FWCS focuses on 11 schools for reform

FORT WAYNE. Ind. (WANE) - Eleven Fort Wayne Community Schools will lead the way in education reform is what FWCS officials announced at a Friday morning news conference.

According to FWCS , the district is currently making comprehensive changes in an effort to 'ensure all students are educated to high standards.'

FWCS designated 11 schools as 'L.E.A.D.' schools: Leading Education Achievement with Distinction

Those schools are:

- North Side High School
- South Side High School
- Wayne High School

- Kekionga Middle School
- Miami Middle School
- Northwood Middle School

- Abbett Elementary
- Adams Elementary
- Bloomingdale Elementary
- Fairfield Elementary
- South Wayne Elementary

FWCS said each school designated as a L.E.A.D school would be first in line to receive a portion of the district's Race to the Top funds, if the state is granted federal funding.

"We are going to change the way education looks in Fort Wayne, starting with these schools," said Superintendent Dr. Wendy Robinson. "These schools will have the opportunity to implement the best educational practices."

FWCS said it will continue to follow the federal Turnaround model for the schools and specific details of the changes to be made at the 11 schools will be released as decisions are made. 

"We are not looking for perfection," Dr. Robinson said. "We want people who understand the moral purpose of making sure each child receives a quality education.  We want people who see this as a civil rights issue for all children and are excited to be a part of it."

By the fall, FWCS said the L.E.A.D. schools will be on track to piecing together the best practices for a successful school as Phase One of the reforms.  Phase Two will expand to the remaining schools in the district.