Ball State University will launch a national search in about two weeks to replace the director of the Office of Charter Schools, who stepped down Friday to join his family business.
Marty Dezelan will help run his family's insurance business in Indianapolis, Dezelan-GDM Agency, after directing and advancing the university's charter schools office since 2003.
"I have an opportunity to begin a third generation of service, working alongside my father for a few years," Dezelan said.
Serving as the office's interim director is Barbara Downey, former assistant director. Roy Weaver, dean of the Teachers College and search committee chair, said the advertisement for the position should be posted in a couple of weeks with a permanent director to start July 1.
"Given the reputation and success of Ball State's role as an authorizer, I believe there will be interest in the position," Weaver said.Ball State is the only public university in Indiana to authorize charter schools and sponsors 17 around the state. While it does not run the schools, the university reserves the right to rescind a charter if a school fails to meet performance standards.
When Dezelan arrived at Ball State in January 2003, the university sponsored six schools with three to open that fall.
"My first day was Jan. 6 and my last day was Jan. 6, which I suppose doesn't happen often," Dezelan said.
Dezelan said the office's biggest accomplishment has been creating the charter schools program from scratch and developing an accountability process with the help of talented faculty throughout the university.
"Dr. (Jo Ann) Gora challenged me, the Office of Charter Schools and many areas in the university to think about where charter schools should fit within the university and what features of the charter schools movement and Ball State's role in that movement should be," Dezelan said.
Downey said she looks forward to spending the next few months working with the charter schools and improving on the schools' accountability framework, as well as addressing misconceptions about the schools. She has not considered whether she will apply for the permanent position, she said. However, she will work "in whatever capacity they want me in, but I enjoy working there very much and see my growth continuing there."
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
