Northwest Indiana Lighthouse Charter Schools
Minutes
26-27SY August Board Meeting
Date and Time
Monday August 24, 2026 at 5:30 PM
Location
District Office
1775 W. 41st St.
Gary, IN 46408
Directors Present
A. Briggs, A. Brown Thirston, A. Nicholson, E. Little (remote), J. GEORGE, J. Parks
Directors Absent
None
Ex Officio Members Present
G. Adell (remote)
Non Voting Members Present
G. Adell (remote)
Guests Present
A. Franz, A. Ross, A. Shaw, C. Jackson, D. Jones (remote), D. Kidd, D. McGleese, Georgette Davis-BSU rep, J. Beasley (remote), K. McGuire, L. Franklin, R. Mayberry
I. Opening Items
A.
Record Attendance
B.
Call the Meeting to Order
C.
Approve Minutes - June 2026
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| A. Nicholson |
Aye
|
| J. GEORGE |
Aye
|
| A. Brown Thirston |
Aye
|
| A. Briggs |
Absent
|
| E. Little |
Aye
|
| J. Parks |
Aye
|
D.
Approve Minutes - July 2026
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| J. GEORGE |
Aye
|
| E. Little |
Aye
|
| J. Parks |
Aye
|
| A. Nicholson |
Aye
|
| A. Brown Thirston |
Aye
|
| A. Briggs |
Absent
|
II. Building Level Reports
A.
Principals Reports
III. Finance
A.
East Chicago and Gary Financials - Separate Votes
David Sevier reported:
Please see the attached reports covering year-end financial data.
The reports have been restructured to include more lay language to allow for clarity and ease of use and understanding.
Discussions— reviewed the new style of report and accepted feedback regarding the report.
The district remains in good standing and prepared to start the new year.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| J. GEORGE |
Aye
|
| A. Nicholson |
Aye
|
| J. Parks |
Aye
|
| A. Briggs |
Aye
|
| E. Little |
Aye
|
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| A. Nicholson |
Aye
|
| A. Briggs |
Aye
|
| J. Parks |
Aye
|
| J. GEORGE |
Aye
|
| E. Little |
Aye
|
B.
Primary Project Update
Mrs. Beasley Reported:
Prepared to finalize all aspects of the Primary Project.
Need: Adopt a resolution authorizing the board president and treasurer to sign the terms of the loan. The $2.1 million loan was previously adopted during July's special meeting.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| J. GEORGE |
Aye
|
| J. Parks |
Aye
|
| A. Nicholson |
Aye
|
| A. Brown Thirston |
Absent
|
| E. Little |
Aye
|
| A. Briggs |
Aye
|
IV. Committee Reports
A.
Governance
Mrs. Beasley reported:
Gary charter is up for renewal. Vote taken to move forward.
Board retreat in September.
Looking for additional board members.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| J. Parks |
Aye
|
| E. Little |
Aye
|
| A. Briggs |
Aye
|
| J. GEORGE |
Aye
|
B.
Academic Excellence Report
V. NWILCS District Reports
A.
District Level Reports
Mrs. Franklin reported:
IDOE Grant: we didn't receive the facility update grant.
CIA and 401 K audits — audits are ongoing and no problems reported.
School safety — No safety issues at this time. Working to create additional training for SRO officers
Storm Damage — Overall is limited. Loss of electricity impacted the start of school.
Mr. Mayberry reported:
School enrollment is going well. There are waitlists across all campuses and grade levels.
Active parent advisory boards are up and running.
Community partnerships are thriving, and we are looking forward to working with them.
Mrs. McGuire:
Parents as Partners has launched. It is part of the accountability framework component.
Campuses did well finishing the year and are looking forward to capitalizing off the energy to start the new year.
Professional development is underway at all campuses.
Mrs. Beasley reported:
IRead will need a literacy coach based on a three-year average of data. Will be looking to hire someone for this position.
Marketing upgrades—website, billboards etc
Goals for the new year — to be intentional about the long-term impact on the school culture and scholars.
The board will be advised of the role needed during the renewal process.
VI. Closing Items
A.
Public Comments
Georgette Davis BSU
Introduced herself and role at BSU...stated she will be present at four board meetings a year.
B.
Executive Session
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| A. Nicholson |
Aye
|
| J. Parks |
Aye
|
| J. GEORGE |
Aye
|
| A. Briggs |
Aye
|
| E. Little |
Aye
|
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| A. Brown Thirston |
Aye
|
| J. Parks |
Aye
|
| E. Little |
Aye
|
| J. GEORGE |
Aye
|
| A. Nicholson |
Aye
|
C.
ED Eval Vote
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| J. Parks |
Aye
|
| J. GEORGE |
Aye
|
| A. Brown Thirston |
Aye
|
| A. Nicholson |
Aye
|
| E. Little |
Aye
|
D.
Adjourn Meeting
- UPPER BOARD REPORT AUGUST 26-27.docx (3).pdf
- EC Board Report 26_27 August .docx.pdf
- _GLCS Primary Campus Board Report-August.docx.pdf
- GLCP August Board Report-2026.docx.pdf
- 6-30-26 NWILCS Financials.xlsx
- August 2627 Operations Board Report .docx.pdf
- August SY2627 EandCR Board Report .docx.pdf
- August ED Report 26-27.pdf
See attached reports
Each principal gave verbal reports on the start of school given the delay related to the storms. No emerging needs reported. Staff is in place and ready to address concerns as they come up.