School Board appoints Janine Kleber as new Assistant Superintendent

The Southwest Allen County Schools (SACS) Board made significant strides in leadership during their meeting on May 6, 2025, announcing key personnel changes that promise to enhance educational outcomes in the district.

Superintendent Dr. Deaton expressed gratitude to the board for their support in building a strong central office team. The meeting highlighted the appointment of Janine Kleber as the new Assistant Superintendent. Kleber, who has a rich history with the district, previously served as principal at Haverhill Elementary School and most recently as the Director of Student Learning. Her leadership in adopting high-quality curricular materials for elementary schools has been particularly noteworthy.

With Kleber's promotion, the position of Director of Student Learning became available. The board announced that JR Ankenbrook, the current Human Resources Director, will transition into this role. Ankenbrook has shown a strong commitment to working closely with students and buildings, making him a fitting choice for this position.

Additionally, the board revealed plans to rebrand the Director of Human Resources position to Chief Personnel Officer, aligning it with the Chief Operations Officer role. David Parker, who previously served as Assistant Superintendent in Blackford County, will fill this new position. Parker brings valuable experience and connections to Northeast Indiana, which the board believes will benefit the district.

These leadership changes reflect SACS's commitment to fostering a collaborative and effective educational environment. The board's decisions are expected to have a positive impact on the district's operations and student services moving forward.