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Regular Meetings of Gary Community School Board
Thursday, November 12, 2026
Gary Career Center
1800 E. 35th Ave., Gary IN


1. Opening Items
1.1 Call to Order
1.2 Pledge of Allegiance
1.3 Roll Call

2. Preliminary Agenda
2.1 Approval of the November 12, 2026, Agenda

3. β€œGary Ready!” Snapshots
3.1 Districtwide Events Update

4. Public Comments
4.1 Public Comment Information
4.2 Individual Public Comments

5. Consent Agenda
5.1 Approval of Minutes (10/8/26 Regular Meeting)
5.2 Approval of Accounts Payable Voucher Register
5.3 Approval of Payroll Register
5.4 Approval of Personnel Report
5.5 Approval of Special Personnel Report
5.6 Approval of Field/Conference Experiences
5.7 Approval of November Fundraisers
5.8 Approval of November Donations
5.9 Approval of Resolution #29 Transfer 15% Education Fund to Operations Fund
5.10 Approval of Resolution #30 Transfer Referendum Fund to the Education Fund
5.11 Approval of Resolution #31 Transfer Referendum Fund to the Operations Fund

6. Action Items
6.1 Request for approval of the Collective Bargaining Agreement
6.2 Request for approval of Joint Service Agreement with Vincennes University and Gary Area Career Center
6.3 Request for approval of MOU between IVY Tech Community College and West Side Leadership Academy
6.4 Request for approval of MOU between POP on Youth Violence, Inc., and Gary Community School Corp
6.5 Request for approval of MOU between Indiana University NW and West Side Leadership Academy
6.6 Request for approval of MOU between AGAPE Union Transport, LLC, and Gary Community School Corp
6.7 Request for approval of MOU between YWCA NWI and Gary Community School Corporation
6.8 Request for approval of MOU between Girls on the Run NWI and Gary Community School Corp
6.9 Request for approval Professional Service Agreement with DIEHL Consulting and Gary Community School Corp

7. Information Items
7.1 First Reading of GCSC Policies
7.2 Beyond Graduation: Building Pathways to College Career and Postsecondary Success
7.3 From Investment to Partnership

8. Administrative Reports
8.1 NEOLA Update
8.2 Financial Update/Funding Floor

9. Board Reports/Communication
9.1 Individual Board Member Reports/Communication

10. Superintendent Report
10.1 Matters of Corporation Interest
10.2 Next Board Meeting DRAFT Agenda

11. Adjournment

2 days ago, Gary Community School Corporation

πŸ’™ GCSC Families, we have a seat waiting for YOU! Join us TOMORROW, Wednesday, November 11, for our final Parent CafΓ© of 2026 β€” Gratitude Edition! πŸ‚

Come enjoy FREE dinner, meaningful conversations, and an opportunity to connect with other parents and caregivers in a welcoming, judgment-free space.

πŸ“ Daniel Hale Williams, 1320 E. 19th Ave., Gary
πŸ•Ÿ Dinner: 4:30 PM | Parent CafΓ©: 5:00–7:00 PM

ALL GCSC families are welcome, regardless of which school your child attends!

Take a little time for yourself β€” your voice, experiences, and presence matter! πŸ’™

Please register in advance using the QR code on our flyer or online at: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/geGhyrEhVU

We can't wait to see you!

β€” GCSC F.A.C.E. Team

3 days ago, Gary Community School Corporation
West Side Leadership Academy will host The Battle of Middle Schools this Thursday, November 5th @ 5:00p to kick off our middle school boys' basketball season. Bailly Stem Academy will be challenging Gary Middle School in this doubleheader with doors opening @4:45p. Please note that identification must be shown at the ticket gate and any minor attending the game must be accompanied by a parent/guardian during the event's duration. Please enter through the Surge Door; the ticket presale link is provided for your pre-purchasing convenience through Eventlink. (Cash/Tap/Card) will be accepted at the gate and concession stand. https://elweb.app/ltrvgwg
9 days ago, Gary Community School Corporation
πŸŽπŸŽ„ HELP US FILL THE POLAR EXPRESS WITH HOLIDAY CHEER! πŸš‚βœ¨

The Gary Community School Corporation, in partnership with the Gary Public Library, is collecting donations for our 2nd Annual Holiday Help Fair on Friday, December 18, 2026!

