The Learning Disabilities Association of America recognized the work Kevin Gailey has done with Carmel's Midwest Academy.
This led Gailey to quickly rise through the ranks of the national organization. Gailey, who serves as head of school at Midwest Academy, was elected LDA board president for a two-year term at the national convention in February in New Orleans.
“It's an organization that's been around for over 60 years,” Gailey said. “The founders of the organization were instrumental in passing many of the most important laws (relating to) learning disabilities in schools. They strive to educate, advocate and support. Part of advocacy is doing political work in Washington, D.C. My work in the Midwest is what connected me to this community, and that's what led me to participate in a leadership role.”
Gailey previously served as treasurer for two years and vice president for two years.
“I did not come as a board member. I came straight away as treasurer, which is a bit unusual,” he said.
Gailey said the turnaround at Midwest Academy likely drew attention. Midwest is a school for students in grades three through 12 with autism, ADHD, and working memory and processing challenges.
When Gailey, a Carmel resident, started at Midwest Academy in August 2010, the school had only 62 students and was struggling financially.
“Now, school is going well. We're over 110 kids in the last two years,” Gailey said. “We were pretty consistent. Financially, we bought and renovated our building and owe only $400,000 on a $3.5 million project eight years later. Financially, we are doing well.”
Gailey said Midwest prefers to use the term “learning differences” rather than “learning disabilities.”
As president of the LDA, Gailey said he helps develop strategic plans and works with the organization's CEO. He said he sees his role as providing leadership and structure. Fundraising will be a key focus for LDA this year.
Gailey said his responsibilities include Zoom calls for LDA with people from up to 10 different states. Some of the people were never in the same room as the others.
“There are some who have been with the organization for 40 years and others who have been there for four months,” Gailey said. “There are people with new ideas and old ideas. There are people who know history and people who are energetic and try new things. I'm trying to get all these people to work together.”
Gailey said that from an educational standpoint, there are ideas he's learning through LDA that he can bring to Midwest Academy.
“There are people who present white papers and ideas about how to work with children with learning differences,” he said.
Katie Erdmanis, assistant principal and parent of a student at Midwest Academy, said it benefits the school and the LDA to have Gailey involved.
“Kevin is in a unique position to be able to give LDA's perspective on what educators really need, and the benefit to our teachers is that we can go see speakers and go to their workshops,” Erdmanis said. “I think it's a win-win for both sides.”
Midwest enrollment has increased despite the COVD-19 pandemic.
“Some parents enrolled their kids without ever walking in the building because they couldn't because we weren't allowed to,” Gailey said. “Our faculty has done a great job of staying kid-oriented.”
Midwest Academy has a staff of 30, including 25 teachers and counselors. Although the majority of students are from Carmel, some are from other parts of central Indiana.
“We had a kid take a cab from Muncie every day for four years,” Gailey said.
Gailey said some parents move out of state so their children can attend Midwest Academy.
“Some of them are connecting with the LDA of America and joining a national organization,” he said. “With this tiny school, to be the leader of this national organization is kind of unusual.”
Keeping costs low
Annual tuition for Midwest Academy is $17,500, which Kevin Gailey, the school's principal, said is cheaper than some other independent schools in the Indianapolis area.
“Thirty percent of our families each year receive up to 50 percent financial aid,” he said.
Gailey said it costs Midwest $25,000 to educate each student.
“We're trying to raise $800,000 a year because we don't want to be in the $20,000 zone for our parents,” Gailey said.
A major fundraiser will be the annual gala at 6 p.m. on April 29 at the Indianapolis Marriott North. Tickets are $150.
“We're trying to get members of the community to learn more about us,” said Katie Erdmanis, the school's assistant principal.
The gala includes dinner, a silent auction, a live auction, dancing and a live band.
For more, visit mymwa.org the facebook.com/mymwa.orgwhere a link will be available when the auction items are posted on April 28th.
