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Southwest Allen County Schools to Keep K-5 iPads at School; superintendent outlines enrollment and priorities
Summary
Superintendent Dr. Saint John told the board that iPads for K–5 students will remain at school this year except when forecasted inclement weather requires remote learning; he also noted student competition results, recognized a longtime bus driver and said an enrollment report will come to the Aug. 19 board meeting.
Dr. Saint John, the district superintendent, told the Southwest Allen County Schools Board of School Trustees that iPads assigned to kindergarten through fifth-grade students will remain at school for the 2025–26 year and will be sent home only when forecasted inclement weather makes remote learning likely. "This decision supports our focus on maximizing in-person learning, reducing screen time, and ensuring students are prepared when a shift to at-home learning is necessary," Saint John said.
The superintendent highlighted summer student achievements at Woodside: Alexandra Hennessy, now a freshman, earned a silver medal in a repurpose-and-redesign competition, and Audrey Hennessy, an eighth-grader, earned a silver medal in fashion construction. He also recognized bus driver Lynn Braun for 40 years of service. "Lynn Braun embodies commitment, pride, and quiet leadership. We're deeply grateful for his 4 decades of outstanding service," Saint John said.
Saint John said staff launched the year earlier in the week and that the district will closely monitor enrollment. "We're super excited to welcome over 7,000 students back onto our campuses and into our buildings tomorrow morning," he said, and he told the board he will provide a report on current and historical enrollment at the board's Aug. 19 meeting. He also said the board will begin a conversation at that meeting about making Southwest Allen County Schools the "district of choice" in the region, a priority in the district strategic plan.
The superintendent framed the iPad policy as a measure to prioritize in-person instruction while keeping an option for rapid transition to remote learning in weather emergencies. The board did not take formal action on the device policy at the meeting; Saint John presented the communications and celebratory items and said further reports would come at the next scheduled meeting.
Board members who spoke during the meeting echoed congratulations to staff and students and thanked transportation staff for long service. One board member noted enthusiasm for the new school year and thanked teachers for a welcome event earlier in the week.
The board will receive the enrollment report and begin the district-of-choice conversation at its Aug. 19 meeting, according to Saint John.
