PORTAGE, IND. — Andy Maletta, president of the Portage Township Schools Board of
Trustees, has been selected as the recipient of the 2026 Indiana School Boards Association (ISBA) Region 1 Outstanding Board Service Award, recognizing his exceptional commitment to public education and community leadership.
The regional Outstanding Board Service Award honors school board members from across Indiana each year who have demonstrated above-and-beyond service to their school corporation and community. The 10 regional winners are recognized at the annual ISBA/IAPSS Fall Conference at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis.
During his 12 years on the Portage Township School Board of Trustees, Maletta has provided steady leadership through strategic planning, financial stewardship, and facility oversight.
“Andy’s leadership is rooted in a genuine desire to help others succeed,” said Dr. Amanda Alaniz, superintendent of Portage Township Schools. “Whether he is supporting students, employees, fellow board members, or community partners, he consistently demonstrates the values of service, collaboration, and excellence. This recognition is a well-deserved honor.”
Among his many contributions, Maletta helped establish a mentoring process for new board members, fostered partnership with community organizations, and advocated for the creation of a dedicated communications position to strengthen stakeholder engagement and transparency. He also spearheaded the development of the Portage Elementary Basketball League.
Recognizing that attracting and retaining exceptional educators is critical to student achievement, Maletta has championed efforts to increase teacher and staff salaries. He is also leading the construction of a new middle school. Scheduled to open within the next two years, the project reflects his long-term vision for providing future generations of Portage students with safe, innovative learning spaces while maintaining the district’s strong financial position.
Beyond his work on the school board, he serves as Executive Director of the Portage Economic Development Corporation, where he has helped connect education and workforce development through career exploration initiatives. His vision contributed to the growth of the district’s 360 programs, which provide students with meaningful exposure to careers in healthcare, manufacturing, and construction while strengthening connections with regional employers.
Maletta also serves as president of the Portage Parks Board and the Gary Old Timers Athletic
Association. In 2023, ISBA recognized Maletta with its Exemplary School Board Member Award.
In 2026, he was named Public Servant of the Year by the Greater Portage Chamber of Commerce.
ISBA’s Region 1 includes school corporations in Lake, Porter, and LaPorte counties.