More security steps taken at Gary West Side; students to return Friday

Gary West Side Leadership Academy students return to in-person classes Friday, after four days of remote learning as the district shored up security procedures. District manager Paige McNulty updated the state Distressed Unit Appeal Board Thursday on the measures taken.

It marked the second time since the school year began in August that West Side students attended school remotely for security reasons.

The district upgraded security earlier this month following a Sept. 1 random school search, which resulted in the discovery of unauthorized items, That same day, a West Side student was shot and wounded while getting off his bus stop in the city’s Aetna section.

Officials took more steps this week.

“In the four days, we put in place extra procedures,” McNulty said. They include more support for special education students who posed behavioral issues, more student check-ins, and

hallway and lunch procedures.

“Lunch at 45 minutes is too long so students and staff set up different rooms so they can go to designated place for tutoring, gaming, athletics,” McNulty said. She said the 15 different options were selected by students.

Earlier, 10 additional metal detectors were installed, clear backpacks were ordered and the school purchased search wands to assist in identifying items, including weapons.

The district hired Richard Ligon, a former Gary police official and ROTC administrator, to co-lead security measures with a team of retired law enforcement members.

“The staff is energized and ready,” McNulty said. “We feel we are prepared for students.”

The DUAB also approved the district’s proposed $91.9 million 2022 budget, expected to be ratified by McNulty in a 9 a.m. public meeting Monday at West Side.

The budget has four funds — debt service, education, operations and a referendum fund. Chief financial officer Nicole Wolverton said the education fund was $44.1 million. The maximum levy supporting all the funds was $56.48 million.

“Usually, you ask for the stars and get a little less,” Wolverton said, anticipating a slight reduction in the education fund by the Department of Local Government and Finance.

McNulty said the demolition of Lew Wallace High School is set to begin Nov. 1.

Last month, the DUAB approved a $2,310,000 contract to KLF Enterprises in Markham, Illinois, for the demolition of the school at 415 W. 45th Ave. It closed in 2014.

McNulty said bricks from the school will be salvaged and given away at the central administration office at West Side.