February 2026- NIESC Newsletter
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Executive Director Notes
Career Coaching Grant Awarded
to NIESC & NWIESC
We are excited to share that NIESC and NWIESC have been awarded Round 2 of the Career Coaching Grant. This continued investment will allow us to expand career readiness opportunities for students and strengthen workforce pathways throughout Northern Indiana.
Through this grant, we will be partnering with Skyepack and collaborating with an extensive network of school corporations across the region.
Partner School Corporations
Baugo Community Schools • Bremen Public Schools • Caston School Corporation • Concord Community Schools • Eastern Pulaski Community School Corporation • Elkhart Community Schools • Gary Community School Corporation • Goshen Community Schools • Griffith Public Schools • Hammond Academy of Science and Technology • Hanover Community School Corporation • Lake Station Community Schools • Lakeland School Corporation • Michigan City Area Schools • MSD of Boone Township • MSD of New Durham Township • Porter Township School Corporation • River Forest Community School Corporation • Rochester School Corporation • School City of East Chicago • School City of Hobart • School City of Mishawaka • School City of Whiting • School Town of Highland • Thea Bowman Leadership Academy • Union Township School Corporation • LaVille School Corporation • Wawasee Community School Corporation • Westview School Corporation
Community Partners Supporting Outreach
- Crossroads Northwest Indiana Chamber
- Fulton County Chamber of Commerce
- LaGrange County Chamber of Commerce
- Northern Indiana Workforce Board
This grant represents an important step forward as we continue building meaningful connections between schools, students, and the evolving workforce needs of Northern Indiana. Thank you to all our partners for your collaboration and shared commitment to supporting students’ futures!
Cooperative Purchasing
NIESC and NWIESC have joined with other Cooperative Purchasing Specialist in Indiana to bring you the best contracts.
The Educational Cooperative Purchasing Alliance (ECPA) is a collaborative alliance between eight Indiana education service centers dedicated to streamlining the purchasing process for member school districts. ECPA’s purchasing team actively works to remove barriers for schools, streamlining and simplifying the procurement process while ensuring full compliance with state and federal regulations. Through vetted contracts with leading vendors, ECPA enables districts to leverage collective buying power to secure high-quality goods and services at significantly reduced costs.
Click Here for our Cooperative Purchasing Newsletter
Food Service
Nominations for the School Food Service Employee of the Year Due Friday, February 6
Help IDOE recognize school food service employees who contribute significantly to the health and learning capabilities of students by nominating them for IDOE’s 2026 School Food Service Employee of the Year Award. This award was created in 1998 to recognize the outstanding achievements of school food service employees who excel in the areas of customer service, professionalism, and teamwork. All school food service personnel except Food Service Directors are eligible to be nominated. Submit your nomination by Friday, February 6. Contact Suzette Hartmann with any questions.
Click here to submit your nomination!
Curriculum
- Click HERE to register for 2/5 in Mishawaka!
- Click HERE to register for 2/12 in Hobart!
Technology Integration
- Northern Indiana: Click Here for Details and to Register
- Northwest Indiana: Click Here for Details and to Register
STEM Integration
NIESC is excited to bring Paxton Patterson Career Discovery Labs to your students in grades 4-6!
Join us for an informational Zoom call to find out more about this opportunity!
Informational Meeting via Zoom Dates:
All meeting times are Eastern.
To join, click on the link above at the specified time.
Questions?
Contact Laura Unsicker
lunsicker@niesc.k12.in.us
Ignite student curiosity through a dynamic career exploration experience that brings learning to life. Students tackle real-world challenges, build essential skills, and uncover their interests and strengths through authentic, problem-based learning. Whether launching broad exposure across multiple Career Clusters or designing a focused pathway like STEM, College & Career Ready Labs deliver a powerful, proven approach to preparing learners for what’s next.
School Counseling
Upcoming Professional Learning Opportunities
NIESC Member Spotlight
Dr. Paige McNulty
Superintendent
Tri-Township Consolidate Schools
Dr. Paige McNulty is in her first year as Superintendent of Tri-Township Consolidated Schools, bringing with her a wealth of experience and a proven record of steady leadership. Prior to joining Tri-Township, Dr. McNulty served four years as Superintendent in East Chicago and five years as the state-appointed Superintendent in Gary. During her tenure in Gary, she helped stabilize the district’s finances and successfully guided the transition back to a locally appointed school board and superintendent—an accomplishment that reflects her commitment to long-term sustainability and local leadership.
At Tri-Township, Dr. McNulty is leading several major capital projects that will extend through next year. The district has issued multiple large bonds to support transformative improvements, including a solar panel bus port projected to reduce monthly energy costs by more than 80%. Additional projects include a complete exterior facelift and significant interior renovations such as bathrooms, locker rooms, and doors. A standout feature of these projects is their connection to students: all contracted trades have agreed to provide work-based learning placements, with 12 students already gaining hands-on experience.
Dr. McNulty says one of her favorite aspects of Tri-Township is the small-school atmosphere. “The school truly functions as a supportive family,” she shares. “Everyone is invested in our students, and it’s a great place to be.” Building on strong test scores and small class sizes, the district is focused on expanding innovative and unique academic offerings. Tri-Township is also preparing for growth in athletics, with plans to welcome a new Athletic Director, launch a soccer program, and take full advantage of its new track facilities.
Outside of school, Dr. McNulty stays busy with her 16-year-old twin sons, who both play Varsity tennis. She enjoys traveling to watch them compete and cheering them on from the sidelines—an extension of the same dedication she brings to supporting students and schools every day.