Merrick Academy-Queens Public Charter School is currently undergoing significant campus modernization and operational expansion. This includes the construction of a new school building to consolidate its campuses and the planned extension of its grade levels through 8th grade for the 2026-2027 school year. The school also maintains a STEAM-focused curriculum and operates with student information systems like PowerSchool, which are central to its day-to-day educational and administrative functions.
This expansion creates operational pressure across facilities, instructional technology, and student support systems. Key systems become important for managing increased student enrollment, supporting advanced curricula, and maintaining secure data environments. Vendors can support Merrick Academy-Queens Public Charter School by providing solutions for facilities outfitting, specialized STEAM and IB program resources, student information system integrations, and robust cybersecurity measures.
Merrick Academy-Queens Public Charter School Snapshot
Location: Laurelton, Queens, New York
School District: Queens CSD 29
Grades Served: K-7, expanding to 8th grade for the 2026-2027 school year
Technology Environment: Utilizes a student information system such as PowerSchool.
Key Initiative: Construction of a new school building and grade level expansion
Website: https://www.merrickacademy.org/
Recent Funding and Procurement Activity
No publicly available information directly detailing specific funding or procurement activities for Merrick Academy-Queens Public Charter School within the August 2025 to May 2026 timeframe was found.
Leadership and Key Buying Personas
| Name | Role | Department | Public Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ms. Yvonne Anderson | School Leader/Principal (6-7 Grades Campus) | Administration | yanderson@merrickacademy.org |
| Kaitlyn McWilliams | Principal (K-5 Grades Campus) | Administration | kmcwilliams@merrickacademy.org |
| Dr. Karen Valbrun | Principal | Administration | kvalbrun@merrickacademy.org |
| Chantal Lewis | Interim Principal | Administration | - |
| Rael Jones | Chief Operating Officer | Executive Leadership | - |
| Zenzile Keith | Chief Compliance & Program Officer | Executive Leadership | - |
| Yolanda Valerio | HR/Business Manager | Executive Leadership | - |
| Tracey Forger | Lower School Assistant Principal | Administration | - |
| Richard Uwangue | Upper School Assistant Principal | Administration | - |
| Michelle Harrison | Director of STEAM | Academic Leadership | - |
| Charisma Bennett | Director of Math | Academic Leadership | - |
| Nirupa Kumar | Director of Humanities | Academic Leadership | - |
| Narissa Reid | Director of Student Enrichment & Experiential Learning | Student Support | - |
| Cameil Dalgetty-Jarvis | Board Chair | Governance | cdalgetty-jarvis@merrickacademy.org |
| Linda Johnson | Secretary | Governance | linda.johnson41208@gmail.com |
| James Ding | Treasurer | Governance | jding@merrickacademy.org |
| Gerald Karikari | Trustee | Governance | gkarikari@merrickacademy.org |
| Tatum Boothe | Trustee | Governance | tboothe@merrickacademy.org |
| Paula James | Trustee | Governance | pjames@merrickacademy.org |
Key Initiatives at a Glance
- Constructing a new school building at 221-06 Merrick Boulevard to consolidate operations and accommodate growth.
- Expanding grade levels to include 8th grade for the 2026-2027 school year.
- Developing and implementing a rigorous, inquiry-based STEAM curriculum.
- Pursuing authorization as an International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme candidate school.
- Managing an existing student information system, PowerSchool, and addressing cybersecurity concerns.
- Operating after-school and summer enrichment academies with diverse activities and academic support.
