Frankton-Lapel Community Schools

Student Engagement in a Supportive School System

Creating Confident, Career-Ready Graduates

 

In many school districts, the community supports education. At Frankton-Lapel Community Schools (FLCS), the two are closely intertwined. From classrooms to local businesses, from early learning to career pathways, the district has created a system where students are not only learning but actively engaging with the world around them.

That approach shapes everything from instruction to student support. With a focus on relationships, opportunity, and practical experience, Frankton-Lapel is creating an environment where students feel prepared not just for graduation, but for what follows.

Turning Values into Everyday Practice

“We talk about changing lives and impacting futures,” says Sterling Boles, Superintendent. “We try to live that daily as far as positively impacting each student. And we want all staff and students to be happy and excited to be at school each day.”

This commitment extends beyond academics. It is about creating a school experience that is engaging, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of every learner.

Boles says, “Our core beliefs involve trust, compassion, integrity, courage, and growth. Those are things that we have tried to intertwine in our daily activities and our strategic plan.”

By grounding decisions in these values, the district ensures that every initiative, whether instructional or operational, reflects a shared commitment to student success and community connection.

Supporting Educators at Every Stage

In a time when many districts are facing staffing challenges, FLCS has built a culture that encourages educators to stay.

“Our retention of staff over the last five years, we’ve retained 96 percent of our certified staff,” Boles says. “People can drive a short distance and earn more money, but most continue to stay here because of the collegiality and the sense of family.”

That culture is reinforced through intentional support. New teachers are paired with mentors, and additional resources are provided when needed, including support from experienced retired educators.

The district also offers a competitive benefits structure that helps offset salary differences with neighboring districts. Boles explains, “We’re a 90-10 on our insurance, which is another selling point. That helps when people look at their actual take-home pay.”

Recruitment efforts are equally thoughtful. Partnerships with Anderson University, Ball State University, and Indiana Wesleyan University bring student teachers into the district, allowing them to experience the culture firsthand.

At the same time, FLCS is investing in its own future educators by offering programs that introduce high school students to careers in teaching, creating a pipeline that may one day bring them back to the district.

Prioritizing Student Well-Being

FLCS’s commitment to students extends well beyond academics. A strong emphasis on mental health and emotional well-being ensures that students are supported in every aspect of their development.

“We have local companies that come in to help kids wherever they are needed,” Boles says. “Our primary one, Aspire, provides mental health counseling during school, which is nice for parents and students.” This in-school access removes barriers and enables students to receive support in a familiar, comfortable environment.

Equally important is the culture within the buildings. Boles says, “When kids walk in the building, adults are saying hi and interacting. We know when a kid is not feeling the greatest that day, and we can help them right away.”

The district has also partnered with the School Care Team to assess mental health needs across students and staff. That data is now guiding targeted professional development and support programs.

“We’re in the middle of tailoring a program and providing professional development opportunities for our entire staff,” Boles says.

At the elementary level, additional behavioral supports have been introduced, including specialized staff and an intermediate classroom designed to address intensive needs while keeping students within the district.

No Tech Tuesdays

As technology continues to evolve, FLCS is taking a balanced approach. “We’ve had many administrative conversations about AI,” Boles says. “We’ve encouraged some teachers to embrace it because it’s not going to go away.”

At the same time, the district recognizes the importance of human connection. Boles explains, “We have implemented some specific days during the year, we call them no tech Tuesdays. We ask teachers, staff, and students not to use technology that day to promote conversation and socialization skills.”

Turning Education into Experience

One of the most exciting areas of growth within the district is its work-based learning program. Tonya Gill, Work-Based Learning Teacher, says, “They work outside of the classroom in the real world to get real-world experience with business partners, and they also earn credit.”

The program has grown quickly, expanding from a small group of students in its first year to more than forty participants today, supported by over thirty business partners. “It’s been great for the community and the business as well,” Gill says. “It’s been a great relationship between the students and getting them involved.”

Students are gaining experience across a wide range of industries, including healthcare, automotive, interior design, childcare, skilled trades, and food service. Gill explains, “It allows them to learn how the real world works and maybe a career path they’re interested in.”

The district is also creating opportunities within its own system, placing students in roles related to aftercare, food service, and other operational areas.

Real-World Learning

As students step into the workforce, the district is also bringing real-world experiences directly into classrooms. Brett Sanders, Principal of Frankton Junior Senior High School, says, “Teachers are recognizing that whatever content they’re teaching, they can bring some of those partners in to expose students to technology and real-world applications.”

Recent examples include an Army STEM trailer showcasing advanced technology and a collaboration with Ivy Tech that enabled students to operate drones for biological applications.

“Students were actually able to manipulate those types of technologies during class,” Sanders says. “Not everybody can go out, so we bring it to them.” These experiences make learning more engaging while helping students understand how classroom concepts apply in real-world settings.

Aligning Education with Opportunity

As FLCS expands its career and technical education offerings, it does so with a clear understanding of both student interests and regional workforce needs. “We’re already working with the Chamber of Commerce,” Gill says. “We’re trying to figure out how we can reach out to companies and not overwhelm them.”

Boles adds that participation in Madison County Economic Development Committee meetings helps the district stay aligned with local industry demands.

A new welding lab is set to open, addressing both strong student interest and a regional need for skilled trades. At the same time, plans are underway to introduce a Certified Medical Assistant program. “These are probably our two highest interest areas,” Boles says.

Investing with Purpose

FLCS continues to take a thoughtful and measured approach to financial planning. “We’re trying to maximize and be good stewards of the taxpayers’ money,” Boles says. Current investments include instructional programming, development of the welding lab, and updates to facilities, including furniture, flooring, and classroom infrastructure.

The district is also working toward reducing its debt service rate before pursuing additional bonds. “We’re hoping next school year to be under the threshold where we could do some additional improvements for our staff and students,” Boles explains.

Driven by Student Interest

Extracurricular opportunities at FLCS are driven by one key factor: student interest. “If we have an adult and we have student interest, we can start any club that you want,” Boles says.

From robotics and language clubs to unique offerings like a Dungeons and Dragons club, students have access to a wide range of activities that allow them to explore their interests and build connections.

This inclusive environment is contributing to increased enrollment, including a growing number of out-of-district students choosing to attend. “People want to be a part of what Frankton-Lapel is doing,” Boles says.

Building Foundations Early

The district’s commitment to community starts early. Through its partnership with the YMCA, FLCS offers on-site daycare that allows children to begin their educational journey as early as sixteen weeks old and remain within the district through graduation.

“We can take a student from daycare all the way through graduation,” Boles says. The program includes financial support options such as discounts and scholarships, helping make childcare more accessible for families.

Sanders adds, “My daughter was in that program, and we absolutely loved it. She was more than prepared for preschool.”

Continuing the Path of Growth

As FLCS looks to the future, its priorities remain consistent. “We’re going to continue our strategic plan, try to be good stewards of the taxpayers’ money, and provide quality educational opportunities,” Boles says.

With changing graduation requirements and evolving workforce demands, the district is focused on staying adaptable while remaining grounded in its core values.

“We’ve had several discussions about how we can position ourselves to continue to be competitive and provide those opportunities for our students,” Boles says.

Through strong relationships, innovative programming, and a deep connection to its community, FLCS is preparing students not just for graduation but for the opportunities ahead. It is a place where students discover their strengths, explore their interests, and begin to shape their future.

AT A GLANCE

Who: Frankton-Lapel Community Schools

What: A public school district in Indiana focused on connecting students with real-world learning and strong community support.

Where: Madison County, Indiana

Website: www.flcs.k12.in.us