Fort Wayne Community Schools

The meeting began with the pledge of allegiance and roll call. A significant portion of the session involved awards and recognition, including the presentation of the Allen County Public Library's 2025 highlights and updates on their collaboration with Fort Wayne Community Schools, specifically mentioning the library card partnership and the summer learning program which provided free lunches/snacks. Additionally, the Dolly Parton Imagination Library program achievements were highlighted, emphasizing early literacy efforts and enrollment statistics. New business included the recognition and approval of the $25,000 Excellence in Early Literacy Award for Leanne Scott Academy. The board also addressed the approval of purchases for commodity food products from various vendors for the 2025-2026 school year, totaling $1,330,000, to support school breakfast and lunch programs.

Fort Wayne Community Schools (FWCS) is implementing its 'Schools of Success' initiative for the 2025-2026 school year. This initiative focuses on developing students' communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills, aiming to prepare them for future success by connecting career interests early. Key strategies include providing hands-on workplace skills, fostering partnerships with local businesses for job shadows and internships, and accelerating curriculum. The plan seeks to equip students with both technical and essential skills to meet the demands of the modern economy and contribute to regional growth.

The meeting agenda for the Board of School Trustees included several key items for recommendation and approval. Consent agenda items covered the approval of vouchers, payroll, and the Personnel Report. New business focused extensively on financial and operational matters, including the approval of purchases for student replacement laptops and network switches, renewal of various insurance and service contracts (Group Health Plan, Disability & Life Insurance, Joint Replacement Services), approval of a Third Party Administrator for the Workers' Compensation Program, and the purchase of five fleet vehicles. Significant financial actions proposed include contract adjustments for Architect/Engineer and Construction Manager services for the Transportation Center expansion, approval of construction contracts, transfers between the Education Fund and Operations Fund, and authorizing necessary appropriations transfers from 2025. Furthermore, the Board was recommended to conduct a Board of Finance meeting, review the Fiscal Indicator, hold a public hearing and adopt resolutions for the General Obligation Bonds, Series 2026, and reapprove matters related to the Fort Wayne Community Schools Building Corporation, including the Master Lease. Finally, approval for accepting a grant from the Don Wood Foundation was recommended. Reports included highlights on the Career Academy's Construction Trades Program.

The Board of School Trustees meeting is an Executive Session scheduled to address specific purposes authorized by statute. The indicated discussion topics include the job performance evaluation of individual employees, and discussions concerning the assessment of or negotiation with another entity regarding the establishment of a collaborative relationship or venture to advance the educational mission of the state educational institution.

This Local School Wellness Policy outlines Fort Wayne Community Schools' commitment to fostering student health, well-being, and academic performance by establishing comprehensive expectations for nutrition standards, promotion, physical activity, and ongoing evaluation. Key areas of focus include setting nutrition standards for school meals and competitive foods, promoting nutrition education, encouraging physical activity, and regulating food and beverage marketing. The policy also details governance, stakeholder participation, and a triennial assessment process to ensure continuous improvement.