The future workforce of northeast Indiana will be celebrated as the FWCS Career Academy hosts its 9th Annual Career and Technical Education (CTE) Signing Day Ceremonies at noon and 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 19, at the Grand Wayne Center, 120 W. Jefferson Blvd.

The event honors students who are stepping directly into high-demand careers, apprenticeships, professional training programs and college pathways after graduation. Students representing 20 different career program areas will be recognized alongside employers, colleges, unions and industry partners who are working to shape the next generation of talent.

The Professional License & Degree Program Signing Day begins at noon and highlights students entering fields such as healthcare, public safety and advanced professional training. Participating partners include Byron Health, Parkview Health, Northeast Fire District, Lima Road Dentistry and the Allen County Sheriff’s Department.

The Skilled Trades Program Signing Day follows at 2:30 p.m. and celebrates students pursuing careers in the trades and technical industries. Community and industry partners participating in the event include Local 166, Evans Toyota, Ottenweller Company, Deister Machine and Premier Communications.

Much like collegiate athletic signing ceremonies, FWCS CTE Signing Day celebrates students as they commit to their next step after high school whether entering the workforce, beginning an apprenticeship, earning industry certifications or continuing specialized career education.

The Fort Wayne Community Schools Board of School Trustees is seeking applicants to fill the open District 3 seat following the resignation of Noah Smith. 

Board President Noah Smith resigned the District 3 seat and was appointed by the FWCS Board of School Trustees to the at-large position recently vacated by Anne Duff. The Board is now accepting written applications for a candidate to complete the District 3 term, which ends Dec. 31, 2028. 

Applicants must have resided within District 3 for at least one year, be at least 21 years old and be a registered voter. A map of the precincts included in District 3 can be found at here. Applicants employed by FWCS must be prepared to resign their employment if appointed. 

Written applications should address the following questions: 

1. What qualifications, background and skills does the applicant believe he or she brings that would assist the Board in achieving the district’s Mission and Vision?  
    
2. What knowledge or experience does the applicant have with Fort Wayne Community Schools?  
    

Applications should include a resume and must be submitted by 5 p.m. Friday, May 22, 2026, to Board President Noah Smith, in care of Angela Filler, Clerk of the Board, Fort Wayne Community Schools, 1200 S. Clinton St., Fort Wayne, IN 46802, or by email to angela.filler@fwcs.k12.in.us.  

Following the application process, the Board will review applications and may conduct interviews. A decision is anticipated to be announced June 8. 

Bloomingdale Elementary School third grade teacher Regan Jones is the 2026 FWCS Elementary Teacher of the Year. Jones has worked at Fort Wayne Community Schools for four years. She is driven by a deep belief that meaningful learning begins with connection and creating a classroom where every student feels safe and valued and truly belongs. Her passion lies in helping all students grow, regardless of their starting point, by setting high expectations and providing the support they need to succeed. Jones meets students where they are, using a range of strategies to engage every learner while modeling resilience and confidence, helping students take on challenges in and out of the classroom.

Nominated by Bloomingdale Elementary Principal Jennifer Evans: “Regan embodies everything you hope for in a teacher. She sets high expectations while leading with kindness and connection, and her impact is clear in the growth we see in every student. In her classroom, students feel valued, embrace challenges and build real confidence. She works tirelessly to deliver strong, meaningful instruction, and she is truly exceptional in every way.”

Finalists include:
Stacy Barry, Fourth Grade, Glenwood Park Elementary School
Emily Rathge, Third Grade, St. Joseph Central Elementary School
Amie Reneau, Multilingual Learners, Washington Elementary School
Theresa Rigg, Kindergarten, Harrison Hill Elementary School
Amy Settle, Second Grade, Fairfield Elementary School
Melissa Sliger, Kindergarten, Arlington Elementary School

South Side High School Hospitality Management Pathway teacher LaShawnda Martin is the 2026 FWCS Secondary Teacher of the Year. Martin has worked at Fort Wayne Community Schools for five years. Martin is driven by a belief that learning should be real, relevant and hands-on, creating opportunities for students to build skills they can carry beyond the classroom. Her passion lies in designing experiences where students take ownership of their learning, working collaboratively to solve real-world problems while building confidence, professionalism and independence. Martin creates a classroom where students not only learn but lead, applying their skills in meaningful ways that connect to their future.

Nominated by South Side High School Principal Zachary Harl: “LaShawnda goes above and beyond to create real-world experiences for her students. She works tirelessly to ensure students have what they need, often putting in extra time outside the school day. She is a true team player, supporting our school community in countless ways while serving as a leader within our staff.”

Finalists include: Joseph Bittner, Math Teacher, North Side High School
Kristen Bakehorn, Language Arts Teacher, Blackhawk Middle School
Matthew Gebhard, Business Teacher, Amp Lab
Alisa Thompson, Criminal Justice Teacher, FWCS Career Academy
Brayden Wisehart, Special Education Teacher, Snider High School