The future of public education leadership in Indiana was on full display this week as 13 aspiring superintendents gathered for the tenth cohort of the Indiana Aspiring Superintendents’ Academy (IASA), a premier leadership development program hosted by the Indiana Association of Public School Superintendents.
Among those serving as mentors to the newest cohort are Dr. Matt Rhoda of the Community Schools of Frankfort and Dr. Jim Hanna of the Rossville Consolidated School District. Both superintendents are providing guidance and real-world insight to help shape the next generation of district leaders across the state.
The Indiana Aspiring Superintendents’ Academy is designed to prepare experienced administrators for the complex demands of superintendency. According to IAPSS, the academy emphasizes mentorship, authentic leadership conversations, networking, and practical learning experiences grounded in today’s educational realities.
This week marked the launch of Cohort 10, welcoming leaders from districts stretching from South Ripley to Michigan City and numerous communities in between. The academy opened with an introductory activity led by IAPSS President Rob Moorehead, setting the tone for a collaborative and reflective experience.
The day’s programming featured a panel discussion facilitated by Dr. Curtis Wright, with insights from veteran education leaders including Karen Shuman, Dr. Scott Wyndham, and Andy Stover. Their candid reflections on navigating leadership challenges, board relations, and community engagement provided participants with practical wisdom drawn from years of service.
Adding to the day’s learning, Dr. Jake Allen of Mooresville shared a “first-year experience” interview with Moorehead, offering a transparent look at the realities and rewards of stepping into the superintendent’s role for the first time.
Wright also presented his personal leadership journey in a session titled “The Wright Stuff,” emphasizing resilience, clarity of purpose, and the importance of relationship-building in district leadership.
The day concluded with one of the academy’s signature activities, “Rapid Connections,” designed to foster meaningful professional relationships among participants and mentors. The activity reflects a core belief of IAPSS: strong leadership networks strengthen schools across Indiana.
For Rhoda and Hanna, mentoring in the academy represents more than professional service; it reflects a commitment to sustaining high-quality leadership throughout the state. By investing in aspiring superintendents, they help ensure Indiana’s school corporations are guided by thoughtful, prepared, and student-centered leaders.
IAPSS leaders also expressed appreciation to the superintendents who supported their administrators’ participation in Cohort 10, as well as to the mentors who will continue walking alongside these future leaders throughout the academy experience.
As Indiana schools continue to navigate evolving academic expectations, fiscal challenges, and community needs, programs like the Indiana Aspiring Superintendents’ Academy underscore a simple but powerful truth: leadership matters. And thanks to experienced mentors like Dr. Rhoda and Dr. Hanna, Indiana’s next generation of superintendents is off to a strong start.
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