FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 17, 2026
Gary Community School Corporation Shares Updates on Community Learning Initiative and Leadership Appointment at March School Board Meeting
(Gary, IND) – During the Gary Community School Corporation Board of School Trustees meeting held Thursday, March 12, 2026, district leadership shared updates highlighting the district’s continued efforts to build a strong school district focused on educating both students and the broader community.
Two key announcements were presented: the launch of the GCSC Knowledge Seekers Program
, a new opportunity designed to educate community members about the inner workings of the district, and the appointment of longtime district professional Kenneth “Kenny” Smith, as the Director of Building, Grounds, and Maintenance.
Knowledge Seekers: Educating the Community About How Schools Work
As part of the district’s commitment to transparency and community partnership, GCSC Superintendent Dr. Yvonne Stokes announced the upcoming Knowledge Seekers Program, an initiative designed to provide community members with a deeper understanding of how the GCSC school district operates and the many systems that support student success.
“Through this program, participants will have the opportunity to learn directly from district leaders about areas such as school finance, academics, transportation, human resources, special education, technology, athletics, and building-level supports,” said Stokes. “The goal is to help community members become more informed partners and advocates for GCSC students and our network of schools.”
The program will include two cohorts of 15 participants each and requires an eight-month commitment, with participants attending monthly sessions.
All sessions will take place at the Gary Area Career Center Industrial Arts Clinic, located at 1800 E. 35th Avenue in Gary, Indiana. The application can be completed and submitted at www.GarySchools.org.
Application Deadline: Friday, April 3, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. CST
Questions: info@garycsc.k12.in.us
Cohort A Schedule (11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.)
May 20 — School Finance / Board Governance
June 17 — Academic Priorities
July 15 — Human Resources Supports
August 19 — Operations (Transportation, Food Service, and BGM)
September 16 — Special Populations (Special Education Supports)
October 14 — Athletics / Security
November 18 — Technology / Policies
December 16 — Building-Level Supports / Volunteerism
Cohort B Schedule (4:45 p.m. – 6:45 p.m.)
May 20 — School Finance / Board Governance
June 17 — Academic Priorities
July 15 — Human Resources Supports
August 19 — Operations (Transportation, Food Service, and BGM)
September 16 — Special Populations (Special Education Supports)
October 14 — Athletics / Security
November 18 — Technology / Policies
December 16 — Building-Level Supports / Volunteerism
The program will conclude with a graduation ceremony at 6:00 p.m. on December 16 at the Gary Area Career Center, followed by a reception.
Leadership Strengthening District Operations
During the meeting, the district also highlighted the appointment of Kenneth “Kenny” Smith as Director of Building, Grounds, and Maintenance, whose more than 40 years of service to the Gary Community School Corporation reflects the district’s commitment to experienced and dedicated leadership.
Smith began his career with GCSC in the 1980s and has spent decades ensuring the district’s facilities and operations support safe, effective learning environments for students and staff.
Early in his career, Smith completed an apprenticeship with the United Brotherhood of Carpenters, strengthening his expertise in construction and facility maintenance. Over the years, he expanded his skills by obtaining multiple certifications to further develop his leadership abilities.
In 2001, he also graduated from the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy, further demonstrating his commitment to public safety and community service.
“As a lifelong Gary resident, I remain deeply invested in ensuring that the district’s schools are safe, secure, and well-maintained environments where students and educators can thrive,” said Smith. “I also consider it an honor to serve the students of Gary.”
Updates shared at the March board meeting reflect the district’s continued focus on building a strong school corporation grounded in transparency, leadership, and community partnership.
For more information on the Gary Community School Corporation, visit www.garycsc.k12.in.us. To submit questions and share feedback, email info@garycsc.k12.in.us.
