Clockwise from top: Robert Campbell, Marion Williams, Doretha Rouse, and Antuwan Clemons

School board in Gary could see big changes

Contributed By:The 411 News

The deadline to file as a candidate in local school board races was noon Friday, August 26.

Two of the current Gary school board members did not put their names on the ballot. Not seeking re-election are at-large member and school board president Antuwan Clemons, and 4th district board member Marion Williams.

In the Gary school district, four of the 7-member board will be decided in November’s General Election.

Finishing up his second term on the board, Williams said his business interests were requiring more of his time. “I’m working on upgrades to WLTH Radio and that needs my full attention.” In June, the radio station relocated to its new studios along 5th Avenue near Adams Street in downtown Gary.

“I want to thank the Gary schools for giving me an opportunity to serve,” Williams said. “I’ve been with the school district since the first grade. The only time I was absent was when I served in the military.” Williams has worked as a teacher and principal in the district.

Clemons also cited business reasons for leaving the board, after serving one term. Clemons LRP Networks promotes professional wrestling and entertainment ventures. “I want to explore expanding my Crash Tested Wrestling. But I will continue to support and fight for the Gary schools as a private citizen.”

Clemons said that would include some things he couldn’t do as a board member. Like raising money for the schools and he said, “There might even be a lawsuit for not funding public education in Gary.”

Two board members up for re-election and second terms are 1st district member Doretha Rouse and 2nd district member Robert Campbell.

Twenty-three candidates are running for the school board seats. Rouse is one of 6 candidates in the 1st district. Hoping to return to the school board is Barbara Leek, who lost her seat to Rouse in 2012. Another hopeful in the 1st district race is Carlos Tolliver; he is a former teacher and past president of the Gary teachers union.

The at-large school board race has drawn 10 candidates. Among them are former Gary school employees – Willie ‘Bill’ Cook, who served as human resources director and Ava Marshall-Ligon, Bethune School principal.

The current school board could also decide the tenure of Supt. Cheryl Pruitt whose contract ends in June 2017. Pruitt must be given at least a six-month notice if she will be retained or not.

Story Posted:09/08/2016