,000 now. I’m like, we need to fight for him.”
Moore and his friends announced a strike at noon Friday and several students participated. He said they deliberately marched toward the central administration headquarters, located on the west side of the school.
“They haven’t heard our voices. Many of us have different stories about how Mr. Scott has affected our lives.”
Moore said a second walkout was planned for Monday, but Scott asked them to cancel it.
On Monday, Superintendent Yvonne Stokes released a statement saying the district was unable to share specific details regarding the decision not to renew the principal’s contract.
“We understand that leadership transitions can evoke strong emotions from members of the school community, including students, staff and families. We respect these perspectives and deeply value the engagement and voice of our community.
“Students have the right to express their views. However, protests that significantly disrupt the educational environment – such as walkouts during instructional time – are not permitted. Students who engage in actions that disrupt learning will be subject to the guidelines outlined in the district’s Behavior Matrix,” Stokes said.
Assistant Principal Janora Holmes said she returned to West Side after a previous stint because of Scott. “It was very disturbing to see the non-renewal…”
She said her son and classmates praised Scott’s tenure.
“My son and his Class of 2026 believe their principal focused on their academic abilities and respected their voice.
“The changes have brought an air of uncertainty and chaos. »
Teacher and girls basketball coach Angela Hamblin-Blakely also supported Scott.
“He leads with intentionality and focus with an emphasis on teaching and academic alignment. These things matter.
“Students deserve leadership and someone willing to make tough decisions to move the school forward. »
Scott could not be reached for comment.
Former emergency manager Paige McNulty named Scott co-principal of West Side with Brandi Herrod in 2022 after input from a selection committee of students and parents. Herrod now works at 21st Century Charter School in Gary.
Scott, a West Side graduate, holds a Master of Arts in Education from Indiana University Northwest.
Carole Carlson is a freelance journalist for the Post-Tribune.
