Fort Wayne Community Schools board honors dozens of students, notes board vacancy deadline

Fort Wayne Community Schools Vice President Jennifer Mathias opened the regular board meeting and said, "Tonight is a special evening where we recognize students for their exemplary achievements for placing in the top 10 of state or national competitions this past spring." The meeting focused on student recognitions across multiple schools and programs, followed by brief board remarks and routine business.

The board recognized Saint Joseph Central's 12-member fourth- and fifth-grade math bowl team for finishing among the top 10 teams in Indiana and earning fourth place at the district competition. Maria Norman read the team roster and coaches; parents and school staff were invited forward for photos.

District scholarship committee chair Amy Turmelan read the names of 35 Fort Wayne Community Schools seniors who received district scholarships, which the board said range from $500 to $40,000. The board noted the awards honor students who demonstrated leadership and initiative during high school.

Other honors included Memorial Park Middle School receiving the Indiana State School Music Association (ISSMA) All-Music Award and a total department award; recognition of a Wayne High student selected for the Indiana High School Athletic Association student advisory committee; Wayne High JROTC receiving a distinguished unit award (the board said it is the program's first such recognition since 1997); and a Wayne High 3DE team advancing to the top eight nationwide in a Home Depot case challenge. A student presenter described a kiosk prototype and its mascot "Eepo," explaining the device suggests projects based on items entered.

Career Academy students who won first place in CTE (career and technical education) program areas were also recognized and will represent the district at national competitions in June; disciplines named by the board included plumbing, computer programming, cabinet making, dental contests, baking, welding and others. The board and district administration invited teachers, principals and parents to join students for photos and congratulations.

Superintendent Dr. Mark Daniel gave operational updates, saying the district's recent bus recruitment event produced applications and that "I believe we're up to 23 applications" as the district continues hiring efforts. He also reviewed upcoming graduation dates for the district's multiple ceremonies.

Vice President Mathias said Arlington Park Elementary may be celebrating its 50th anniversary this year and confirmed logistical information for the public. The board also addressed a governance item: the District 3 board vacancy is open for applications through Friday at 5 p.m.; the board directed interested applicants to the district website for application details and said completed materials may be emailed to the clerk, Angela Filler, or to board president Noah Smith.

For formal business, Vice President Mathias moved to adjourn the meeting; a board member seconded and the motion passed on a voice vote with 'Aye' recorded. The transcript does not include a roll-call tally for the vote.

The meeting concluded after the recognitions and brief administrative announcements; the board did not take up new policy items during this session.