Gary schools has its first home-grown budget in 7 years, with good news for taxpayers

The Gary School Board passed another milestone Wednesday, approving a $76 million 2025 budget after seven years of budgets drawn up by state-hired emergency managers.

The plan carries some good news for taxpayers, too.

Chief financial officer Linda Zaborowski said the property tax rate would drop about 21 cents per $100 assessed value because some debt has been retired.

Some residents complained at the board’s last meeting that the $1.8 million capital projects plan should include a pool and athletic complex at the West Side Leadership Academy. Board members didn’t respond to the comments.

The bulk of the capital projects’ spending was targeted for Banneker at Marquette Elementary, which has been troubled by electrical and HVAC issues.

The budget moves on to the state now for final approval.

The board received an update on a bid to install two cell phone towers at schools in Miller.

The board still hasn’t voted on the offer from Houston-based Crown Castle, which wants to install cellular towers at Gary Middle School and Banneker at Marquette Elementary.

In August, the company offered $34,800 annually for a 50-year lease with a 3% increase each year.

On Wednesday, Vincent White, interim information technology director, said Crown Castle increased its offer to $39,600 annually.

Several residents have spoken out against the lease, citing environmental and health issues from radiation from the towers.

In other business, Cynthia Treadwell, who most recently served in the Chicago Public Schools as executive director for the Office of Social and Emotional Learning, was named chief academic officer.

Her first day is Oct. 15. Treadwell also served as principal of Ira F. Aldridge Elementary in Chicago.

Officials said she holds a doctorate in educational leadership from National Louis University.

Carole Carlson is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.