School Board Scoop

School City of Mishawaka has partnered with the CASIE Center for several years to provide valuable resources and support to our students and families. This collaboration has strengthened our ability to meet the social, emotional, and basic needs of those we serve.

Prior to his passing in November 2025, our Director of Student Services, Dave Troyer, played a key role in this partnership. He worked closely with school social workers and the CASIE Center to ensure that families had access to critical supports. Throughout his career, Dave was a dedicated advocate for children, consistently prioritizing their well-being and success.

In recognition of his lasting impact, the CASIE Center established the Dave Troyer Champion for Children Award. This year marked the inaugural presentation of the award, and School City of Mishawaka was selected as its first recipient. Additionally, the CASIE Center made a contribution to the Dave Troyer Scholarship Foundation at Bethel University in the name of School City of Mishawaka.

This recognition reflects the strength of our partnership with the CASIE Center and honors Dave Troyer’s legacy of service, advocacy, and commitment to students.

On April 8, 2026, Superintendent Dr. Stevens attended a recognition ceremony at the Indiana Statehouse honoring Hums and Liberty Elementary Schools for achieving a 95% pass rate on the IREAD-3 in the previous year.

The event celebrated the strong academic performance of students and the dedication of the educators who support their success each day. Congratulations to the staff of Hums and Liberty Elementary Schools on this outstanding achievement!

The Board approved a resolution designating January 26 and 27, 2026 as two additional days of paid leave for both certified and non-certified staff following recent extreme weather cancellations.

Although the Indiana Department of Education waived the requirement for schools to make up these student attendance days, the resolution ensured that employees assigned to work fewer than 261 days would not experience a loss of pay as a result of the cancellations.

By approving this one-time benefit, the Board recognized that the weather-related cancellations were due to extraordinary circumstances beyond employees’ control. The action helped maintain equity across the workforce while ensuring that all other provisions of School City of Mishawaka policies and collective bargaining agreements remained in effect.

The door access system, which was originally installed in 2017, has experienced a system-wide failure and is currently irreparable. The administration solicited three proposals for replacement systems and selected the Alta system from Pye Barker as the lowest responsive vendor to replace the existing Lenel/S2 system.

The Alta system offers enhanced security features, integration capabilities with other security platforms, and an automated method for user provisioning.

The funds will be paid from the operating referendum.

Pye Barker Agreement

The School Board approved the establishment of new transfer student capacity limits for the 2026–2027 school year.

In addition, the Board set January 18, 2027, as the deadline for submitting new transfer requests for students wishing to attend School City of Mishawaka schools for the second semester of the 2026–2027 school year.

Families interested in transferring are encouraged to review capacity guidelines and submit requests by the established deadline to ensure consideration.

The School City of Mishawaka administration submitted a waiver request to the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) for student attendance days canceled on Monday, January 26, and Tuesday, January 27, 2026. The IDOE has approved the waiver as requested.

Based on this approval—and assuming no additional school closure days are needed—the School Board has confirmed that the final day of student attendance for the 2025–2026 school year will be Thursday, May 28, 2026.

The School City of Mishawaka Board of School Trustees approved the sale of a small portion of land at the southeast corner of Twin Branch Elementary School to the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT).

The section of land—measuring approximately 87 square feet (15 feet by 5.75 feet)—is needed for planned upgrades to SR 933, specifically at the intersection of Lincoln Way East and Ballard Street. These improvements will include the installation of new crosswalks and ADA-compliant ramps, enhancing pedestrian safety and accessibility in the area.

INDOT appraised the property at $375 but offered $1,000 for its purchase. The transaction will have no impact on daily operations at Twin Branch Elementary School.

This collaboration between School City of Mishawaka and INDOT reflects a shared commitment to supporting community infrastructure and improving safety for all residents, including students and families who walk or bike to school.

Director of Business Services Rachel Dutoi reviewed the 2026 Calendar Year Budget, highlighting stable funding for core educational services, rising costs in operations, and continued investment in staff and student support.

Key points include:

• A projected $46.6 million in Education Fund revenue
• Planned transfer of $8 million to cover operational costs
• Strong year-end balances in both the Education and Rainy Day Funds

The budget reflects a commitment to maintaining quality education while navigating rising costs in salaries, benefits, and infrastructure.

2026 BUDGET REVIEW PRESENTATION

The School Board approved a resolution under the Indiana Access to Public Records Act (I.C. 5-14-3) to prohibit the use of public records obtained from School City of Mishawaka for commercial purposes. This includes selling, advertising, or soliciting goods and services using such records. The resolution does not apply to use for journalism, nonprofit activities, or academic research.

RESOLUTION REGARDING THE USE OF PUBLIC RECORDS FOR COMMERCIAL PURPOSES

The approved policy updates reflect changes required by the June 2024 and July 2025 Legislative Updates. These revisions address key areas including:

• Use of personal communication devices (cell phones)
• Attendance
• Mandatory curriculum updates (including reproductive health, family planning, and human sexuality instruction)
• Audio/video and digital recording of meetings
• Student privacy and parental access to information
• Student assessment
• Supplemental teacher payments
• Enrollment procedures
• Anti-harassment and bullying
• Student discipline, suspension, and expulsion
• Search and seizure

In addition:

• Policies 1662, 2266, 3362, and 4362 are revised to update the Corporation’s designated Anti-Harassment Compliance Officers.
• Policy 5330, new policy 5330.01, and revised form 5330 F1 are included to update guidance on student medication use.

These policies were presented for a first reading. Given the need for timely alignment with recent legislative changes, it is was also approved that the Board waive the second reading.

Superintendent Dr. Theodore Stevens shared several exciting updates highlighting progress and upcoming events across the district:

MHS Job, Career & College Fair – September 18
The annual job fair returns to Mishawaka High School, connecting students with local employers, colleges, and nonprofits. This growing partnership with the Mishawaka Education Foundation (MEF) continues to make a positive impact. Employers interested in participating can contact MHS directly.

September Game-Changer: Courtney Hahn
Congratulations to Courtney Hahn of MHS, honored as September’s Game-Changer! Her dedication to students is truly making a difference. Stay tuned for next month’s spotlight!

Trunk or Treat – October 4
Mark your calendars! MEF’s Trunk or Treat returns to MHS on October 4 at 4:30 PM – 7:00 PM. Families are invited to join in on the fun — costumes encouraged!

Public Hearing on Bargaining – September 12
In accordance with Indiana law, SCM will hold a public hearing on Friday, September 12 at 2:30 PM at the SCM Administrative Center. This hearing is part of the process leading into contract bargaining. The public is welcome to attend.

Appreciation for JYMS
Special thanks to Mrs. Cummings, the John Young Middle School staff and students, Alan Walker, Matt Modlin, and Matt Rendall and the Mishawaka Network — for hosting this month’s board meeting and ensuring a smooth livestream on the road.