Southwest Allen County Schools announced Friday it will have a new leader this summer, pending board approval in March.
The expected July 1 promotion of Joshua St. John to superintendent from assistant superintendent would come a year after Kent DeKoninck began leading the 7,500-student district.
DeKoninck, who is resigning as superintendent effective June 30, will remain with SACS in a new role as chief administrative officer, and his workload will shift to part-time. His responsibilities were not specified.
St. John’s proposed contract will be published in The 95秀视频 Gazette and on the district website, , this month, a news release said. The board is expected to vote on it March 4.
St. John said in a statement he is committed to the district鈥檚 and its students鈥 success.
鈥淚 look forward to building on the strong foundation laid by Dr. DeKoninck and other past district leaders, partnering with our dedicated staff, students and families to continue our work to foster a culture rooted in community, collaboration and continuous growth throughout the district,鈥 St. John said.
DeKoninck, who retired from an Indianapolis-area district in 2021, joined SACS on a one-year contract following the departure of Superintendent Park Ginder. DeKoninck said at the time that he was open to leading SACS for longer, but he didn鈥檛 want to immediately commit for more than a year.
In a message to families Friday afternoon, DeKoninck described his tenure as an extraordinary opportunity to serve a community of dedicated educators, engaged families and exceptional students.
鈥淗owever, as I鈥檝e reached this distinguished stage in life 鈥 and, to be transparent, experienced a taste of retirement 鈥 I鈥檝e decided, somewhat selfishly, that I want to spend more time with my wife, my family and my grandkids,鈥 DeKoninck said.
Kim Moppert, board president, said DeKoninck has positioned the district for long-term success.
鈥淗is commitment to our students, staff and families has been invaluable and will undoubtedly continue as he serves the SACS community in an exciting, new capacity,鈥 Moppert said in a statement.
DeKoninck supported the board鈥檚 decision to promote St. John, who has more than 26 years鈥 experience in public education, including 17 in SACS.
鈥淗aving had the opportunity to work closely with him, I know firsthand his deep commitment to student success, staff support and the future of our schools,鈥 DeKoninck said. 鈥淗is leadership, vision and dedication to SACS will ensure the district continues to thrive.鈥
St. John was promoted to the central office from Summit Middle School principal in 2023. His credentials include a bachelor鈥檚 degree in mathematics teaching from Purdue University Fort Wayne, a master鈥檚 degree in education administration from Ball State University and a doctorate in educational leadership from Purdue.
Moppert said St. John has consistently demonstrated an understanding of the district鈥檚 strengths and vision for its future.
鈥淗is leadership, passion for education and commitment to student achievement make him the ideal choice to guide SACS forward, enhancing the educational experience for all,鈥 she said.
