Board of Directors

Providing strong leadership and oversight to ensure every scholar receives a high-quality, transformative education.

WELCOME MESSAGE

FROM THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

At the Higher Institute of Arts and Technology (HIAT), we believe that every child deserves an excellent education—one built on love, high expectations, and opportunity. As the governing Board of Directors, we are proud to support a network of schools that are transforming lives and communities across the country. From our classrooms to our communities, HIAT stands for equity, excellence, and empowerment. Our scholars are nurtured by caring educators, challenged through rigorous academics, and inspired to lead with purpose and integrity. Families are valued partners in this mission, and together, we are building brighter futures—one scholar at a time.

We invite you to explore our schools, celebrate our scholars, and join us in advancing the vision: to create a world where every child is loved, challenged, and prepared to thrive in college, career, and life.

HIAT scholars.

HIAT Board Meetings

PLA Board Meeting Notice

HIGHER INSTITUTE OF ARTS & TECHNOLOGY

Board of Directors Meeting

February 26, 2026 @ 5:00 PM CT
Will Be Held At:
5861 Harrison Street, Merrillville, IN 46410
OR
Join Via Zoom:
https://phalenacademies-org.zoom.us/j/84479982278
Meeting ID: 844 7998 2278

HIAT Board Meeting Schedule

Regular Sessions

*All meetings will be held on a Thursday at 5:00 pm CT

August 28, 2025

October 23, 2025

December 19, 2025  *This meeting will be held on Friday at 4:00 PM CT

February 26, 2026

April 23, 2026

May 28, 2026 

PLA Board Meeting Agenda

October 21, 2025.

All meetings will be held on a Thursday at 5:00 pm CT

BOARD

OF DIRECTORS

Sharla Johnson

 President

Stephanie Davis

Vice President

Charles Reese

Treasurer

George Tucker

Secretary

April Brown

Director

Bridgett Harris

Director

McKinney-Vento Act

The McKinney-Vento Act protects scholars from discrimination based on their lack of a permanent residence. Homeless Scholars are eligible to receive a variety of services including: transportation services, free meals under the school nutrition programs, limited English proficiency class, gifted and talented programs, and special education services based on a scholar’s eligibility. Homeless Scholars will not be denied enrollment based on lack of proof of residency. Please consult the McKinney-Vento Act Liaison if you need assistance. The PLA Network does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, disability or national origin in any employment and/or educational opportunity. No person shall be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise subjected to unlawful discrimination in any program or activity for which the PLA Network Board is responsible or for which it receives financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Education. The PLA Network values diversity. Phalen Leadership Academies (PLA) is committed to making its websites accessible for all, including individuals with disabilities, and strives to ensure accessibility currently and as new technologies emerge. PLA welcomes questions and input on its sites' accessibility at each development phase. Please contact our Call Center at 888.655.0777 or submit feedback to Communications@PhalenAcademies.org if you encounter an issue accessing any portion of the network's websites.

Click here to learn more about the network's digital accessibility efforts.