Meet the Principals
Strong leadership is at the heart of student success. Meet the principals who lead our three Center of Academic Success programs and work each day to support students, staff and families in their school communities.
Jo Knight - Principal, CAS Nebraska Middle School
I began my career with Fort Wayne Community Schools as a substitute teacher and have had the privilege of working my way up to serving as a principal. It has been an incredibly rewarding journey and I am grateful for the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of students, families and staff each day.
Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my three nieces and nephews. Whether we're fishing, boating, cooking together or playing card and board games, I cherish every moment we spend together. Although my days of playing sports are behind me, I still love watching football, basketball and tennis whenever I get the chance.
Summer is my favorite season because I enjoy being outdoors and staying active. After a busy day, you'll often find me relaxing on my porch or gathering with family around a campfire. Those simple moments are some of my favorite ways to unwind and reconnect with the people I love.
Ian Hunter - Principal, CAS Nebraska Elementary
I'm elated to serve in this position at FWCS. When I'm not at school helping students to grow their skills, I love to get outside, workout, and read. Most of my time is spent with my rescue pup, Charlee, who's a deaf pitbull mix. She keeps me pretty busy!
Jessica Harris - Principal, CAS Anthis High School
I am excited to serve as the Principal of CAS Anthis. Working alongside such dedicated teachers, staff and administrators reflects the passion and support they bring to every student who walks through our doors. Together, we will support and guide each student as they take the journey toward their own success. Providing a learning environment that supports students' success in diverse settings has always been my passion.
I am a graduate of Miles College, an HBCU, where I played collegiate softball and earned my bachelor's degree in history. During my time at Miles College, I became a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. I went on to earn my master's degree in special education from Purdue Global. While pursuing my master's, I coached collegiate softball as a head coach at the Division I, III and NAIA levels, and served as an adjunct professor, teaching new educators the skills they'd need to lead our future leaders. My coaching career lasted ten years before I decided to put my degrees to work and begin my career in education.
Since then, I have served as a Special Education Teacher, Dean of Students, Assistant Principal, Interim Principal and Director of Education for ACJC. That experience fueled my desire to keep growing, and in May 2026, I earned my PhD from Purdue University. My dissertation, "How District and School-Level Leaders in the Midwest Make Sense of and Address Student Demographic Shifts," gave me valuable insight that continues to shape how I lead and advocate for all students.
Family is my driving force. I am blessed with two wonderful children, a daughter and a son.