Northwest Indiana Lighthouse Charter Schools
Minutes
25-26SY NWILCS February Board Meeting
Date and Time
Tuesday February 3, 2026 at 5:30 PM
Location
NWILCS Admin Building
1755 W 41st St.
Gary, IN 46408
Directors Present
A. Briggs, A. Brown Thirston, A. Nicholson, E. Little, J. GEORGE, S. Caruthers
Directors Absent
J. Parks
Guests Present
D. Jones (remote), D. McGleese, D. Sevier, J. Beasley, K. McGuire (remote), L. Franklin, R. Mayberry, S. Breitenbach (remote)
I. Opening Items
A.
Record Attendance
B.
Call the Meeting to Order
C.
Approve Minutes - October
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| A. Briggs |
Aye
|
| A. Nicholson |
Aye
|
| J. GEORGE |
Aye
|
| S. Caruthers |
Aye
|
| E. Little |
Aye
|
| A. Brown Thirston |
Aye
|
| J. Parks |
Absent
|
II. Building Level Reports
A.
Principals Reports
III. Finance
A.
East Chicago and Gary Financials
See Full Report
Mr. Sevier reviewed the financial statements from October 2025, November 2025 and December 2025 for both EC and Gary campuses.
Both campuses show increased revenue. Gary's increase is a result of ESSER funding.
Statements approved per vote.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| J. GEORGE |
Aye
|
| A. Nicholson |
Aye
|
| S. Caruthers |
Aye
|
| A. Briggs |
Aye
|
| A. Brown Thirston |
Aye
|
| E. Little |
Aye
|
| J. Parks |
Absent
|
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| J. Parks |
Absent
|
| A. Nicholson |
Aye
|
| E. Little |
Aye
|
| S. Caruthers |
Aye
|
| A. Brown Thirston |
Aye
|
| A. Briggs |
Aye
|
| J. GEORGE |
Aye
|
B.
Primary Project Update
See Full Report
The project remains in negotiations. The timeline remains unclear until the finance packet is done.
IV. Committee Reports
A.
Governance
Mrs. Nicholson
Consideration given to scheduling board meetings to allow for weather-related school closures.
B.
Academic Excellence Report
Mrs. McGuire reported, see district level report.
Mrs. McGuire highlighted IREADY testing.
Math preparation to be the focus.
Professional development days in February and March will include collaboration between school staff and vendors.
C.
Development
Discussions are underway to coordinate the goals of this committee with expanded community-based engagement.
V. NWILCS District Reports
A.
District Level Reports
See each of the full reports submitted
Mrs. Franklin reported.
Employee searches and retention remain one of the district's primary goals.
Efforts to foster an inclusive and welcoming environment have paid off, with parents and scholars reporting positive engagement from school staff.
Building upgrades continue due to this winter exposing areas that need addressing.
Updates on the employee's SOP are underway.
Mr. Mayberry reported.
For the second count day, student enrollment was down.
Applications for enrollment are still being accepted.
Enrollment stations are being created at the campuses.
Discussions about a parental advisory board are underway.
Mr. Beasley reported.
Strategic Planning will remain a priority through the remainder of the school year.
AI research development initiative application made. Will advise if selected
Thanked all for their help in making the 20-year celebration a success.
VI. Closing Items
A.
Public Comments
No Public Comments
B.
Executive Session
C.
Adjourn Meeting
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| A. Nicholson |
Aye
|
| E. Little |
Aye
|
| J. GEORGE |
Aye
|
| A. Briggs |
Aye
|
| J. Parks |
Absent
|
| S. Caruthers |
Aye
|
| A. Brown Thirston |
Aye
|
- GLCPC January Board Report-2026.docx.pdf
- UPPER BOARD REPORT 25 26 - December_January.docx.pdf
- GLCSPC Board Report Dec Jan.pdf
- EC Board Report December 2025.docx.pdf
- DECEMBER 2025 FINANCIAL CHARTS.xlsx
- December 2025 Financials (1).xlsx
- MONTH OF DECEMBER Financial Info.docx
- January Executive Director Report 25-26.pdf
- January SY2526 Operations Board Report .docx.pdf
See Full Report
Mrs. Beasley highlighted upcoming activities at the school and requested the board's continued support.