Reflecting on Progress and Looking Ahead: A Conversation with Dr. Tim Hanson, Superintendent of MSD Warren Township
As the 2025–2026 school year comes to a close, MSD Warren Township continues building momentum around academic growth, student opportunity, and future-focused learning experiences. Superintendent Dr. Tim Hanson recently reflected on the successes of this past year and shared a preview of what families and the community can expect moving forward.
Q: What three words would best reflect this school year?
Purposeful. This school year was grounded in intentional work focused on students. Across the district, we continued strengthening academic experiences, expanding opportunities, building meaningful relationships that support student success, and strategically planning for the future through important facility improvements, long-term operational planning, and investments in student learning environments.
Transformative. This year represented meaningful transformation across MSD Warren Township. From the continued implementation of Journey of a Graduate to preparations for reintegrating 5th graders into elementary schools in 2027–2028, the district continued evolving to better meet the needs of today’s students and tomorrow’s world. We also advanced Lilly Endowment Phase III middle school innovation, expanded career-connected learning opportunities, redesigned Renaissance programming, and continued planning to enhance student experiences through purposeful facility improvements that support learning, safety, innovation, and future growth across the district.
Resilient. This year also required resilience. Despite financial pressures, operational challenges, and the increasing complexity of public education, our students, staff, families, and community continued showing up for one another. Teachers continued refining instruction, leaders continued solving problems, and students continued demonstrating perseverance and growth.
Q: As you reflect on this school year, what are you most proud of across MSD Warren Township?
It is hard to choose, but one of the things I am most proud of is the continued academic growth and expanded experiences we are providing for students across MSD Warren Township.
We are seeing strong progress in literacy and instructional practices, and we are currently on track for our fifth consecutive year of IREAD growth in both 2nd and 3rd grade. Student attendance also continues reaching record highs across the district.
Beyond academics, one of the most rewarding parts of this school year has been seeing students engage in more meaningful college, career, and life-relevant experiences both inside and outside of the classroom.
Q: What makes MSD Warren Township unique compared to other school districts?
We truly believe there is something for everyone in MSD Warren Township. From Preschool through Adult Education, we provide exceptional learning experiences and opportunities designed to meet the diverse needs, interests, and aspirations of our students and families.
Our students have access to a wide range of opportunities including Dual Language Immersion, Online Learning, strong STEM and K–12 arts programming, advanced coursework, athletics, performing arts, academic competitions, and college and career readiness experiences that help prepare them for life after graduation.
Q: Why has the district placed such an emphasis on the Journey of a Graduate framework?
The world our students are entering is changing rapidly. Academic knowledge remains critically important, but today’s students also need to be adaptable, collaborative, resilient, and effective communicators.
The Journey of a Graduate framework helps define the skills, experiences, and competencies students need not only to graduate, but to thrive after graduation. It creates alignment from kindergarten through high school and helps ensure students are developing both academic and life-ready skills along the way.
Ultimately, we want every Warren graduate to leave our schools with opportunities, purpose, and the ability to successfully navigate an ever-changing world.
Q: What are some of the biggest opportunities or enhancements families can expect next school year?
Families will continue to see investments centered around our Strategic Plan and our Journey of a Graduate vision.
We are expanding opportunities for hands-on, career-connected learning experiences, particularly through the development of our Journey of a Graduate Centers at the middle school level. These experiences are designed to help students explore interests, build skills, and better connect learning to future careers and life opportunities.
We are also continuing to strengthen literacy and mathematics instruction, invest in teacher development, and expand student supports through community partnerships and behavioral health services.
Families will also see the redesign and reintegration of our Renaissance Program into Warren Central High School and Creston Intermediate and Middle School. This work is centered on increasing student connection, access to opportunities, and individualized support while continuing to meet the unique needs of students within the program.
In addition, next school year will be the final year our fifth-grade students attend the current intermediate middle school model as we continue preparing for the future reintegration of fifth grade back into our elementary schools.
“Ultimately, we want every Warren graduate to leave our schools with opportunities, purpose, and the ability to successfully navigate an ever-changing world.”
— Dr. Tim Hanson
Q: What do you believe is the biggest challenge facing public education — and MSD Warren Township — moving forward?
One of the biggest challenges facing public education is that the expectations placed on schools continue to grow, along with the responsibility we place on ourselves to meet the evolving needs of students and families, while funding and resources are becoming increasingly strained.
For MSD Warren Township, that means we must continue finding ways to innovate, prioritize resources strategically, and protect the opportunities and supports our students and families rely on while operating in a more constrained financial environment.
Another challenge is ensuring public education continues evolving alongside the changing needs of students. The traditional educational model was designed for a different generation and a different economy. Today’s students are looking for relevance, flexibility, connection, and earlier opportunities to explore their interests, strengths, and future pathways.
While those challenges are real, they also create opportunities for growth and transformation.
I believe districts that remain student-centered, invest in strong relationships, embrace innovation, and stay focused on preparing students for the future will continue to thrive. In Warren Township, we are committed to being proactive rather than reactive as we prepare students for a rapidly changing world.
Q: What message would you want families and the community to hear about the direction of MSD Warren Township?
There is incredible work happening across our schools every day, and I believe the future of Warren Township is extremely bright. We are committed to continuous improvement while staying grounded in the values, relationships, and traditions that make this community special.
I am incredibly grateful for our staff, students, families, and community partners. Strong schools are built through trust, relationships, and shared commitment, and together we are building something special for the future of Warren Township.
Q: Is there anything else you would like to share?
I would simply say that I am incredibly hopeful and excited about the future of MSD Warren Township.
Every day, I have the opportunity to see students learning, growing, overcoming challenges, discovering their passions, and preparing for their future. I also get to see the incredible commitment of our teachers, staff, families, and community members who continue showing up for students in ways that often go unseen.
I genuinely believe the best is still ahead for Warren Township, and I am grateful to be part of a community that cares so deeply about its students and schools.
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