Education

Smith: Indiana public schools are evolving from a one-size-fits-all model to a talent development model. Students need multiple pathways to success, whether through college, industry credentials, apprenticeships, military service, or direct entry into the workforce. Across the state, districts are expanding career academies, dual-credit opportunities, work-based learning, and partnerships with employers in advanced manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, and technology.

In Lawrence Township, the McKenzie Center for Innovation & Technology is a strong example of that evolution, providing students hands-on experiences, career-focused programming, and direct connections to high-demand industries. Programs like these help students graduate with both academic preparation and practical skills.

We are also seeing stronger alignment between K–12 curriculum and labor market needs through STEM, robotics, health sciences, business, and engineering pathways. The goal is simple: every graduate should leave high school with a diploma and a next step.

Smith: Teacher recruitment and retention must be treated as a workforce development priority. If Indiana wants a strong economy, it must ensure a strong educator pipeline through intentional efforts to recruit, retain, and reward talented professionals. Competitive compensation is essential as schools compete with other industries for highly capable employees.

Promising strategies include grow-your-own programs, teacher cadet pathways, paid residencies, and strong mentorship for early-career educators. Equally important are partnerships with universities that help current school employees—both those with bachelor’s degrees and those still completing degrees—earn teaching credentials while continuing to work.

Retention also depends on supportive leadership, professional growth, and positive working conditions. When educators feel valued and see a future in the profession, schools and students benefit.

Smith: Financial stability requires disciplined management, long-range planning, and strategic prioritization. School corporations must remain student-centered while operating with the fiscal discipline, efficiency, and accountability expected of a well-run business. That means regularly reviewing staffing, operations, enrollment trends, capital needs, and program effectiveness. Enrollment is imperative because it drives funding, staffing, and the ability to sustain high-quality programs.

In the MSD of Lawrence Township, we are proud to maintain a strong financial footing without an operating referendum, reflecting years of responsible stewardship and planning.

Inflation has increased costs in transportation, utilities, insurance, and labor, while student needs continue to grow in areas such as mental health, special education, and academic intervention. Financial stewardship is ultimately about sustaining excellence and ensuring every dollar supports student success.

Smith: Artificial intelligence should be viewed as a tool that enhances learning, not replaces human teaching. In K–12 education, AI can help personalize instruction, provide timely feedback, improve efficiency, and expand access to resources. In the MSD of Lawrence Township, we are using AI in all buildings to explore how it can support teaching and learning in thoughtful, practical ways.

At the same time, AI must never replace human interaction, strong relationships, or high-quality pedagogy. Great teaching depends on connection, professional judgment, and the ability to inspire students.

Schools also have a responsibility to prepare students for a world where AI will be common across industries. That means teaching digital literacy, ethical use, privacy awareness, critical thinking, and responsible use of emerging technologies.

Smith: Partnerships are essential because schools cannot do this work alone. When K–12 systems collaborate with businesses, colleges, universities, and community organizations, students gain access to real-world experiences, mentoring, internships, dual-credit opportunities, career exposure, and support services that improve outcomes.

In Lawrence Township, Center Advisory Boards at the McKenzie Center for Innovation & Technology bring business and industry leaders directly to the table to help shape programming and align pathways with workforce needs. Higher education partners help create seamless pathways to certificates and degrees, while community organizations often help remove barriers related to attendance, mental health, food insecurity, and family engagement.

Strong communities have strong schools, and strong schools help build strong communities. When students graduate prepared for college, careers, and citizenship, employers gain talented graduates, families are strengthened, and communities become more attractive places to live and invest.