We're calling on our incredible community, local businesses, organizations, and families to help make the holiday season brighter for GCSC scholars and their families! πŸ’™πŸ§‘

🎁 WE'RE ACCEPTING DONATIONS OF:

🧸 New, Unwrapped Toys – Bring joy to children of all ages!

πŸ’³ Gift Cards – Help families purchase essential items and holiday necessities.

πŸ‘• New School Uniforms – Help scholars return to school confident, comfortable, and ready to learn!

πŸ“… DONATION DEADLINE: NOVEMBER 20, 2026

πŸ“ HOW TO DONATE:

Contact a GCSC F.A.C.E. Liaison at any of our schools to coordinate your donation drop-off. Donations are being accepted now through November 20th!

πŸš‚ WHERE YOUR GENEROSITY GOES:

Donated items will be distributed to families during our Holiday Help Fair, taking place December 18th at the Gary Public Library & Cultural Center.

✨ Whether you're donating one toy, a gift card, a uniform, or organizing a collection drive with your business or organization, every contribution makes a difference!

πŸ’™πŸ§‘ Together, we can turn community kindness into holiday smiles!

πŸ“ž Questions? Contact your school's F.A.C.E. Liaison or call 219-881-5407.

🌐 www.garyschools.org

#GCSC #HolidayHelpFair #PolarExpress #GiveBackGary #CommunityStrong #GarySchools #FamilyEngagement #HolidayGiving #GCSCFACE
10 days ago, Gary Community School Corporation
πŸŽ’ GIVE UNIFORMS A SECOND LIFE! πŸ’™πŸ§‘

πŸ“£ GCSC Families β€” Our 2nd Annual Uniform Exchange Program starts TODAY!

Have school uniforms your scholar has outgrown or no longer needs? Don't let them sit in the closet! Turn those uniforms into points toward new-to-you uniforms for your scholar while helping other GCSC families! ♻️

πŸ‘• HOW IT WORKS:
βœ… Gather new or gently used school uniforms.
βœ… Drop them off at designated GCSC schools.
βœ… Earn points based on the condition of your donations.
βœ… Receive a Uniform Exchange Voucher by email.
βœ… Redeem your points for available uniforms at our Holiday Help Fair on December 18th! πŸš‚πŸŽ„

πŸ“… DONATION DATES: November 2–20, 2026

⏰ DROP-OFF HOURS: 10 AM–12 PM

πŸ“ WHERE: Designated GCSC school locations

✨ Open to ALL GCSC families with scholars in Pre-K through 12th grade!

Every uniform donated is an opportunity to help another scholar show up confidently and ready to learn.

πŸ’™πŸ§‘ One uniform. Another opportunity. A stronger GCSC community!

πŸ“ž Questions or need an alternate drop-off time? Contact your school's F.A.C.E. Liaison or call 219-881-5407.

🌐 www.garyschools.org

#GCSC #UniformExchange #GarySchools #FamilyEngagement #GCSCFACE #HolidayHelpFair #CommunitySupportingCommunity
11 days ago, Gary Community School Corporation
πŸΎπŸ§‘πŸ’™ COUGARS RALLY AGAINST BULLYING! All month long, our GCSC Cougars have been standing together against bullying, participating in activities and conversations that promote kindness, respect, inclusion, and positivity! As we close out October's Bullying Prevention Month, we are reminded that bullying prevention is more than a monthβ€”it's our commitment every day! At Gary Community School Corporation, we remain committed to creating safe, welcoming environments where every student feels respected, valued, and supported. Together, let's continue spreading kindness, standing up for one another, and reminding every Cougar that YOU BELONG HERE! 🐾 #CougarsAgainstBullying #BullyingPreventionMonth #YouBelongHere #GCSCProud #ChooseKindness
14 days ago, Gary Community School Corporation
πŸ‚πŸ FALL BREAK REMINDER! πŸπŸ‚

GCSC Families, it's time for a little fall break!