What Companies Can Sell to Merrick Academy-Queens Public Charter School
| Who Can Sell Here | Current Initiative | Operational Pressure | Seller Positioning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Educational Furniture & Fixtures | Constructing a new school building. | Outfitting new classrooms and specialized learning spaces. | Provide flexible, durable furniture for various instructional settings. |
| Classroom Technology & AV Systems | Constructing a new school building, expanding STEAM curriculum. | Integrating modern display, audio, and interactive technologies into new and existing classrooms. | Offer integrated AV solutions for collaborative and presentation-focused learning environments. |
| STEAM Program Suppliers | Implementing a rigorous STEAM-focused curriculum. | Acquiring specialized equipment and resources for hands-on, inquiry-based learning in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math. | Supply robotics kits, coding platforms, science lab equipment, and art supplies. |
| IB Curriculum Resources | Pursuing International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme authorization. | Sourcing approved teaching materials, assessment tools, and professional development aligned with IB framework. | Provide IB-specific textbooks, digital resources, and teacher training programs. |
| Student Information System (SIS) Integrators | Managing PowerSchool and expanding enrollment to 8th grade. | Ensuring seamless data flow, reporting, and user management across various school systems. | Offer services for PowerSchool customization, integration with other platforms, and data migration. |
| Cybersecurity Solutions | Managing student data through PowerSchool, previous cybersecurity incident mentioned. | Protecting sensitive student and staff data from breaches and maintaining system integrity. | Deliver endpoint protection, network monitoring, data encryption, and security awareness training. |
| School Safety & Security Systems | Consolidating campuses and managing increased student population. | Securing new and existing facilities, controlling access, and ensuring student safety during school hours and events. | Provide access control, video surveillance, visitor management, and emergency communication systems. |
| After-School & Summer Enrichment Providers | Operating robust after-school and summer academies. | Offering diverse, high-quality enrichment activities and academic support programs. | Partner to provide specialized courses in coding, robotics, arts, and sports instruction. |
| Network Infrastructure & WiFi Solutions | Operating across multiple locations and a new building, supporting digital learning. | Ensuring reliable, high-speed wireless connectivity and network capacity for all devices and users across consolidated campuses. | Deploy robust Wi-Fi access points, network management tools, and scalable internet bandwidth solutions. |
| Building Management Systems | Managing new and existing campus facilities. | Optimizing energy consumption, maintaining environmental comfort, and monitoring building health across the property. | Offer intelligent HVAC controls, lighting management, and facility monitoring software. |
| Food Service Equipment | Operating a cafeteria in the new building. | Equipping a full-service cafeteria to prepare and serve meals to an expanding student body. | Supply commercial kitchen equipment, serving lines, and cafeteria furniture. |
| Athletic & Playground Equipment | Constructing a full-size gymnasium and rooftop playgrounds. | Outfitting new recreational spaces with safe, durable, and engaging equipment for physical education and play. | Provide gymnasium flooring, sports equipment, and playground structures. |
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Why Companies Should Consider Selling to Merrick Academy-Queens Public Charter School
- The school is actively expanding its physical infrastructure and grade levels, indicating significant investment in its future.
- Merrick Academy-Queens Public Charter School maintains an instructional focus on STEAM and is pursuing IB authorization, creating specific curriculum and technology needs.
- The transition to a consolidated campus and growth in student population drive demand for new operational systems and facility outfitting.
- Existing technology systems, like PowerSchool, require ongoing management, integration, and robust cybersecurity measures.
- Leadership is publicly accessible for key administrative and board roles, facilitating direct engagement.
1. Campus Modernization and Expansion
What Merrick Academy-Queens Public Charter School Is Doing
Merrick Academy-Queens Public Charter School is constructing a new 60,000-square-foot school building at 134-11 221st Street in Laurelton, Queens. This project supports the school's growing K-7 program and is designed to accommodate up to 1,000 students. The school is also expanding its grade levels to include 8th grade for the 2026-2027 school year.
Key Buyer Personas
- Rael Jones, Chief Operating Officer
- Chantal Lewis, Interim Principal
- Tracey Forger, Lower School Assistant Principal
- Richard Uwangue, Upper School Assistant Principal
- Board of Trustees (Cameil Dalgetty-Jarvis, James Ding, Gerald Karikari, Tatum Boothe, Paula James)
Operational Challenges
- Coordinating the transition of students and staff to the new facility while maintaining instructional continuity.
