North Putnam schools continue to make JAG a priority

While the Indiana General Assembly has cut funding for Jobs for America's Graduates (JAG) programs across the state, North Putnam Superintendent Dustin LeMay has solidified his district's commitment for the vital program. 

The Indiana General Assembly decided to eliminate all state funding for the JAG programs in middle and high schools for the 2025-26 school year. As a result, the only JAG programs that will continue will be those supported by their local school district. 

LeMay told The Putnam County Post he had several conversations with his district's elected officials during last school year to try and understand the issues and advocate for his students. 

"Through the legislative process, I was on the phone a lot with Senator (Brett) Clark to try and understand and advocate and we had Rep. (Beau) Baird come to our school. While the outcome may not be what we wanted, we have people willing to listen. We have worked a lot with our JAG partners and have decided that JAG is important enough at North Putnam that we reduced a couple of positions and we are able to maintain one of our JAG teachers at the high school. We had two and another one will do two periods and pick up other duties. It is what's best for kids and we needed to figure out a way to maintain those programs. Our goal is to have a model program so representatives can come see exactly what JAG does for kids and their futures and help grow and rebuild that JAG program across the state," LeMay said. 

As a superintendent, LeMay is fully aware of the fact that JAG Indiana has been very successful since 2006 and that the program helps prepare students for life after North Putnam High School. 

"What I like about JAG is the JAG mission and what they are trying to accomplish really align with the state's new diploma. The soft skills students learn are what employers are looking for. We had 90 students enrolled in JAG, so when it came time to figure out what to do, we knew we could keep it and help our students reach their goals and be ready for college or the workforce. It is the right thing to do for students," LeMay said.