Ball State University will welcome a new director for the Office of Charter Schools next week. Larry Gabbert, former education associate for the Office of Charter Schools in Delaware, will join Ball State, July 1.
Gabbert said he was looking forward to being at Ball State and had many plans for the Office of Charter Schools.
"I need to get familiar with the program and the history that Ball State has," Gabbert said. "One of the things I want to do early in the fall is visit all the charter schools we have open. And I hope to help those charter schools individually with what they need."
Roy Weaver, dean of Teachers College, said Gabbert was a good choice for director because he had background experience at the U.S. Department of Education as well as at the state level in Delaware.
"I think that's an unusual combination," Weaver said. "He has a national network of people and connections."
Previous director, Marty Dezelan, left the university in January to take a job with his family's business.
"We've been looking to fill the spot of director for the past several months," Roy Weaver, dean of Teachers College, said. "We were looking for someone with experience and knowledge with charter schools and had a national perspective."
Larry Gabbert said he first learned of the position through an e-mail.
"It looked very interesting and I knew the reputation the university had for a long time," Gabbert said. "Once I called and got more information then came to visit, I became even more interested in the opportunity."
"They were looking for someone who had extensive experience in all areas; someone who could step in. I am probably one of the few people who have nine years experience working with this."
Barbara Downey is currently serving as interim director of charter schools until Gabbert begins next month. She will then return to her position as assistant director.
"I have been acting on behalf of the charter schools as a whole," Downey said. "I am just excited about the next step we are taking here as an office with a full staff. We will be able to provide additional quality schools to the families of Indiana."
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