Paul Ketcham named 2025 Superintendent of the Year

September 25, 2024 at 1:24 p.m.
Pictured is Paul Ketcham.
Pictured is Paul Ketcham. (Photo Provided)


Paul Ketcham, who serves as the superintendent of Batesville Community School Corporation (BCSC), was honored by the Indiana Association of Public School Superintendents (IAPSS) as the 2025 (District VIII) Superintendent of the Year. This prestigious recognition qualifies him to compete in the national Superintendent of the Year competition, where he will represent Indiana. 

Ketcham’s impressive career includes serving as the Superintendent of BCSC since 2017, as well as his previous role as the Superintendent of Milan Community School Corporation. His journey in administration began in 2009 as an Assistant Principal at Franklin County High School, showcasing his unwavering commitment to promoting academic achievement and implementing innovative educational initiatives.

Under Ketcham’s guidance, BCSC has demonstrated outstanding performance, earning accolades for its rigorous academic criteria and securing a position in the top 20 for best teachers and school corporations in Indiana. The institution is distinguished for its innovative curriculum and the extensive opportunities it provides to its students.

“I am incredibly honored and humbled to be named the 2025 Indiana Superintendent of the Year by the Indiana Association of Public School Superintendents,” said Ketcham. “This recognition truly reflects the exceptional staff and administrators at Batesville Community School Corporation, whose dedication and passion make a difference every day. I am equally grateful to my fellow District VIII superintendents and colleagues across the state, whose shared commitment to public education inspires me. A heartfelt thank you to the BCSC school board for their trust and support, and to my family for allowing me to serve our wonderful community in Batesville.” 

In addition to serving as superintendent, Mr. Ketcham is actively involved in several professional organizations, including serving as the Legislative Chair for IAPSS and Chair of the Coalition of Continuous Improvement School Districts (CCISD). He is also a mentor for the Indiana Aspiring Superintendent Academy (IASA) and serves on the Governor’s Workforce Cabinet, aligning educational strategies with Indiana’s workforce demands. Mr. Ketcham plays a vital role in the community, serving as president of the Batesville Kiwanis and a board member for the Batesville Area Arts Council and the Batesville Community Education Foundation. His leadership extends to the Wilson Education Service Center, where he serves as Board Chair, and the Ripley County Health Department Board. 

“Paul Ketcham embodies innovative leadership, consistently driving positive change within his district,” said Dr. Robert Taylor, executive director of IAPSS. “Mr. Ketcham’s dedication and professional contributions have set a high standard for educational excellence in Indiana.” 

Mr. Ketcham’s academic credentials include an Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree from Indiana Wesleyan University (2015), a Principal’s Licensure from Indiana Wesleyan University (2009), a Master of Arts in Education with a focus on Curriculum and Instruction from Olivet Nazarene University (2004), and a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences/Secondary Education from Northern Kentucky University (1998). 

Eight superintendents from various districts in Indiana have been selected as the 2025 superintendents of the year for their respective geographic regions. Mr. Ketcham was chosen from this esteemed group to serve as the representative for the state of Indiana in the AASA, The School Superintendents Association’s national Superintendent of the Year competition.

The complete list of District honorees are:

District I:  Dr. Mary Tracy-MacAulay, Hanover Community School Corporation 

District II: Dr. David Hoffert, Warsaw Community Schools 

District III: Brett Garrett, Eastbrook Community Schools 

District IV: Dr. Philip “Phil” Harrison, Southwest Parke Community School Corporation 

District V: Dr. Jack Parker, Mt. Vernon Community School Corporation 

District VI: Aaron Black, Liberty Perry School Corporation 

District VII: Greg Walker, Paoli Community School Corporation 

District VIII: Paul Ketcham, Batesville Community School Corporation

 



Paul Ketcham, who serves as the superintendent of Batesville Community School Corporation (BCSC), was honored by the Indiana Association of Public School Superintendents (IAPSS) as the 2025 (District VIII) Superintendent of the Year. This prestigious recognition qualifies him to compete in the national Superintendent of the Year competition, where he will represent Indiana. 

Ketcham’s impressive career includes serving as the Superintendent of BCSC since 2017, as well as his previous role as the Superintendent of Milan Community School Corporation. His journey in administration began in 2009 as an Assistant Principal at Franklin County High School, showcasing his unwavering commitment to promoting academic achievement and implementing innovative educational initiatives.

Under Ketcham’s guidance, BCSC has demonstrated outstanding performance, earning accolades for its rigorous academic criteria and securing a position in the top 20 for best teachers and school corporations in Indiana. The institution is distinguished for its innovative curriculum and the extensive opportunities it provides to its students.

“I am incredibly honored and humbled to be named the 2025 Indiana Superintendent of the Year by the Indiana Association of Public School Superintendents,” said Ketcham. “This recognition truly reflects the exceptional staff and administrators at Batesville Community School Corporation, whose dedication and passion make a difference every day. I am equally grateful to my fellow District VIII superintendents and colleagues across the state, whose shared commitment to public education inspires me. A heartfelt thank you to the BCSC school board for their trust and support, and to my family for allowing me to serve our wonderful community in Batesville.” 

In addition to serving as superintendent, Mr. Ketcham is actively involved in several professional organizations, including serving as the Legislative Chair for IAPSS and Chair of the Coalition of Continuous Improvement School Districts (CCISD). He is also a mentor for the Indiana Aspiring Superintendent Academy (IASA) and serves on the Governor’s Workforce Cabinet, aligning educational strategies with Indiana’s workforce demands. Mr. Ketcham plays a vital role in the community, serving as president of the Batesville Kiwanis and a board member for the Batesville Area Arts Council and the Batesville Community Education Foundation. His leadership extends to the Wilson Education Service Center, where he serves as Board Chair, and the Ripley County Health Department Board. 

“Paul Ketcham embodies innovative leadership, consistently driving positive change within his district,” said Dr. Robert Taylor, executive director of IAPSS. “Mr. Ketcham’s dedication and professional contributions have set a high standard for educational excellence in Indiana.” 

Mr. Ketcham’s academic credentials include an Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree from Indiana Wesleyan University (2015), a Principal’s Licensure from Indiana Wesleyan University (2009), a Master of Arts in Education with a focus on Curriculum and Instruction from Olivet Nazarene University (2004), and a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences/Secondary Education from Northern Kentucky University (1998). 

Eight superintendents from various districts in Indiana have been selected as the 2025 superintendents of the year for their respective geographic regions. Mr. Ketcham was chosen from this esteemed group to serve as the representative for the state of Indiana in the AASA, The School Superintendents Association’s national Superintendent of the Year competition.

The complete list of District honorees are:

District I:  Dr. Mary Tracy-MacAulay, Hanover Community School Corporation 

District II: Dr. David Hoffert, Warsaw Community Schools 

District III: Brett Garrett, Eastbrook Community Schools 

District IV: Dr. Philip “Phil” Harrison, Southwest Parke Community School Corporation 

District V: Dr. Jack Parker, Mt. Vernon Community School Corporation 

District VI: Aaron Black, Liberty Perry School Corporation 

District VII: Greg Walker, Paoli Community School Corporation 

District VIII: Paul Ketcham, Batesville Community School Corporation

 



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