
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. βGary Ready!β 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
π 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! π
Come enjoy FREE dinner, meaningful conversations, and an opportunity to connect with other parents and caregivers in a welcoming, judgment-free space.
π Daniel Hale Williams, 1320 E. 19th Ave., Gary
π Dinner: 4:30 PM | Parent CafΓ©: 5:00β7:00 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! π
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
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! ππ§‘
π WE'RE ACCEPTING DONATIONS OF:
π§Έ New, Unwrapped Toys β Bring joy to children of all ages!
π³ Gift Cards β Help families purchase essential items and holiday necessities.
π New School Uniforms β Help scholars return to school confident, comfortable, and ready to learn!
π DONATION DEADLINE: NOVEMBER 20, 2026
π 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!
π 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.
β¨ 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!
ππ§‘ Together, we can turn community kindness into holiday smiles!
π Questions? Contact your school's F.A.C.E. Liaison or call 219-881-5407.
π www.garyschools.org
#GCSC #HolidayHelpFair #PolarExpress #GiveBackGary #CommunityStrong #GarySchools #FamilyEngagement #HolidayGiving #GCSCFACE
π£ 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! β»οΈ
π HOW IT WORKS:
β Gather new or gently used school uniforms.
β Drop them off at designated GCSC schools.
β Earn points based on the condition of your donations.
β Receive a Uniform Exchange Voucher by email.
β Redeem your points for available uniforms at our Holiday Help Fair on December 18th! ππ
π DONATION DATES: November 2β20, 2026
β° DROP-OFF HOURS: 10 AMβ12 PM
π WHERE: Designated GCSC school locations
β¨ 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.
ππ§‘ One uniform. Another opportunity. A stronger GCSC community!
π Questions or need an alternate drop-off time? Contact your school's F.A.C.E. Liaison or call 219-881-5407.
π www.garyschools.org
#GCSC #UniformExchange #GarySchools #FamilyEngagement #GCSCFACE #HolidayHelpFair #CommunitySupportingCommunity
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.
π 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!
π§‘π Enjoy your Fall Break!
#GCSC #GarySchools #FallBreak #GCSCFamilies
Learn about crisis intervention and resources available to support your family. Bring your questions and connect with us!
π Today, Tuesday, October 20
π 11:00 a.m.
π» Join on Google Meet: https://meet.google.com/kms-choh-rwa
β No registration required!
#GCSC #TechTuesday #FamilyEngagement
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 β Strengthen reading, writing, and math skills.
High School Equivalency (HSE) β Prepare for HiSET or GED testing.
English Language Learning β Build English language and communication skills.
Career Training β 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!
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.
Please be advised of an important update to the 2026β2027 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 childβs 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.
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
π Thursday, October 8, 2026
π 4:30 PM
π 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.
Weβre keeping the momentum going! Following an incredible Indiana Family Engagement Summit, weβre inviting all GCSC parents and guardians to join us for our next Parent Partnership Council (PPC) Meeting on Wednesday, October 14, from 4:00β6:00 PM at Frankie Woods McCullough Academy.
Weβve said that family engagement is about more than giving parents a seat at the tableβitβs about empowering families to help build the table. This is one of the spaces where that happens. ππ§‘
During our time together, families will:
β¨ Hear important district updates
β¨ Help us plan our new Parent University
β¨ Share ideas and perspectives on family engagement
β¨ Connect with other parents and district leaders
β¨ Help shape how we partner with families moving forward
Your experiences matter. Your voice matters. Your leadership matters.
π October 14, 2026
β° 4:00β6:00 PM
π Frankie Woods McCullough Academy
3757 W. 21st Ave., Gary, IN
Whether youβve joined us before or this will be your first time, you belong in the conversation. Come help us build whatβs next!
#GCSC #ParentPartnershipCouncil #FamilyEngagement #ParentVoice #ParentLeadership #BuildTheTable #PartneringForStudentSuccess
Families, we invite you to stay connected and engaged with Gary Community School Corporation this week!
π» 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
π
Bethune PAC Meeting
Thursday, September 24 / 9:00AM
π΅π½π΄π½ Gary Middle School Grandparents Day
Friday, September 25 / 10:00AM
π
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.
Join us today at 11:00 a.m. for Tech Tuesday! This weekβs topic is βRestorative Practices & Positive Discipline at Home.β 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
π£ Weβre just TWO days away from the Indiana Family Engagement Summit!
We hope youβll join us this Saturday, September 12th for an incredible day of learning, connection, and family engagement at Indiana University Northwest.
β° Registration closes TOMORROW! Scan the QR code on the flyer and get your name on the list while space is still available.
π₯ 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 canβt 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
π
GCSC Families: Hereβs Whatβs Coming Up Next Week!
Please mark your calendars for these important dates:
πΉ Monday, September 7 β Labor Day
There will be NO SCHOOL in observance of Labor Day.
π» Tuesday, September 8 β Tech Tuesday
Join us virtually for another helpful Tech Tuesday session for families!
π² Add Tech Tuesday to your calendar: https://www.garycsc.k12.in.us/events?id=62116348
β Wednesday, September 9 β Parent CafΓ©
Families are invited to join us for our Parent CafΓ©, βThe Parent Playbook,β from 8:30β11:30 a.m.
ποΈ Register here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=h8SGTXS9Tk6CzU4fvMdHiRj11c0VachEn2tF6lTys6ZUOUdCTUFCWTdMUjgyVU1CTFNKVFNBNFIwMy4u&route=shorturl
β° Wednesday, September 9 β Early Release Day
Students will be dismissed early:
β’ Bethune β 11:45 a.m.
β’ Elementary Schools β 11:30 a.m.
β’ Middle & High Schools β 12:30 p.m.
π΅πΎπ΄πΎ Celebrating Grandparents
Schools will be honoring grandparents and extraordinary family members throughout the month of September! Please check with your scholarβs school for specific dates, activities and details.
π§‘π Friday, September 11 β 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!
TODAY IS GAME DAY! ππ₯
Itβs time to show up, show out, and support our Cougars! Weβre calling on ALL COUGAR FANS to join us for the WHITE OUT! π€
π€ WEAR WHITE!
π£ GET LOUD!
π₯ BRING THE ENERGY!
πΎ ROCK OUT FOR OUR COUGARS!
Letβs pack the stands and make sure our players can FEEL THE COUGAR PRIDE!
COUGARS π WOLVES
π TODAY β FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4TH
COUGAR NATIONβ¦ LETβS GET LOUD! π£πΎ
PAWS UP! πΎπ§‘π