Dr. Lorin A. Burt is described as one of the nation’s outstanding young men in the field of education, served as executive secretary to the Indiana School Boards Association (ISBA) from 1960 to 1967. Following Dr. Burt’s death in 1968, a memorial award was devised to be given annually to an outstanding educator for “overall excellence in contributions to Indiana education.”
This year, the ISBA Awards Committee’s selection centered on one individual who captured the heart of the community. Starting his career in education, this year’s recipient taught elementary students for 12 years, was a principal 16 years, served as an assistant superintendent for three years, and served as superintendent for the past nine years at Community Schools of Frankfort.”
In all his years as an educator and leader, his passion and advocacy was always “kids first.”
During his tenure as superintendent in Frankfort, DeWeese was diligent in restoring the board/superintendent/staff/community relationship. He created a culture of respect and trust by focusing on the District’s Mission, “Ensuring Excellence in Every student Everyday” which directed and guided him to consistently address several areas of improvement, such as:
The budgetary process;
Student achievement, (the corporation’s graduation rate has increased from 60-70% to 90.8%);
Implemented the Neighborhood Emergency Mobile Observation (NEMO), in which during the first two weeks of schools, district leadership teams ensured
our youngest students did not get off at the wrong bus stop or get lost on their way home;
Staff professional development through “Professional Learning Communities” (PLC);
Community education through the “Community and Schools Together” (CAST);
Leadership and mentorship skills through the “District Leadership Team” (DLT);
Full time oversight of the $30,000,000 renovation project of Frankfort High School.
DeWeese was active in various community activities, such as Rotary, Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, “No Small Matter” Committee to promote PreK education within our county, Promise 529, IU Kokomo and Ivy Tech Frankfort partnerships, and County Legislative Breakfasts. He received the Bill Beard Servant Leadership Award in 2016. He is a well-respected community member and champion of public education in the Frankfort community.
DeWeese retired on October 2, 2020.