deeply rooted in family,” Lehman explains.“We reflect those values in how we work together, how we treat one another, and how we serve our kids. Every student here is known by name, and every decision we make comes back to helping them become everything they were created to be.” A DISTRICT AT THE HEART OF ITS COMMUNITY Southern Wells serves a network of small towns— Poneto, Liberty Center, Dillman, McNabb, Keystone, Petroleum, and other rural settlements—spread across open farmland in Wells County.Though small, the district punches above its weight, drawing 35 percent of its students from outside its boundaries. Families from neighboring counties choose Southern Wells for its close-knit environment, personal attention, and opportunities that rival much larger districts. “We’re the right size to know our kids,” Lehman says,“but we still provide them with handson experiences and modern programs that open doors.” That local commitment is evident in every corner of the district. The schools host community events, students volunteer locally, and teachers collaborate with small businesses, farms, and industry partners to keep classroom learning grounded in real life. LEARNING BY DOING Junior/High School Principal Kim Conner emphasizes the district’s hands-on teaching style. “That’s how kids learn best—by doing,” she says.“Our teachers work hard to make sure lessons connect to the real world, and we start career and college preparation as early as seventh grade.” Technology plays a major role in that preparation. Southern Wells is a one-to-one Chromebook district, giving every student digital access while maintaining a strong emphasis on collaboration and critical thinking.Teachers integrate tools such as Classroom Screen—an app that helps organize lessons, display daily objectives, and facilitate interaction—to create consistent learning experiences across grade levels. When it comes to artificial intelligence, Conner says the district has taken a proactive stance. “We didn’t want to ban it; we wanted to guide it,” she explains. Each department developed a shared framework outlining when AI use is appropriate and when it isn’t. “We created a visual chart that hangs in every classroom, so students know exactly where the line is. Teachers can move a magnet to indicate whether AI is permitted for a specific project or assignment. That way, we’re teaching responsible use, not avoidance.” 319 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 12 SOUTHERN WELLS COMMUNITY SCHOOLS
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