Gary West Side Leadership Academy students, parents, and staff members voiced surprise and shock over the school board’s decision not to renew the contract of Principal Carl Scott by a 3-1 vote. Upset students walked out of school Friday and others questioned the move at the Feb. 19 school board m eeting. On Monday, Mayor Eddie Melton said he received about 10 calls from Scott supporters, as well. He said he plans to discuss the matter with the board and school leaders, although he has no authority over the schools. He does have one appointment to the board, Glenn Johnson, who voted in favor of the nonrenewal, along with Danita Johnson Woods and Shontrai Irving. Angela Lockett was the lone “no” vote. Board chairman Michael Suggs was absent. Schools typically don’t discuss personnel matters in public. Scott’s name didn’t appear on the Feb. 19 agenda, just the nonrenewal of a high school principal. West Side is Gary’s lone high school. Senior Joel Moore, who is president of the student council, said students didn’t hear about the nonrenewal vote until the day of the meeting and many couldn’t attend. “We were really upset. Myself and two other seniors wanted to get a protest going on,” said Moore, who credited Scott for helping him get a part-time job at Culver’s in Merrillville. Carl Scott (Provided in 2022 by Gary Community School Corp.) “He’s done so much for us and our community. For me personally, he fought for me to get scholarships. I’m at $10,000 now. I’m like, we gotta fight for him.” Moore and friends spread the word of a noon walkout on Friday and several students took part. He said they deliberately marched to the central administration headquarters on the west side of the school. “They haven’t heard our voices. Many of us have different stories about how Mr. Scott affected our lives.” Moore said a second walkout was planned for Monday, but Scott asked them to cancel it. On Monday, Superintendent Yvonne Stokes issued a statement saying the district was unable to share specific details regarding the decision not to renew the principal’s contract. “We understand that leadership transitions can bring strong emotions from members of the school community, including students, staff, and families. We respect these perspectives and deeply value the engagement and voice of our community. “Students have the right to express their viewpoints. However, demonstrations that substantially disrupt the educational environment — such as walkouts during instructional time — are not permitted. Students who engage in actions that disrupt learning will be subject to the guidelines outlined in the district’s Behavior Matrix,” Stokes said. Assistant Principal Janora Holmes said she returned to West Side after a previous stint because of Scott. “It was very disturbing to see the nonrenewal…” She said her son and his classmates praised Scott’s tenure. “My son and his 2026 class believe their principal honed in on their academic abilities and respects their voice. “The changes have brought an air of uncertainty and chaos.” Angela Hamblin-Blakely, a teacher and girls basketball coach, also backed Scott. “He leads with intentionality and focus with emphasis on instruction and academic alignment. Those things matter. “Students deserve leadership and someone willing to make hard decisions to move the school forward.” Scott couldn’t be reached for comment. Former emergency manager Paige McNulty appointed Scott co-principal at West Side along with Brandi Herrod in 2022 after input from a selection committee that included students and parents. Herrod now works at the 21st Century Charter School in Gary. Scott, a West Side graduate, has a master of arts degree in education from Indiana University Northwest. Carole Carlson is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune. ...read more read less