Saying goodbye to SACS: Park Ginder set to leave role as superintendent of Southwest Allen County Schools

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) — One week from Wednesday will be the final day of school for Southwest Allen County Schools (SACS).

That means it will be the final day of school for Dr. Park Ginder, as he’s set to move on from his role as superintendent at the end of June.

Ginder sat down with WANE 15 to talk about moving to another endeavor.

He said it’s the first time he wont be in school since he went to Kindergarten in 1969. He went from a student straight into being an educator, an administrator, and finishing as the SACS superintendent from 2021 to 2024.

Ginder said there’s some sadness with leaving, but he’s also excited about his new opportunity as executive director of Grow Allen . He sees it as away to continue impacting the lives of students.

He said their early focus will be on growing pre-k education and vocational or work-based learning opportunities at all of the Allen County school districts.

But, he leaves SACS at a time when there’s much going on. To name a few things: the ongoing discussions about race in the district , the Southwest Education Advocates program , and the expansion of Homestead High School.

Ginder said he’s leaving the district in a great place, but admits they have their challenges.

“Are we in a place where we want to be? No, but I would tell you the number one rated school in the state or in the nation would always like to be better, too. We’re always talking about continual improvement. So, I know that’s going to be the goal for whoever follows me, and for our board and our teachers. We’re always about continual improvement,” he explained.

As for who follows Ginder in the role of superintendent, SACS School Board President Jennifer Bennett told WANE 15 they’re happy with the applicants and taking their time to make the best selection for the district.

Ginder’s advice to whoever takes the position is to have fun with it. He said the next superintendent will come in knowing the pressure of the position and time they’ll have to invest, but he said there are a lot of great things to come with it.

He added that they won’t need his advice or any help, but he’ll make himself available if needed.

Ginder is confident the board will make a great replacement. At the same time, he knows the success of the district is bigger than whoever sits in the superintendent’s office.

“It doesn’t matter who comes and sits in this chair. It’s a team experience, and you have to rely on everybody to help move the school district forward,” Ginder said. “It’s not about the superintendent. It’s not about the principal. It’s always got to be about the kids.”

He’ll miss the students the most. Ginder said the entire education experience is special because of the relationships you form. He’s looking forward to staying busy until the busses take the kids home for the final day, and then as summer programs ensue.

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