After nearly a year and a half in the role of Emergency Manager for the Gary Community School Corporation (GCSC), Dr. Peter Morikis announced that effective today, he is passing the torch to his colleague and former East Chicago Schools Superintendent Dr. Paige McNulty to serve as Interim Emergency Manager.
“I was brought into this role to complete phase 1 of the turnaround plan which included assessing and evaluating the District’s academic and financial needs,” said Morikis. “We have made significant strides in stabilizing these areas, and now the focus becomes ending GCSC’s status as a distressed unit.”
McNulty came to the District in the fall of 2019 as a result of an assignment by the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE). She worked to improve the operations of the Federal Programs Department implementing procedures and greater oversight of grants to ensure compliance with federal guidelines.
“After completing a successful assignment with Federal Programs, I am honored to accept the role of Interim Emergency Manager and continue the great work that’s underway in Gary,” said McNulty. “I am fully focused on moving the Gary schools back to a self-sustaining district. It’s what we all want.”
Morikis will be assisting McNulty with transitioning into the role as well as working on other special projects for the District. A series of forums will be held for the community to meet Dr. McNulty and learn more about her immediate goals as Interim Emergency Manager.
“I am proud of the fact that during my tenure we have cut our deficit in half while working to engage more community stakeholders in the work being done to improve our district,” said Morikis. “Everything I do is for our children. Dr. McNulty feels the same way and will be a great asset to the team.”
Morikis and McNulty spoke more about the transition in a brief video which can be found here or on the Gary schools website at www.garycsc.k12.in.us.