Fort Wayne, IN – The Indiana Agriculture & Technology School (IATS) announces the hiring of two former Fort Wayne Community School District administrators to lead the new local Fort Wayne campus in the upcoming school year. 

Tim Captain has been named Principal, and Kara Froning as Assistant Principal of the Indiana Agriculture & Technology School – Fort Wayne campus. Located at 7910 South Anthony Blvd., the school will open August 4, 2025 and is currently accepting students in grades 7 through 9.

“We’re thrilled to have two proven leaders guiding the launch of our new campus,” said Keith Marsh, executive director of IATS. “Their experience and vision are exactly what we need to ensure a strong start and lasting impact.”

Both Captain and Froning were previously administrators in the Fort Wayne Community School District.

Captain’s 28-year career in public education, including seven years of leadership in Student, Family and Support Services, and previous roles as Principal, Assistant Principal with Fort Wayne Community Schools, will allow him to build on a tradition of academic and technical excellence and make a meaningful difference in the lives of his students.

“Becoming the principal of Indiana Agricultural and Technology School at the Fort Wayne Campus is a profound honor and an incredible opportunity to build on a legacy of academic and technical excellence,” said Principal Captain. “My vision is to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and resources they need to thrive in an ever-evolving world. By integrating rigorous academics, advanced technology, and hands-on learning, we aim to prepare students for success in higher education, the workforce, or military service.”  

Captain believes a key priority will be fostering strong partnerships between the school and our community, creating pathways for internships, mentorships, and local collaborations that support student growth. 

He is also excited to work alongside dedicated staff, families, and community members to create a nurturing environment where every student can flourish. 

After six years as a high school English teacher at East Noble High School and more than two decades in school leadership, including roles as Assistant Principal, Principal, and Director of Secondary Schools with Fort Wayne Community Schools, Froning is honored to take this next step in her journey.

“I am passionate about creating innovative learning environments for the students of the greater Fort Wayne area that reflect and support who they are as individuals. At IATS, I look forward to helping build a school community that prepares students for both college and career success through meaningful, future-focused opportunities,” said Assistant Principal Kara Froning.

The Indiana Agriculture & Technology School is a public, charter school that opened under a statewide charter in 2018. The authorizer for the charter is the University of Southern Indiana. The school currently operates four additional campuses including a full time attendance school on the campus of the University of Southern Indiana. Three other campuses support in-person, project-based learning at Farm Campuses in Trafalgar, North Salem and Rensselaer, Indiana.

The new school campus in Allen County will offer a quality, rigorous program based on the values that Hoosier families want and deserve. The goal of the school is to prepare students for enrollment in post secondary schools, employment in rewarding careers, and enlistment in military service. It will equip students with the knowledge, skills, and resources they need to thrive in an ever-evolving world. By integrating rigorous academics, advanced technology, and hands-on learning, we aim to prepare students for success in higher education, the workforce, or military service.  

For its first year, each grade level, which will be 7th-9th, will have 20 students per class, with a total expected enrollment of 60 students. The school plans to grow each year, eventually serving students through 12th grade.

IATS Executive Director Keith Marsh believes the school will make a meaningful impact on the community.

“IATS Fort Wayne will address academic achievement gaps, expanding access to career and technical education, and offering students hands-on, real-world learning experiences. The school provides new pathways for students—especially those who may not see college as their only option,” said Marsh. 

“Together, we can ensure every child has access to a personalized education that aligns with their aspirations and prepares them for a bright future,” said Principal Captain.

To learn more about IATS and the new Fort Wayne campus, visit FtWayne – Why IATS?

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About Indiana Agriculture & Technology School: Indiana Agriculture & Technology School is a Tuition-Free, On-Line Public School that uses cutting-edge virtual learning technologies blended with live hands-on experiences in agriculture, conservation, and environmental sciences.

Our Vision is to produce a workforce prepared to meet the challenge of accelerating change in every component of agriculture.

Our Mission is to provide a unique and interesting learning experience for students and to introduce them to the many opportunities and career paths in agriculture and related sciences in Indiana and around the world.

Media Contact: Anne O’Brien, Communications Director
aobrien@indiana.ag, 630-726-0213