Youth Leadership Academy Pitched to Blackford County School Board; Members Want More Details

From the Blackford County Schools Board meeting on July 21, 2026

A proposed youth leadership program for Blackford County high school students received a mixed reception from the school board — supportive in concept, but cautious about the cost and timeline.

Warren Brown, Blackford County's economic development director, and a school administrator formally presented the Blackford County Youth Leadership Program. The program would partner with Shafer Leadership Academy, a Delaware County-based organization with roughly 20 years of experience running similar programs at Muncie and Tipton schools.

The program would serve 20 to 30 students per year, likely sophomores and juniors selected through an application process. Sessions would run Monday evenings from 7 to 9 p.m., mostly outside school hours, with a weekend retreat to kick off the program. Students would receive a certificate of completion.

The total cost is $25,000 per year. The Hartford City Redevelopment Commission has already contributed $5,000, and the Blackford County Economic Development Corporation Corporation approved backing the full $25,000 if other funding falls short. Organizers are seeking contributions from the Hartford City Common Council, Montpelier City Council, county council, county commissioners, and solar companies operating in Blackford County.

Board members raised several concerns. One member questioned why Blackford's cost is $25,000 when Muncie schools pay about $11,000 each. Another said the program was presented too close to its proposed launch without earlier board briefing. The board president asked for clear student selection criteria and more background on Shafer Leadership Academy.

No vote was taken. The superintendent committed to returning at the August meeting with clarified selection criteria, more information on Shafer, and an identified teacher leader for the program.

Source: YouTube transcript — Blackford County - School Board Meeting - July 21, 2026

Some information may be inaccurate due to video audio quality.