The Crusader also found that under MGT’s leadership, the Gary school district is in worse shape academically now than in 2015 when many Gary schools had higher test scores, graduation rates and less suspensions and unexcused absences.

Under MGT’s leadership from 2017 to 2019, five out seven Gary schools received F grades for two consecutive years on the state’s accountability tests, state data show.

Under MGT’s leadership, these schools never achieved a state grade higher than an F.

Before MGT and the takeover, Frankie Woods McCullough earned an A grade on the state accountability test in the 2015-2016 school year, state records show.

After MGT’s takeover, only 46 percent of Beveridge’s students who took the IREAD test passed in the 2017-2018 school year.

But critics say the dramatic decline in state test scores, failing accountability grades, soaring suspensions and unimpressive enrollment figures are ominous signs that the takeover is failing Gary schools and its students.