February 2026- NWIESC 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
NWIESC 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
NWIESC Member Spotlight
Leigh Barnes
Superintendent
Union Township School Corporation
Leigh Barnes has dedicated 16 years to Union Township School Corporation, serving in multiple roles that have allowed her to grow alongside the district. Through this experience, she has developed a deep understanding of Union Township’s schools, community, and guiding values. Her long-term commitment has strengthened relationships across the corporation and continues to shape her student-centered leadership.
Currently serving as Superintendent of Union Township, Barnes provides vision and leadership for the entire K–12 system. She works closely with the Union Township School Board, administrators, teachers, staff, families, and community partners to ensure the district remains focused on student success and continuous improvement.
Over the past year, Barnes has focused on fostering a culture of continuous improvement while strengthening a sense of belonging and connection throughout the district. This work has included supporting staff development, encouraging collaboration, listening to stakeholder voices, and intentionally building trust with families and community members so that all feel valued and heard.
The most rewarding aspect of her role, Barnes says, is building meaningful relationships and working alongside dedicated staff to improve schools for students. Seeing growth—whether in student achievement, staff confidence, or school culture—and knowing those collective efforts are making a positive difference in students’ lives is what she finds most fulfilling.
Looking ahead, Barnes’ vision for Union Township is that every student feels both loved and appropriately challenged. She hopes each student’s K–12 experience is engaging, supportive, and inspiring—one they look back on with pride, knowing their schools prepared them not only academically, but also socially and emotionally.
Outside of her professional role, Barnes enjoys walking as a way to reflect and recharge, and most importantly, spending time with her family. Cheering on her children in their activities helps keep her grounded and connected to what matters most.