Strategic Priorities — Focusing on ROI, Member Education, and Service Growth
We have been developing a strategic plan to drive our future growth and we are narrowing our focus to three high-impact priorities. These areas will guide our decision-making and investments moving forward:
- Return on Investment (ROI) for member districts:
We are committed to making the financial and instructional value of our services clear and actionable for districts. Work underway includes refining cost‑savings calculations, tracking program outcomes, and developing a concise ROI report that may be utilized in local decision‑making and budget conversations. Our goal is to provide data and tools that make it easy to see the return on your partnership with us.
- Marketing and member education about services and benefits:
Many members have told us they want simpler ways to learn about and access our services. We are redesigning outreach to be more intentional and audience‑specific, improving website navigation, and coordinating communications across newsletters, email, and social channels. Our goals are to have clearer messaging, consistent language about benefits, and targeted campaigns to help the right staff know what’s available and how to get started.
- Addition of services:
Based on feedback and regional needs, we are evaluating potential new services that could expand our support. Any new offerings will be assessed for impact, sustainability, and alignment with our mission to strengthen student outcomes and district capacity.
We appreciate your partnership and stay committed to providing the clarity and support essential to your district’s success. |
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NIESC and NWIESC have joined with other Cooperative Purchasing Specialist in Indiana to bring you the best contracts.
By uniting the collective strength of Indiana’s eight regional service centers, the ECPA is expanding its portfolio to move the heavy lifting of competitive bidding and compliance from your desk to our alliance. We are leveraging this statewide scale to secure meticulously vetted contracts that maximize your procurement power and protect your bottom line, ensuring every agreement meets the highest standards of value and rigor. This is a partnership built on your needs, and we are actively seeking your input to identify which categories—from emerging classroom technologies to specialized facilities maintenance—should be our next priority for a statewide contract to best serve your district’s unique budget requirements.
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- Furniture Solutions
- KI Furniture
- Business Furniture
- Batteries, Power & Lighting
- School Buses
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May is Mental Health Month
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As we head into the final stretch of the school year, May arrives as a timely reminder to pause and check in with ourselves during Mental Health Month. While external pressures often put a heavy premium on academic success of students, this month serves as a vital call to refocus on the whole child. Mental health is just as essential as physical health for everyone, including you, the school counselor. This month, we encourage you to lead by example: prioritize your own care just as strongly as you advocate for your students. In a world that demands results, remember that your well-being is the foundation those results are built upon.
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Upcoming Professional Learning Opportunities
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Michelle Riise
Superintendent
Elkhart Community Schools |
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Since joining Elkhart Community Schools on July 1, 2025, as the Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Schools, Michelle Riise has been a driving force for academic excellence and systemic growth. Now, stepping into the role as the district’s next leader, Michelle brings a deep appreciation for the community and a clear, sustainable vision for the future of Elkhart’s students. When asked what truly sets Elkhart Community Schools apart, the answer is simple: the people, the purpose, and a shared commitment to students. At the heart of the district are dedicated educators and staff who care deeply about children and go above and beyond to meet their needs each day. There is a genuine belief that every student can learn and succeed. Elkhart’s strength also lies in its vibrant diversity, with students and families bringing a rich array of backgrounds and experiences that create a learning environment where everyone has something valuable to contribute. Coupled with a strong sense of resilience, a drive for continuous improvement, and a deep connection between schools and families, Elkhart provides a community where students are supported not just academically, but as whole individuals.
Since arriving at the district, Michelle has been working closely with the 13 elementary schools, the Hawthorne Early Learning Center, and the PRIDE Academy. Much of this year’s focus has been dedicated to strengthening English Language Arts and Mathematics by developing comprehensive curriculum maps and creating consistent master schedules with tiered interventions. This work also includes implementing professional development on explicit teaching to elevate Tier 1 instruction, leading the review of science and social studies curricula, and working to obtain the On My Way Pre-K licensure. "I truly enjoy working with our youngest learners and value the opportunity to collaborate with the elementary leadership team. Together, we are intentional about building strong systems and supports that ensure every child at Elkhart Community Schools has the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed."
Looking ahead, the new leader's goals for the corporation center on creating a strong, sustainable system that supports every student and mirrors the values of the Elkhart community. " First and foremost, I am committed to ensuring high levels of student learning. Every child deserves access to rigorous, engaging instruction, along with the supports they need to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. I want our schools to consistently provide high-quality learning experiences that prepare students for their next steps with confidence and purpose. Equally important is maintaining financial stability. I believe in being responsible stewards of our resources. This entails making thoughtful, strategic decisions that prioritize students while ensuring the long-term sustainability of the district. Strong financial practices allow us to invest in what matters most: our students, staff, and programs. Finally, I envision a district where parents and the broader community are deeply engaged and connected to our schools. Building strong partnerships with families and community members is essential. When we work together, we create a shared sense of ownership and pride, ultimately strengthening outcomes for our students. Together, these goals/dreams will help shape a future where Elkhart Community Schools continue to grow and thrive."
Outside of shaping the future of Elkhart Community Schools, Michelle values time spent recharging with loved ones. Whether it’s gathering for a meal, attending events together, or simply spending time talking and catching up, those moments with family and friends help maintain a grounded perspective. Michelle also enjoys getting outside, staying active, and finding quiet moments to reflect. "Spending time with the people who matter most to me brings balance to my life and allows me to return to work feeling refreshed, focused, and deeply grateful." |
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56535 Magnetic Drive Mishawaka, IN 46545 | (574)254-0111
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