There will be NO SCHOOL on Friday, October 23, and Monday, October 26, 2026, in observance of Fall Break.

πŸ“š Students will return to school on Tuesday, October 27, 2026.

We hope all of our scholars, families, and staff enjoy a safe, relaxing, and refreshing break!

πŸ§‘πŸ’™ Enjoy your Fall Break!

#GCSC #GarySchools #FallBreak #GCSCFamilies
22 days ago, Gary Community School Corporation
Join us for β€œRecognize. Respond. Support.” β€” A Conversation with the Lake County Indiana Crisis Intervention Team (CIT).

Learn about crisis intervention and resources available to support your family. Bring your questions and connect with us!

πŸ“… Today, Tuesday, October 20
πŸ•š 11:00 a.m.
πŸ’» Join on Google Meet: https://meet.google.com/kms-choh-rwa
βœ… No registration required!

#GCSC #TechTuesday #FamilyEngagement
24 days ago, Gary Community School Corporation
GCSC Families: Your Next Opportunity Starts Here!

Are you ready to take the next step toward achieving your educational or career goals?

The Center of Workforce Innovations' Grad219 Adult Literacy & Training Centers offers opportunities for adults to strengthen their skills, continue their education, and prepare for new career pathways.

Programs include:

Adult Basic Education – Strengthen reading, writing, and math skills.

High School Equivalency (HSE) – Prepare for HiSET or GED testing.

English Language Learning – Build English language and communication skills.

Career Training – Develop skills to prepare for employment opportunities.

With locations in Gary, Crown Point, Hammond, Rensselaer, and virtual options, there's an opportunity to learn that may fit your schedule!

We Want to Hear From You!

GCSC is encouraging parents, guardians, caregivers, and adult family members interested in learning more to complete a brief 5-question interest survey.

Your responses will help us better understand the educational and career training interests of our families and connect you with additional information.

Take the 5-Question Survey:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe2xWiPaJKUQm-f0Et4Ilu_2twAQ063vW9H7tzQFGEUCAIVog/viewform

For more information about Grad219, visit grad219.org or call (866) GRAD-219.

Invest in yourself. Inspire your family. Build your future!

Learn More, Earn More β€” Your Next Chapter Starts Today!
29 days ago, Gary Community School Corporation

Dear GCSC Families,

Tomorrow, Friday, October 9, 2026, is scheduled to be a Synchronous eLearning Day

Students will learn from home and participate in live, teacher-led instruction online rather than reporting to school in person.

What Families Need to Know:

  • Students should log in at their scheduled time.

  • Teachers will provide live instruction online.

  • Students are expected to participate and complete assigned work.


Please watch for additional instructions from your child's school regarding schedules and login information.

This calendar adjustment will help recover instructional time lost due to the August 11 storm and related school closures.

We appreciate your flexibility and continued partnership in supporting student learning.

Gary Community School Corporation

This schedule change is pending approval by the GCSC Board of School Trustees at its meeting today, Thursday, October 8, 2026.

about 1 month ago, Gary Community School Corporation
Dear GCSC Families,

Please be advised of an important update to the 2026–2027 school calendar.

To help recover instructional time lost due to the August 11 storm and related school closures, the district has designated the following dates as Synchronous eLearning Days:

Friday, October 9, 2026
Friday, March 12, 2027

On these days, students will learn from home and participate in live, teacher-led instruction online. Students should log in at their scheduled time, participate in class, and complete assigned work.

These additional instructional days are intended to support students in recovering learning time missed during the storm-related closures.

