Charter backers hoping for Calumet College lifeline
Parents, students and staff members at the Thea Bowman Leadership Academy spoke passionately about their school Thursday during a public hearing called by Calumet College of St. Joseph, which is considering the school’s charter application.
Calumet College’s board of directors will vote Monday on sponsoring the school, which is in danger of closing its doors if it can’t find a new authorizer.
The K-12 school at 3401 W. 5th Ave. has about 825 students.
Mayor Eddie Melton lent his voice in support for the 21-yearold school where he said he once worked as a teacher’s aide.
“I’m here tonight to stand in solidarity with you, and telling them they don’t have to stand alone,” he said.
“It’s extremely important as a community that we break these silos down between our schools. These are our children in Gary. Every child who attends a school in the city needs to know the government is behind them.”
Last month, Education One, based at Trine University in Angola, revoked the school’s charter citing a history of academic deficiencies and organizational issues. It placed Thea Bowman on probationary status at the start of the school year in August.
Education One executive director Lindsay Omlor said last month when it learned Thea Bowman planned to apply to another authorizer, “as opposed to working to rectify the noted deficiencies, charter revocation became the only option … ”
Thea Bowman school board chairwoman Eve Gomez cited a disconnect with Education One that made communication difficult and hurt its ability to make improvements.
It began talks last March with Calumet College as a potential new authorizer. Gomez said the school notified Education One it filed an application to change charter authorizers in October.
“Education One, who operates out of Angola, Indiana, has had little to no in-person contact with the school and instead relies solely on emails and virtual meetings,” Gomez said.
“It is clear that the actions of the Education One Board are in retaliation for TBLA making application to change Authorizers,” she said in a statement.
Parent Teneia Dilosa said she spent her high school career at Thea Bowman and her son is now in first grade at the school.
“The family environment and history has been unmatched,” she said.
“There are not a lot of options here when it comes to schools … As you deliberate, I ask you to consider all the parents, all the students and the magnitude of what this school provides. It has been a pillar in the community.”
Lekeisha Zellers, a staff member for 12 years, said her daughters attended the school.
“This is like family. I got numerous calls from parents. Their heart is bleeding. It’s so emotional if Thea Bowman closes, I’m going to cry,” she said.
Antoinette Troupe, a West Side High graduate, said she’s seen the school from multiple perspectives as a parent, volunteer, staff member and a neighbor.
“I stayed away from Gary for a long time. I didn’t want to be here because of the state of the district,” she said.
“I refused to let my child go to West Side High School.”
She said one of her sons graduated from Thea Bowman, and went to college and played professional sports.
“They play football without a football field. Our kids can accomplish great things if they’re given the opportunity. I’ll be honest, we fell off but we’re back on the rise.”
Her younger son, Tristen Troupe, a sophomore and class president, said students feel safe at the school and there’s a sense of family.
School nurse Jeanette Hines has been at the school since it opened in 2003. Her three children also attended the school.
“For me, it would be a tragedy if Thea Bowman didn’t open its doors in the fall ... I pray that you guys will accept us as a new charter authorizer … ”
Education One became Thea Bowman’s authorizer in 2016 after its original sponsor, Ball State University, revoked its charter. The Indiana State Charter Board also declined to sponsor the school.
If Calumet College agrees to sponsor the school, the State Board of Education has to approve the change.