- Integrating new building systems with existing operational technologies.
- Managing space utilization and resource allocation for an expanding student body.
- Ensuring new construction aligns with evolving safety and accessibility standards.
Company Categories That Can Sell to Merrick Academy-Queens Public Charter School
- Educational Furniture Providers
- Classroom Technology Vendors
- School Safety and Security System Integrators
- Building Management System Providers
- Food Service Equipment Suppliers
Companies That Can Sell to Merrick Academy-Queens Public Charter School
Classroom Technology Vendors
Promethean — Offers interactive flat panel displays and educational software.
Relevant for: Equipping new classrooms with collaborative and engaging learning tools.
Crestron — Provides integrated control systems for AV, lighting, and environmental systems.
Relevant for: Centralizing management of technology and building functions in the new facility.
School Safety and Security System Integrators
Avigilon — Delivers video surveillance, access control, and analytics solutions.
Relevant for: Enhancing campus security and managing access within the new and expanded facility.
Sample Outbound Angle
"Noticed Merrick Academy-Queens Public Charter School is constructing a new 60,000-square-foot building and expanding to 8th grade.
Schools undergoing similar campus modernizations often face challenges with integrating disparate safety systems and ensuring consistent access control across new and existing structures.
Many are adopting unified security platforms to streamline operations and enhance incident response. Can share insights if useful."
2. Enhanced STEAM and International Baccalaureate Program Development
What Merrick Academy-Queens Public Charter School Is Doing
Merrick Academy-Queens Public Charter School is fostering creativity and global thinking through a rigorous, inquiry-based STEAM curriculum. The school is also pursuing authorization as an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, specifically for the Primary Years Programme (PYP). This commitment aims to nurture intellectual growth, resilience, and global awareness.
Key Buyer Personas
- Michelle Harrison, Director of STEAM
- Nirupa Kumar, Director of Humanities
- Charisma Bennett, Director of Math
- Ms. Yvonne Anderson, School Leader/Principal (6-7 Grades Campus)
- Kaitlyn McWilliams, Principal (K-5 Grades Campus)
Operational Challenges
- Sourcing and integrating specialized STEAM equipment and resources that align with inquiry-based learning principles.
- Providing ongoing professional development for educators to effectively deliver IB and STEAM curricula.
- Ensuring a consistent and challenging academic experience as the school expands to 8th grade.
- Measuring and demonstrating the impact of specialized programs on student outcomes.
Company Categories That Can Sell to Merrick Academy-Queens Public Charter School
- STEAM Education Suppliers
- Curriculum Development Consultants
- Educational Technology Platforms
- Professional Development Providers
- Assessment & Analytics Tools
Companies That Can Sell to Merrick Academy-Queens Public Charter School
STEAM Education Suppliers
Pitsco Education — Provides hands-on K-12 STEM solutions, including robotics and coding kits.
Relevant for: Equipping STEAM labs with project-based learning tools.
Vernier Software & Technology — Offers data-collection technology for science education.
Relevant for: Enhancing scientific inquiry and experimentation within the STEAM curriculum.
Professional Development Providers
IB Educators Network — Offers authorized workshops and online learning for IB programs.
Relevant for: Training teachers in the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme framework.
Sample Outbound Angle
"Seeing Merrick Academy-Queens Public Charter School's dedication to a STEAM-focused, inquiry-based curriculum and pursuing IB authorization.
Schools developing these programs often encounter challenges in finding specialized resources that truly integrate and support cross-disciplinary learning objectives.
Many are partnering with curriculum specialists to ensure alignment and teacher readiness. Happy to share what we've observed."