Families should watch for additional information from their child’s school regarding schedules, login instructions, and expectations for synchronous eLearning.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support of our students.

*Pending approval by the Gary Community School Corporation Board of School Trustees on October 8, 2026.
about 1 month ago, Gary Community School Corporation
GCSC Budget Public Hearing & Regular School Board Meeting – October 8

Gary Community School Corporation invites families, staff, and community members to attend the upcoming 2027 Budget & Capital Projects Funds Public Hearing and Regular School Board Meeting on Thursday, October 8, 2026.

Budget Public Hearing
πŸ“… Thursday, October 8, 2026
πŸ•Ÿ 4:30 PM
πŸ“ Gary Area Career Center
1800 E. 35th Ave., Gary, IN

The Public Hearing will provide an opportunity for public input regarding the GCSC 2027 Budget and Capital Projects Funds.

The Regular Meeting of the Gary Community School Board will begin immediately following the Budget Public Hearing at the same location.
about 1 month ago, Gary Community School Corporation
πŸ“£ GCSC Families β€” Let’s Talk!

We’re keeping the momentum going! Following an incredible Indiana Family Engagement Summit, we’re inviting all GCSC parents and guardians to join us for our next Parent Partnership Council (PPC) Meeting on Wednesday, October 14, from 4:00–6:00 PM at Frankie Woods McCullough Academy.

We’ve said that family engagement is about more than giving parents a seat at the tableβ€”it’s about empowering families to help build the table. This is one of the spaces where that happens. πŸ’™πŸ§‘

During our time together, families will:
✨ Hear important district updates
✨ Help us plan our new Parent University
✨ Share ideas and perspectives on family engagement
✨ Connect with other parents and district leaders
✨ Help shape how we partner with families moving forward

Your experiences matter. Your voice matters. Your leadership matters.

πŸ“… October 14, 2026
⏰ 4:00–6:00 PM
πŸ“ Frankie Woods McCullough Academy
3757 W. 21st Ave., Gary, IN

Whether you’ve joined us before or this will be your first time, you belong in the conversation. Come help us build what’s next!

#GCSC #ParentPartnershipCouncil #FamilyEngagement #ParentVoice #ParentLeadership #BuildTheTable #PartneringForStudentSuccess
about 1 month ago, Gary Community School Corporation
πŸ“± Tech Tuesday is Today! 11:00 AM β€œRaising Independent, Responsible Kids.” We’ll share practical tips to help families build responsibility, confidence, and independence in children at home and at school. We hope you can join us! https://meet.google.com/tyt-ayai-aou
about 2 months ago, Gary Community School Corporation

Families, we invite you to stay connected and engaged with Gary Community School Corporation this week!

πŸ’» Tech Tuesday: Family Finances 11:00AM
Join us Tuesday for practical information and resources to help your family make informed financial decisions. Watch here: https://meet.google.com/tyt-ayai-aou

πŸ“… Bethune PAC Meeting
Thursday, September 24 / 9:00AM

πŸ‘΅πŸ½πŸ‘΄πŸ½ Gary Middle School Grandparents Day
Friday, September 25 / 10:00AM

πŸ“… Banneker at Marquette PAC Meeting
Friday, September 25 / 8:00AM

Your voice, participation, and partnership make a meaningful difference in our schools. We encourage every family to get involved, connect with school staff, and take advantage of these opportunities to support our students.

Please contact your school or FACE liaison for questions and additional details.

about 2 months ago, Gary Community School Corporation
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Tuesday, September 22, 2026 9:30 AM Gary Community School Corporation 900 Gerry Street – Door V Central Administration Office – Conf RM A109 Collective Bargaining: School employers and any exclusive representative for certificated employees must collectively bargain the teachers' contract. The mandatory subjects of bargaining listed in IC 20-29-6-4 are salary, wages, and salary and wage related fringe benefits, including accident, sickness, health, dental, vision, life, disability, retirement benefits, and paid time off (IC 20-28-9-11) are permitted to be bargained. This collective bargaining reopener is for salary only. 1. Open Public Hearing 2. Agenda 2.1 Review of Negotiation Terms 3. Public Comments 3.1 Individual Public Comments 4. Closing of Public Hearing/Adjournment If any persons with impairments or in need of special accommodations for this event, please contact the Special Populations Department at (219) 881-5405. Requests must be made at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled meeting to ensure appropriate provisions can be made
about 2 months ago, Gary Community School Corporation

