Paul Ketcham Named Indiana Superintendent of the Year

Ketcham has served as Superintendent of Batesville Schools since 2017.

INDIANAPOLIS - Paul Ketcham, superintendent of Batesville Community School Corporation (BCSC), was chosen by members of the Indiana Association of Public School Superintendents (IAPSS) as Indiana’s Superintendent of the Year for 2025 and will represent Indiana in the upcoming national Superintendent of the Year competition. 

Ketcham has served as Superintendent of BCSC since 2017, following his tenure as Superintendent of Milan Community School Corporation. His administrative career, which began in 2009 as an Assistant Principal at Franklin County High School, reflects his dedication to fostering academic success and creating innovative educational opportunities. 

Under Ketcham’s leadership, BCSC has excelled, being recognized for its high academic standards and ranking in the top 20 for best teachers and school corporations in Indiana by offering groundbreaking programming and opportunities for their 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 Paul 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 across Indiana were chosen as 2025 superintendents of the year for their geographic districts. Mr. Ketcham was selected from this group to represent the state of Indiana in the AASA, The School Superintendents Association’s national Superintendent of the Year competition. You can learn more about this competition here. The complete list of District honorees can be found below.  

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