Fort Wayne trustees approve five-year JA3DE renewal amid cost and management concerns

Fort Wayne Community Schools trustees approved a five-year renewal with 3DE Indiana Schools LLC and Junior Achievement Northern Indiana that carries a maximum financial obligation of $8,451,548.

The board’s decision followed a presentation by Superintendent Dr. Mark Daniel and North High School Principal Robinson outlining program results, a video endorsement from Indiana Secretary of Education Dr. Katie Jenner, and lengthy member discussion about funding and program operations. Dr. Daniel said the district had seen “measurable gains in student outcomes, including an increase in graduation rates of over five percentage points” since the program launched at Northside High School in 2022. He also noted that more than $1.6 million in external commitments have already been pledged toward the five-year total.

Trustees who supported renewal emphasized the program’s effect on student engagement and career readiness but warned that the district must tighten contract terms and operational oversight. Board member Steve Corona said he would vote yes but urged “stronger language that specifies a dollar amount and language that specifies an increasing dollar amount over the life of the contract” to ensure sponsor contributions actually reduce district costs. He also recommended a single program manager to standardize implementation across schools and guardrails to limit in-class pull-outs that can conflict with extracurricular commitments.

Principal Robinson described outreach and opt-out procedures the district has added after family feedback, saying about 10 families had met one-on-one to discuss the program and that nine elected to remain in seminar after those conversations. Robinson said counselors are being trained to support four-year planning and to ensure students who opt out are not disadvantaged.

Board members discussed the credentialing and employer recognition of the program, coordination with special education needs, transportation and extracurricular scheduling, and state funding pressures. Several trustees urged pursuing grants and more explicit sponsor commitments to reduce reliance on the district’s education fund.

After discussion the board conducted a roll-call vote and the motion carried; the renewal was approved. The administration said details of the contract and a year-by-year cost breakdown will be published in meeting minutes and that fundraising efforts to lower district obligations are ongoing.

The board’s action keeps the 3DE model in place while trustees monitor implementation, contractor commitments, and student supports.