Join us today at 11:00 a.m. for Tech Tuesday! This week’s topic is β€œRestorative Practices & Positive Discipline at Home.” Learn practical strategies for encouraging positive behavior, strengthening communication, and resolving conflict as a family. Join us here: https://meet.google.com/tyt-ayai-aou

about 2 months ago, Gary Community School Corporation

πŸ“£ We’re just TWO days away from the Indiana Family Engagement Summit!
We hope you’ll join us this Saturday, September 12th for an incredible day of learning, connection, and family engagement at Indiana University Northwest.
⏰ Registration closes TOMORROW! Scan the QR code on the flyer and get your name on the list while space is still available.
πŸŽ₯ Check out one final message from our Assistant Director of Curriculum & Assessment for a quick look at what you can expect at the summit.
We can’t wait to see you Saturday as we learn together, connect together, and grow together as families and a community!
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_WQwYfiWGRPGdDWcFW5T3bg#/registration

2 months ago, Gary Community School Corporation

πŸ“… GCSC Families: Here’s What’s Coming Up Next Week!

Please mark your calendars for these important dates:

πŸ”Ή Monday, September 7 – Labor Day
There will be NO SCHOOL in observance of Labor Day.

πŸ’» Tuesday, September 8 – Tech Tuesday
Join us virtually for another helpful Tech Tuesday session for families!
πŸ“² Add Tech Tuesday to your calendar: https://www.garycsc.k12.in.us/events?id=62116348

β˜• Wednesday, September 9 – Parent CafΓ©
Families are invited to join us for our Parent CafΓ©, β€œThe Parent Playbook,” from 8:30–11:30 a.m.
🎟️ Register here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=h8SGTXS9Tk6CzU4fvMdHiRj11c0VachEn2tF6lTys6ZUOUdCTUFCWTdMUjgyVU1CTFNKVFNBNFIwMy4u&route=shorturl

⏰ Wednesday, September 9 – Early Release Day
Students will be dismissed early:
β€’ Bethune – 11:45 a.m.
β€’ Elementary Schools – 11:30 a.m.
β€’ Middle & High Schools – 12:30 p.m.

πŸ‘΅πŸΎπŸ‘΄πŸΎ Celebrating Grandparents
Schools will be honoring grandparents and extraordinary family members throughout the month of September! Please check with your scholar’s school for specific dates, activities and details.

πŸ§‘πŸ’™ Friday, September 11 – WSLA PAC Meeting
Parents and guardians are invited to join the Parent Advisory Council (PAC) Meeting at 10:00 a.m. at West Side Leadership Academy.

We look forward to another great week of family engagement across GCSC!

2 months ago, Gary Community School Corporation
🀍🐾 GAME DAY REMINDER, COUGAR NATION! 🐾🀍

TODAY IS GAME DAY! 🏈πŸ”₯

It’s time to show up, show out, and support our Cougars! We’re calling on ALL COUGAR FANS to join us for the WHITE OUT! 🀍

🀍 WEAR WHITE!
πŸ“£ GET LOUD!
πŸ”₯ BRING THE ENERGY!
🐾 ROCK OUT FOR OUR COUGARS!

Let’s pack the stands and make sure our players can FEEL THE COUGAR PRIDE!

COUGARS πŸ†š WOLVES
πŸ“… TODAY β€” FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4TH

COUGAR NATION… LET’S GET LOUD! πŸ“£πŸΎ
PAWS UP! πŸΎπŸ§‘πŸ’™
2 months ago, WSLA