Community Collaboration and Innovation: Shaping Mississinewa’s Educational Future
In this episode, host Nate Lichte sits down with Jeremy Fewell, Superintendent of Mississinewa Community Schools (IN). From a district with high transfer enrollment and significant poverty, Jeremy walks through a “students-first always” approach: transparent communication, data-anchored decisions, and community partnerships that meet real needs.
They discuss how Mississinewa engages families early through strong preschool pathways, centers safety and access in operational calls (like weather delays), and uses a community-built strategic plan to align budgets, programming, and culture. Jeremy also shares how listening tours, system-to-systems meetings, and visible leadership (yes, serving lunch) strengthen trust and retention.
Nate and Jeremy dig into the push-pull of open enrollment, supporting local taxpayers while maintaining rich AP/dual-credit and CTE opportunities, and planning for legacy facilities, while keeping every decision tied back to what serves students best.
Timestamps
05:18 "District Challenges and Opportunities"
34:57 "Focus on Relationships First"
Why You’ll Love This Episode
If you lead in a district where every decision must stretch resources without shrinking opportunity, this conversation will resonate. Jeremy offers a grounded playbook for aligning strategy with community values, balancing enrollment realities with taxpayer trust, and proving—daily—that student well-being and safety come first.
Connect with Jeremy Fewell
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-fewell-ed-s-9b009893
Website: https://www.lewiscass.net/
Follow Us
Nate Lichte LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nate-lichte/
Lebra Website: https://www.lebrahq.com/
Lebra LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lebrahq
About the Lebra Podcast
The Lebra Podcast is where host Nate Lichte speaks with education leaders and innovators about the future of schools, uncovering stories and strategies that create meaningful impact.
👉 Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to the Lebra Podcast for more conversations on leadership, culture, and the future of learning.
