Pictured are Warsaw Community Schools’ board members and cabinet presenting the award at a board meeting, symbolizing the national recognition as a District of Distinction. Photo provided by Warsaw Community Schools.

Press Release

WARSAW — Warsaw Community Schools was recently recognized nationally as a District of Distinction by District Administration.

This acknowledgment, in the Creative Recruitment and Retention category, is a testament to WCS’s innovative approach to educator development and retention through strategic partnerships and scholarship opportunities. WCS was one of six district category award recipients out of hundreds of applicants.

Since 2019, WCS has committed to empowering its educators by providing full scholarships for nearly 150 staff members to pursue advanced degrees and transition-to-teaching programs. This initiative has led to the creation of the “Warsaw Experience,” a collaborative venture with Indiana State University, Bluffton University and Grace College, which has proven to be a successful model for educational excellence and professional growth.

“As an administrative team, we met with a number of colleges and universities,” said WCS Superintendent Dr. David Hoffert, reflecting on the district’s achievement. “Our goal was to create a top program that could be obtained here in Warsaw with the expertise of the local community and university partners. It has been a pleasure to watch these students walk across the stage and then implement the new knowledge in the classroom setting. We are investing in our teachers and community through this initiative. We are thankful for our university partners for thinking outside of the box and partnering with us in this creative endeavor.”

“We are elated but not surprised by WCS’s distinction,” said Dr. Ryan Donlan from Indiana State University. “Under Dr. Hoffert’s leadership, Warsaw exemplifies commitment to leadership development and sustainability. ‘The Warsaw Experience,’ our partnership with WCS, has become a model for talent cultivation and showcases the profound impact of investing in educators.”

“We are proud of our partnership with WCS, known as the ‘Warsaw Experience,’ which symbolizes the pinnacle of teaching, learning, and leadership,” said Dr. Brad Balch. “This well-deserved recognition reflects WCS’s unique and strategic dedication to its students and the broader educational community.”

WCS’s commitment to the strategic priorities of experience, empathy, inclusivity and adaptability shines through its innovative programs like the “Warsaw Experience” degree programs, which have solidified the district as a leader in educational innovation and professional development.

“This is a triple win for our staff, students and community,” said WCS Board President Heather Reichenbach. “We know there is a growing body of research that teacher pay and retention positively correlate with increases in student outcomes including academic achievement and graduation rates. Consequently, recruitment and retention are priorities of the school board and administration at Warsaw Community Schools. This District of Distinction Award affirms our work toward these priorities to date. This award also motivates us to continue looking for innovative initiatives that strategically invest in our people to maximize student growth and learning.”