Erica Copeland

The board received presentations from Gibraltar Design and The Skillman Corporation, as well as a detailed presentation on The VAULT, a data warehouse designed to track and support student needs. The board discussed and approved claims, the personnel report, and the employment of a specific employee. They also discussed and approved the 2025-2026 agreement with the Merrillville Classroom Teachers Association, several fundraiser requests, and a donation from Burlington Stores. An expulsion recommendation was removed from the agenda.

The special meeting was held to inspect Fieler Elementary School, Miller Elementary School, Salk Elementary School, Iddings Elementary School and Wood Elementary School prior to the first day of school.

The Board discussed and approved several key items, including the presentation of claims for approval, the personnel report and recommendations, and the ninth addendum to the athletic trainer services agreement with The Methodist Hospitals, Inc. The adult lunch price for 2025-2026 was approved to increase to $5.25. The board also approved various fundraiser requests and accepted multiple donations, including those for the MHS Football Golf Outing Fundraiser, Welding PPE and Supplies for Merrillville High School, and items for an "Empower From the Start of STEAM" classroom project.

The meeting included a presentation of the Difference Maker Award to recognize contributions of staff, parents, businesses, and community partners. Claims were presented and approved. An agreement with Parallel Learning Behavioral Health P.C. to provide speech-language pathologists was approved. The 2026-2027 Head Start Continuous Grant was approved. The SNT Ed. Consulting Agreement was approved. The replacement of chiller pumps at Fieler and Salk Elementary Schools was approved. The Merrillville High School Theater carpet project was approved. Moisture testing for the Pierce Middle School roof and services to facilitate the Pierce Middle School roofing project were approved. Services to facilitate the phase 2 John Wood Elementary School project were approved. Fundraiser requests and donations were approved. Concerns regarding the Special Education LOFT program were addressed.

The Board meeting included a presentation of claims for approval, a personnel report and recommendations, and a presentation of the 2025-2026 Corporation Staff Performance Evaluation Plan. The board discussed and approved the purchase of Chromebooks and Chrome OS Management Licenses, the 2025-2026 road salt purchase, and the proper disposal of chemical waste. Fundraiser requests and donations were also presented and approved. Additional business and community concerns were addressed, followed by a motion to adjourn the meeting. An executive pre-meeting session was held to discuss a job performance evaluation of individual employees.