Guest blog by Kody Tinnel

There is so much to love about living in Fort Wayne, including our schools! As a lifelong Fort Wayne resident and proud graduate and employee of Fort Wayne Community Schools (FWCS), I can attest to the strength of our local schools and the important role they play in our community. 

With a diverse population of nearly 30,000 students, FWCS is one of the largest public school systems in Indiana. The district includes 50 academic sites throughout the city, including historic neighborhood schools, sought after magnet programs, and innovative early childhood education centers. 

FWCS students are empowered with many academic options, including specialized programs of study (such as Project Lead the Way Biomedical Sciences and New Tech Academy) in every high school. The Career Academy at Anthis also offers a variety of career programs, many of which result in certification and job offers at graduation. FWCS graduates go on to postsecondary institutions and careers throughout the state and country. 

With 4,000 employees, FWCS is also one of the largest employers in Fort Wayne. We invest heavily in the professional development of our teachers and staff to ensure they are equipped to provide a high quality education to all students. 

The district has deep roots in the community, dating back to 1857 and continuing today. FWCS maintains strong partnerships with local businesses and nonprofits, including Parkview Health, Sweetwater, Purdue Fort Wayne, and many more. In recent years and thanks to widespread community support, FWCS has been able to invest hundreds of millions to upgrade and renovate its schools. As an early partner in the Electric Works project, FWCS will soon be opening a school on the soon-to-be redeveloped campus. 

Educational options are often a key consideration when determining where to call home. Fort Wayne residents are fortunate to have an excellent option in FWCS. 

Kody Tinnel is a graduate of South Side High School and currently serves as the Manager of Talent Acquisition & Retention at FWCS. 

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Kody Tinnel is a proud, lifelong resident of Fort Wayne. After graduating from South Side High School, he earned two degrees in public affairs from Indiana University Fort Wayne. Much of his professional career has focused on public K12 and higher education, including his current role as the Manager of Talent Acquisition & Retention at Fort Wayne Community Schools.

Kody is also active in the community through leadership roles in the Foster Park Neighborhood Association, the Packard Area Planning Alliance, and the Fort Wayne Metropolitan Human Relations Commission, among various others. He loves calling Fort Wayne home and does all he can to make this city the best it can be, both now and well into the future.