Since 2017, ROI’s Ready Schools initiative has supported 18 school districts in implementing transformative, long-term strategies that prepare students for success in post-secondary education and high-demand careers. By engaging local stakeholders and employers, this initiative drives systemic change and aligns K-12 curricula and programs with the region’s evolving workforce needs.
Participating school districts focus on the Indiana Uplands’ key industry sectors (advanced manufacturing, life sciences, and national security and defense) and six core principles:
- Every student is engaged in a relevant path to success.
- Students graduate high school ready for post-secondary and career success.
- Meaningful and ongoing collaboration occurs among schools, industry, and the community.
- Teaching and learning are grounded in relevancy.
- PK-12 schools are aligned around a common vision of student success.
- Schools embrace the significant role they play in achieving regional prosperity.
Over the years, districts participating in the Ready Schools initiative have introduced a range of innovative programs, including STEM and project-based learning activities, makerspaces, digital fabrication labs, student-run businesses, entrepreneurship programs, college and career awareness centers, and professional development for teachers, educators, and career coaches.
This year, ROI launched a Leadership Academy for school district leaders and superintendents new to ROI’s Ready Schools program. The focus of the Academy is to facilitate new ideas that maintain program momentum through leadership transitions and an ever-changing landscape of workforce and technological advancements. The Ready Schools Leadership Academy began this fall with district superintendents united in their commitment to promoting student-centered innovation and regionally relevant learning opportunities.
During each of the Academy’s sessions, participants have incorporated design thinking, strategic reflection, peer dialogue, and perspectives from employers and education leaders who have participated in the program.
Among the special guests who have shared their Ready Schools perspectives is Matt Weinzapfel, President and Chief Operating Officer at Jasper Engines & Transmissions. Weinzapfel provided insights on effective partnerships between schools and employers. He also highlighted Hub 19, a collaboration of industry, education, and community partners in Dubois County that was formed as an outcome of all four county school corporations’ participation in the ROI Ready Schools initiative to create a career and innovation center focused on equipping students with technology-driven skills and connecting them with local jobs.
Dr. Laura Hammack, the current superintendent of Beech Grove City Schools and former leader at Brown County Schools, shared her perspectives on how school district administrators can sustain transformation through community engagement and purposeful leadership. Apryl Kidd, director of the Collaboration of Shoals, Mitchell, and Orleans Schools (COSMOS), shared perspectives on system mapping and peer collaboration.
“The Ready Schools Leadership Academy has been invaluable for our team,” Kidd said. “It has given us dedicated time to come together as leaders, deepen our shared understanding of the Ready Schools framework, and ensure we are aligned in both vision and practice. With several new leaders joining our work this year, the Academy has also created a structured space for onboarding, collaboration, and cross-district problem-solving. It’s strengthened our collective capacity and helped us move forward with clarity, consistency, and confidence.”
Loogootee Community Schools Assistant Superintendent Shelley Christmas said she is thankful for the opportunity that the Academy is providing.”ROI’s Ready Schools initiative has long been a driving force in helping Loogootee Community Schools design innovative, future-focused opportunities for students,” Christmas said. “The Leadership Academy is ensuring that our new administrators can fully understand and extend that work so our district continues to move forward with purpose. I’m thankful for ROI’s leadership and the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues across the region.”
ROI’s Ready Schools’ Leadership Academy will wrap up in February. The final session will feature the partnership that Edgewood Schools has developed with Boston Scientific, which serves as a model for innovation and momentum that can help each Academy member as they begin putting their next-level Ready Schools plans into action.
“Across the Indiana Uplands, Ready Schools has helped school districts rethink how they prepare students for the future, grounded in regional workforce needs and close collaboration with employers, their community, and the Uplands region,” said Michi McClaine, ROI’s Vice President of Talent Development. “The addition of the Leadership Academy is facilitating next-level opportunities for collaboration and innovation. We look forward to seeing how Academy members will apply these experiences to enhance student success in their schools.”