Gov. Eric J. Holcomb today announced the appointment of Erika Dilosa to the Indiana State Board of Education (Board). Dilosa is the director of special education for 21st Century Charter School at Gary and Gary Middle College East and West. She will represent the 1st congressional district and serve a four year term. A recent change to Indiana law required that the Governor’s next appointment to the Board be an individual who is a special education teacher or director. Dilosa’s appointment fills the seat previously held by Tony Walker.
“We are pleased to welcome Erika to the Board. Her experience with special education coupled with her passion for her community will make her an excellent addition,” said B.J. Watts, Board chair. “Tony Walker has served the Board well for many years and has been a relentless advocate for students. He will be missed.”
Dilosa’s passion for working with students with special needs was ignited when she learned her own child was on the spectrum of Autism. She has dedicated her career to ensuring students and families of students with special needs receive the education and support they need and deserve. As a special education teacher, she worked tirelessly to help students with disabilities overcome unique challenges within the educational setting. In her current role as director of special education, she strives to build teams of strong educators, involve and inform parents, and foster strong communication with building leaders and administrators to improve educational outcomes for students with disabilities.
Dilosa is a graduate from Chicago State University where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science as a scholar athlete and member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. She continued her post-baccalaureate education at Indiana University where she received her Master’s degree in Special Education.
As a pastor’s wife, Dilosa actively works in the community with her church and as a leader in women’s and youth ministries. She and her husband are the parents of 6 children attending school within the Lake Central School Corporation.