CHARLOTTESVILLE — Eastern Hancock Schools has hired an alumnus with 25 years of experience in education to lead the corporation’s middle and high schools.
Adam Barton, a 1990 Eastern Hancock grad, will start in the position in July. He’ll leave his post as assistant principal of New Palestine High School, a position he’s held for two years after serving as dean of students for four years.
Barton earned a secondary education degree in biology at Franklin College before teaching science for two years at Southwestern Jr./Sr. High School in Shelbyville. He moved to New Palestine in 1996, where he taught high school computer and science classes, led the science department and coached varsity boys basketball for 10 years. He earned his administration license through Ball State University before moving to administration at the school.
Barton will replace Dave Pfaff, who has been principal for more than 20 years and is retiring at the end of the school year.
Barton said as an Eastern Hancock grad, the school was always one he was interested in working for.
“Mr. Pfaff has created just an incredible atmosphere, an incredible culture that I was excited to be a part of,” Barton said. “I love New Palestine, my kids have grown up in this school and are graduates of New Palestine High School, but it’s a point in my career where I got some options, have some choices.”
Scott Petry, president of the Eastern Hancock School Board, called Barton a “great hire.”
“He just brings everything we want,” Petry said, adding Barton understands the morals and values of Eastern Hancock schools. “He’ll fit right in and take off running.”
Petry said he’s impressed by Barton’s quarter-century in education, much of which has been spent at New Palestine.
“That speaks a lot for a guy who can move up through the ranks,” Petry said.
The school board considered about 20 applicants for the position, Petry said.
“It was tough, but Adam just really stood out,” he added.
The public is invited to a special Eastern Hancock School Board meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 19, for the official board approval of the hire and a reception afterward for people to meet and welcome the new principal.
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WHAT: Eastern Hancock School Board meeting
WHEN: 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 19
WHERE: Cafeteria at Eastern Hancock High School, 10320 E. County Road 250N.
WHY: Meet-and-greet with new Eastern Hancock Middle/High School Principal Adam Barton
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