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Gary Community School Corp board approves curriculum adoption, legal MOU and E‑rate tech upgrades; several items pass
Summary
At its June 11 meeting the Gary Community School Corporation board approved a new middle‑school ELA adoption, a memorandum of understanding for special‑education legal representation, E‑rate–contingent technology upgrades and several routine items; votes included two 4–1 decisions and multiple unanimous approvals.
The Gary Community School Corporation Board of Trustees on June 11 approved a suite of action items, including a middle‑school ELA curriculum adoption and a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for special‑education legal services, and authorized technology upgrades contingent on E‑rate funding.
Staff recommended the middle‑school English‑language arts adoption from the vendor identified in the board materials, at a total cost of $126,025.81 for materials and professional development. During discussion board members asked why only two vendors were presented and pressed for tracking and progress measures; staff said teachers reviewed the options and recommended the program. The adoption passed on a 4–1 roll‑call vote.
The board also voted 4–1 to approve an MOU to retain outside special‑education legal counsel. The director of special education told the board a previous firm had stepped away and the district sought a specialist; a dissenting trustee criticized the decision as not having been publicly bid and said local attorneys were not given an opportunity to respond. Board materials listed hourly rates and staff said insurance would cover legal expenses where appropriate.
Separately, the board approved a technology‑infrastructure modernization plan that staff estimated at about $1 million. IT staff said the Federal Communications Commission’s E‑rate program would cover 85% of allowable costs, leaving the district responsible for roughly 15% if the E‑rate applications are approved; the motion passed unanimously, contingent on E‑rate funding. The board also approved student‑device and technology replacement fees and policies as presented (unanimous vote).
Votes at a glance: - Consent agenda (items 5.1–5.4): approved (5–0). - Item 5.5 (field experience/conference): approved (vote recorded as approved). - Student fees/technology replacement (item 6.1): approved (5–0). - MOU for special‑education legal representation: approved (4–1). - Middle‑school ELA adoption: approved (4–1). - E‑rate–contingent technology upgrades (item 6.5): approved (5–0).
The board also received updates on assessments, discipline policy revisions and a financial snapshot that staff said will require continued monitoring. The meeting adjourned following reports and a brief superintendent update.
