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Munster trustees approve Chartwells renewal, school construction contracts and cybersecurity purchases
Summary
At its May 11 meeting the School Town of Munster board approved a one-year Chartwells food-service renewal with an option to extend, awarded construction and furniture contracts for Wilbur Wright Middle School and John Friend athletic improvements, and authorized two cybersecurity purchases covering remote management and endpoint protection.
The School Town of Munster Board of School Trustees on May 11 approved a package of contracts and policy actions, including a renewal of its food-service contract, multiple building projects and new cybersecurity tools for district devices.
Administration recommended renewing Chartwells as the district’s food-service management company for July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, with an option to extend to June 30, 2028. Director of operations Mr. Begley told trustees the renewal follows required procurement timing and that Chartwells has been an active partner. "They've been a great partner," board member Castro said during discussion. The motion to renew carried unanimously by the trustees present.
Trustees approved several construction and procurement items tied to ongoing capital work. The board voted to retain Panjier Construction Company for Wilbur Wright Middle School interior improvements (Project 20260210) at a contract price of $740,280. Mr. Begley described scope that includes a remodeled media center and guidance office, new casework and flooring, upgraded lighting and a new sound system. The furniture portion for that project — purchased from Sharp School Supplies — was approved in a separate vote.
The board also approved retaining Pangier Construction Company for John Friend Athletic Complex improvements (Project 20260330) at $183,672, work Mr. Begley said would replace fixtures and partitions, install epoxy flooring and new heaters so restrooms can be used earlier in the season.
On technology, the board approved two SHI purchases: "Ninja," a remote monitoring and management tool to let IT push patches and access devices, and Sophos endpoint security to protect both staff and student machines. A district staff member said the Sophos quote secured a three-year agreement with stable pricing; trustees noted state-provided CrowdStrike covers only staff machines and said the Sophos purchase fills the student-device gap.
Trustees also approved Resolution 893 to provide supplemental stipends for certain dual-credit, AP and master's-degree elementary teachers, and they added a new "Introduction to Public Service" course to the catalog, developed with the Indiana National Guard, which can help students earn enlistment-service seals depending on ASVAB performance.
Each motion was put to voice vote and carried by the trustees present; board minutes and online BoardDocs list supporting materials and the full contract details.
The board adjourned after routine reports. The next regular meeting is scheduled for June 8 at 6 p.m.
