Clinton County Superintendents Mr. Levi Yowell, Clinton Central School Corporation, Dr. Becky Boddicker, Clinton Prairie School Corporation, Dr. Matt Rhoda, Community Schools of Frankfort, and Dr. Jim Hanna, Rossville Consolidated School District, joined educational leaders from across the region at the Indiana Association of Public School Superintendents (IAPSS) District III meeting. The gathering focused on critical issues impacting public education and shaping the future of schools in Indiana.
During the meeting, the superintendents engaged in a comprehensive discussion on the upcoming 2025 legislative session. They examined legislative priorities and their potential implications for public education, sharing insights and strategies for advocating effectively for students, educators, and school communities. The group emphasized the importance of proactively addressing legislative changes that affect school funding, academic standards, and workforce development.
A highlight of the meeting was an in-depth review of the state’s new Indiana High School diploma. The revised diploma requirements are designed to better prepare students for success in higher education and the workforce by promoting academic rigor and essential life skills.
“This meeting provided an opportunity for us to address the real-world impact of these new diploma requirements on our students,” Yowell said. “It’s vital that we work together to ensure the transition is seamless for our students and staff.”
Leadership development was another key area of focus. Superintendents shared their experiences and strategies for fostering strong school leadership teams. Building adaptive and effective leadership is crucial to responding to the evolving needs of students, staff, and the broader school community.
“Strong leadership is at the core of everything we do,” Boddicker said. “It’s about preparing our educators to be leaders in the classroom and our students to be leaders in life.”
The meeting also included a forward-looking conversation on artificial intelligence (AI) and its growing educational role. With AI technology advancing rapidly, superintendents explored how these tools can be integrated to enhance teaching and administrative functions while maintaining ethical standards and considering practical challenges.
“AI presents opportunities and challenges for education,” Rhoda said. “We need to be proactive in understanding its applications and setting clear guidelines for its use to benefit our students.”
“The IAPSS District III meeting provided an invaluable opportunity for Clinton County superintendents to collaborate with our colleagues and address issues that directly impact our schools and students,” Hanna said. “It’s through these shared discussions that we can continue to advocate for positive change and ensure our students are well-prepared for the future.”
About the Clinton County School Districts:
The Clinton County School Districts are committed to providing high-quality education and fostering a collaborative environment that prepares students for success in an ever-changing world. For more information, visit www.clintoncentral.org. www.frankfortschools.org, www.clintonprairie.com, or www.rcsd.k12.in.us.