FWCS Welcomes New Director of Well-being and Alternative Programs

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Record Number: 19674
Displayed from: Mar 14, 2023 , until: May 14, 2023
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The Fort Wayne Community Schools Board of School Trustees on Monday, March 13, approved a new Director of Well-being and Alternative Programs. Melissa Richards joined FWCS in 2016 as an Elementary Director overseeing several elementary schools. She began her education career as a music teacher in Ohio in 1989. She moved to Indiana and taught in Avon Community Schools before beginning her administrative career in Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS). After working as an assistant principal and then principal in IPS, she took a principal position with Marion Community Schools, where she worked from 2012-16. As the Director of Well-being and Alternative Programs, Richards will oversee social emotional programs for students and FWCS’ Centers for Academic Success and other alternative programs. 

With nearly 30,000 students, Fort Wayne Community Schools is one of the largest school districts in Indiana. FWCS proudly allows families to choose any of its 50 schools through its successful school-choice program creating diversity in each school, including some with more than 75 languages spoken. FWCS offers seven magnet schools focusing on areas such as science and math, communication, fine arts or Montessori at the elementary and middle school level. In high school, students can choose from the prestigious International Baccalaureate program, Project Lead the Way or New Tech Academy as well as other rigorous academic and specialty training programs.