3. Student Information System Management and Cybersecurity Posture
What Merrick Academy-Queens Public Charter School Is Doing
Merrick Academy-Queens Public Charter School utilizes student information systems, such as PowerSchool, for administrative and academic management. The school has experienced a "Power School Cyber Security Incident," highlighting an ongoing need for robust data protection. This involves maintaining system integrity, managing student and staff data, and ensuring secure digital operations.
Key Buyer Personas
- Rael Jones, Chief Operating Officer
- Zenzile Keith, Chief Compliance & Program Officer
- Yolanda Valerio, HR/Business Manager
- Ms. Yvonne Anderson, School Leader/Principal
- Kaitlyn McWilliams, Principal
Operational Challenges
- Protecting sensitive student and staff data from cyber threats and unauthorized access.
- Ensuring compliance with data privacy regulations like FERPA.
- Maintaining the availability and performance of critical administrative systems like PowerSchool.
- Coordinating timely software updates and security patches across the technology environment.
- Providing staff with training on best practices for data security and phishing prevention.
Company Categories That Can Sell to Merrick Academy-Queens Public Charter School
- Cybersecurity Solutions
- Data Privacy & Compliance Software
- IT Support & Managed Services
- Secure Cloud Storage
- Identity & Access Management
Companies That Can Sell to Merrick Academy-Queens Public Charter School
Cybersecurity Solutions
Fortinet — Offers a comprehensive suite of security solutions including firewalls, endpoint protection, and secure access.
Relevant for: Enhancing network security and safeguarding student data within the PowerSchool environment.
Darktrace — Provides AI-powered autonomous response technology for threat detection.
Relevant for: Proactively identifying and neutralizing advanced cyber threats to school systems.
Data Privacy & Compliance Software
ManagedMethods — Delivers cloud application security for Google Workspace and Microsoft 365, including data loss prevention.
Relevant for: Monitoring and protecting sensitive data stored in cloud applications used by the school.
Sample Outbound Angle
"Understand Merrick Academy-Queens Public Charter School manages student data through systems like PowerSchool and has faced cybersecurity incidents.
Schools often find that managing an expanding digital footprint with student information systems creates challenges in maintaining consistent data security and compliance posture.
We're seeing many districts implement multi-layered security protocols to protect sensitive records and ensure operational continuity. Can share effective strategies if helpful."
Final Take
Merrick Academy-Queens Public Charter School is in a period of significant growth and operational refinement, marked by new campus construction and grade-level expansion. This creates an active buying environment for a range of solutions, from modern classroom technology and facilities management to specialized STEAM and IB resources. The school's reliance on systems like PowerSchool also signifies ongoing needs for secure data management and robust cybersecurity.
Vendors can strategically position solutions that directly address the operational pressures stemming from this expansion, curriculum development, and technology management. Opportunities exist in equipping new learning spaces, supporting advanced academic programs, and enhancing the security and efficiency of the school's digital infrastructure.
Need help selling to U.S. Schools?
Identify school buying signals like grants, contract renewals, and more, find key decision-maker contacts, and reach out to the right schools at the right time with Pintel.ai.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are Merrick Academy-Queens Public Charter School's primary growth initiatives for 2026? Merrick Academy-Queens Public Charter School is focused on constructing a new building and expanding to include 8th grade for the 2026-2027 school year.
Which technology systems are central to Merrick Academy-Queens Public Charter School's operations? Student information systems like PowerSchool are central to Merrick Academy-Queens Public Charter School's administrative and academic functions.
Who are key decision-makers for technology purchases at Merrick Academy-Queens Public Charter School? Key decision-makers include the Chief Operating Officer, Principals, and the Director of STEAM, along with the Board of Trustees.
What curriculum modernization is underway at Merrick Academy-Queens Public Charter School? Merrick Academy-Queens Public Charter School is implementing a STEAM-focused curriculum and pursuing International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme authorization.
Are there opportunities for vendors in campus safety at Merrick Academy-Queens Public Charter School? Yes, with new building construction and an expanding student body, there is a need for enhanced school safety and security systems.