HAMMOND | The newest member of the Indiana State Board of Education stopped in Northwest Indiana Wednesday and toured the Hammond Academy of Science and Technology charter school.
Gordon Hendry, who was appointed to the state board in late September, pledged to meet with state board members from all nine Congressional districts as well as teachers, students and parents from schools in each area.
He toured the charter school with State Board of Education member and Gary attorney Tony Walker, charter school board President Kris Sakelaris, charter school Principal Sean Egan and several students.
Hendry said he was “blown away” by what he saw at HAST.
“It’s exactly what we need to be doing in education in Indiana and across the nation,” Hendry said. “I saw innovation, creativity and students who are challenged.”
Hendry and Walker also had an opportunity to talk to a handful of students prior to the tour about their education and goals.
Hendry said the students are passionate about what they are doing and learning.
Hendry said his background is in business and education. As a commercial real estate executive, Hendry said he understands the importance of education to the state and nation.
The new charter school is located in downtown Hammond on the grounds of the old Masonic Temple. Sakelaris explained to Hendry and Walker that officials from Purdue University Calumet played a role in the architecture and design of the building.
Principal Egan pointed out the collapsible walls between some classrooms and a glass door in the hallway where students post their college acceptance letters.
Looking at the letters, Hendry called it a great idea and an encouragement to the entire student body.
Click below to read the article in the Northwest Indiana Times
New state ed board member visits HAST : Lake.