State Higher Education Commission welcomes Career Academy board president

INDIANAPOLIS — Larry Garatoni, Board President of Career Academy Network of Public Schools, an Education One Charter School Network, has been appointed to the Indiana Commission for Higher Education, as announced by Governor Eric J. Holcomb in June.

The 14-person higher education coordinating board is comprised of one faculty member, one student member, a representative from each of the state’s nine congressional districts, and three at-large members. The new members represent the 2nd, 4th, and 5th Congressional Districts. An at-large member and student representative were also appointed. 

Created in 1971, the Indiana Commission for Higher Education plans, coordinates, and defines Indiana’s postsecondary education system to align higher learning with the needs of students and the state. The Commission also administers Indiana’s financial aid programs, including the 21st Century Scholars Early College Promise scholarship, which celebrated 30 years in 2020.  

Larry Garatoni of South Bend represents Indiana’s 2nd Congressional District. Garatoni has owned and operated many businesses since his graduation from Purdue University in 1961. Most recently, Garatoni founded the Garatoni-Smith Family Foundation with his wife. This foundation donated $2.5 million to Ivy Tech, which is naming its Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Automation in South Bend for him and his wife.

He also founded HQ Investments, a company that manages various publicly traded and private investments. Prior to this, he built and operated long-term-care facilities as a part of Health Quest Group. After selling those companies, he acquired software and internet sales companies Achieve Healthcare Technology, FurnitureFind.com, and Winesource.com. He sold these companies in 2007.

Garatoni is a staunch advocate for charter schools. He founded both the Career Academy and the Success Academy charter schools in South Bend where he serves as board chair. Garatoni will serve on the commission until June 30, 2026. 

Recognizing a deficit in South Bend education,  Garatoni, along with Steve Hartz, wanted to address students falling behind due to lack of access to quality educational resources and passionate, skilled teachers. Garatoni and Hartz built Career Academy—a charter school in South Bend that would provide students with access to high-quality education in a positive and inspirational environment where they could feel accepted and encouraged.

Career Academy is continually evaluating its approach and striving to create an educational experience that is challenging, inclusive, and provides students with opportunities to grow through real-world experience. Career Academy Network of Public Schools now includes Career Academy High School, Career Academy Middle School, Success Academy Primary School, Success Academy at Boys and Girls Club, and The Portage School of Leaders.

View the original announcement from The State of Indiana.  To learn more about Education One and Career Academy Network of Public Schools visit: https://www.trine.edu/education-one/.