Gary’s Steel City Charter Academy received a 15-year renewal of its charter on Dec. 9 from the Indiana Charter School Board, the school’s authorizer.
The renewal, which came on the school’s 10th anniversary, followed an extensive review by the state board.
At Monday’s meeting, six people spoke in favor of the renewal and 32 people sent letters of support.
Steel City executive director Katie Kirley attributed the extension to the school’s strong academic outcomes, stable leadership and demonstrated impact on students and families.
Kirley has led the school since its inception.
“This 15-year renewal is more than an authorization. It’s a defining moment in Steel City’s story,” Kirley said. “It affirms the last decade of hard work, belief and resilience from our students, families and staff in building something that will leave a powerful legacy in Gary.”
Last year, Steel City Academy second-graders posted a 78% pass rate on the IREAD literacy exam and third-graders posted an 80% pass rate. The state average was 87%.
On the state’s ILEARN exam, Steel City eighth-graders had a 58% English/language arts pass rate, which the school said was the highest in Gary.
On last year’s SAT exam, Steel City juniors had a 54% pass rate on the reading and writing section, just below the state’s 54.5% average.
“Educators used to travel from around the world to Gary, Indiana, to learn about the best practices in public education,” Kirley said. “We believe Steel City Academy can be at the leading point of Gary’s resurgence as a public education powerhouse in the United States. With a 15-year horizon, a strong academic foundation and a transformational new facility on the way, Steel City Academy is poised to expand our impact and deepen our legacy in a city we’re proud to call home.”
Steel City will be on the move next year as students and staff move into a newly refurbished school purchased from the Gary Community School Corp.
Formerly known as the Lincoln Achievement Center, it’s located at 1988 Polk St. It also briefly was the home of the Gary district’s central administration.
Last year, Steel City purchased the school along with David O. Duncan Elementary, 1109 W. 21st Ave. in 2023 for $250,000. It was sold as one parcel with Lincoln.
Kirley said Duncan, which closed 13 years ago, will be demolished.
Kirley said lead, asbestos and mold have been removed and the school is in the process of getting construction permits from the city.
“Our goal is to open next year and we’re cautiously optimistic,” said Kirley.
She said once the move is over, Steel City will sell its current location at 2650 W. 35th Ave.
She said the move will provide a cafeteria, gymnasium, library and music room.
“We’ll be intentional about small growth. We’ll eventually end up with about 650 on that campus,” Kirley said. The school now has about 300 students.
Carole Carlson is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.