The depths of the “Jim Crow” mindset lingered for decades. We would be remiss to not mention the appointment of Dr. Haron Battle as Assistant Superintendent in 1955. Dr. Battle served for 18 years training, guiding, supporting and assisting with the smooth transition of multiple incoming Superintendents to the Gary School System. Never to be elevated to the position.
His career began in 1934 as a math teacher at Roosevelt. He left to serve his Country in WWII. He returned to Roosevelt as the first Guidance Counselor until moving to Administration at the Central Office. One of his many achievements was being Co-Founder and Director of the “Gary Educational Development Foundation”. This foundation continues to help graduating students with scholarships for further educational endeavors.