GEO Academies 21st Century Academy/Gary Middle College

Minutes

21st Century/GMC February Board Meeting

Date and Time

Thursday February 12, 2026 at 12:00 PM

Location

21st Century Academy

Board Room

Jr. High Building

1440 E 35th St

Gary, IN  46409

Directors Present

C. White, D. Gore, J. Mount, L. Gonzalez

Directors Absent

A. Colvin, M. Wells, N. McDowell

Ex Officio Members Present

K. Teasley

Non Voting Members Present

K. Teasley

Guests Present

D. Teasley, Delincia Smith, Emma Kershner, J. Abdulrasheed, K. Pitts, P. Morikis

I. Opening Items

A.

Record Attendance

B.

Call the Meeting to Order

J. Mount called a meeting of the board of directors of GEO Academies 21st Century Academy/Gary Middle College to order on Thursday Feb 12, 2026 at 12:25 PM.

C.

Approve Agenda

J. Mount made a motion to Approve.
D. Gore seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.

D.

Approve Minutes - November 13, 2025

J. Mount made a motion to approve the minutes from 21st Century/GMC Board Meeting on 11-13-25.
D. Gore seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.

II. Recognition: 21st Century Girls Cougar Basketball Team

A.

Coach Bradford Intro

Coach Bradford introduced the girls basketball team, highlighted the program's growth plan and vision.

III. Superintendent Report

A.

Superintendent Update

Dana Teasley provided the Superintendent report, noting forthcoming management agreement discussion by Jamal Abdulrasheed and Executive Director's updates by Pete Morikis and Delincia Smith. 

B.

Discussion: Executive Director's Update (Pete Morikis & Delincia Smith)

Pete Morikis provided an overview of the Flex Program, including program structure, student eligibility criteria, benefits, and administrative procedures. He also reported on the HBCU tour trip and highlighted the robotics team's recent success.

Delincia Smith shared student success stories and reported increased college enrollment and course completion rates. She announced the addition of new athletic programs, including cross country, track and field, middle school basketball, girls flag football, and girls basketball. Smith also noted improvements to food service programs that are benefiting students in need.

C.

Discussion: Scholarship +

Kevin Teasley presented the Scholarship+ Program partnership and reported on a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Ivy Tech, Purdue Northwest, and IU Northwest. The MOU formalizes and publicizes 21st Century Charter School's existing relationships with these institutions and establishes additional institutional supports for 21C students. Mr. Teasley also noted that a celebratory event is scheduled for March 2026. 

D.

Discussion: Upcoming Events

E.

Management Agreement

Jamal Abdulrasheed discussed forthcoming updated management agreement between GEO Foundation and the school. He noted high-level improvements and expectations on next steps.

IV. Finance

A.

Discussion: Q2 Financial Reports

Kathy Pitts presented Q2 financial report. 

B.

Discussion: Hybrid High School Program

V. Public Comment

A.

Public Comment

There was no public comment.

VI. Closing Items

A.

Adjourn Meeting

J. Mount made a motion to Adjourn Meeting.
D. Gore seconded the motion.

There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjusted at 1:22 PM. 

The board VOTED to approve the motion.
There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 1:22 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,
J. Abdulrasheed