Gary Community School Corp.’s board of trustees officially appointed Yvonne Stokes as superintendent of Gary schools effective July 1.
“We look forward to her leadership and experience to guide the Gary schools,” said Michael Suggs, GCSC school board president, in a press release. “Today is the catalyst of a search process that reviewed 38 candidates from 14 states and engaged over 350 members of our community to find and hire Dr. Stokes.”
Prior to joining GCSC, Stokes served as superintendent of the Hamilton Southeastern Schools in Hamilton, Indiana. She previously was the assistant superintendent of the School Town of Munster. In 2018, Stokes received the Indiana Governor's Award for Achievement in Education.
Stokes said she was honored to be chosen as superintendent. She praised the efforts of the school board, district staff, community and leaders to eliminate inequities that impact students.
“These efforts resonate with me because I am passionate about breaking down barriers and creating access and opportunity for all our students to be successful,” Stokes said. “Therefore, in the spirit of continuous improvement, I am grateful for the opportunity to support the empowerment of all our students so they can thrive academically, socially and emotionally.”
School officials will host a public meet and greet from 6 to 8 p.m. June 11 at the Gary Area Career Center. The community is invited to attend.
The Gary Community School Corp. serves 10,700 students grades kindergarten through 12. The district operates elementary schools, secondary academies, a middle school and a preschool.
