FORTVILLE — Mt. Vernon Community School Corporation on Tuesday announced it has hired a new superin tendent after a six-month search.
Jack Parker worked for 30 years in Center Grove schools as a teacher and later in the central office, serving most recently as the assistant superintendent of teaching and learning. Previously, he was the assistant director of curriculum, instruction, assessment and special education.
“Dr. Parker is a visionary leader, and his collaborative expertise will ensure that Mt. Vernon’s growth will be handled in a way that benefits the whole community,” said Shannon Walls, president of the Mt. Vernon School Board of Trustees. “Mt. Vernon is fortunate to have a candidate with his experience and collaborative nature to continue our academic excellence.”
Walls said the district and board worked with the University Superintendent Search Team, a consultant with college of education faculty from Indiana, Purdue, Ball State and Indiana State universities that works with boards of education to help with the selection process.
The Mt. Vernon School Board held eight focus groups with the public, current administration and staff to determine what they were looking for with the next superintendent. The results encouraged the board to seek someone who is a collaborative leader who has experience leading a district that has seen a lot of growth.
“There is substantial growth we’re facing in our school district, and we have to be positioned to handle that, in everything from staff, development, facilities and financial needs,” Walls said. “A key part of our decision-making process was his experience with the growth there.”
Parker, 52, began his education career as a band teacher in 1989, then took a two-year break in 1997 to become the associate director of the Indiana Principal Leadership Academy.
He also taught curriculum and school improvement as an adjunct professor at the University of Indianapolis for its masters program, according to a news release. He earned a master’s degree in education administration from Butler University and a Ph.D in education administration from Indiana State University.
“We appreciate the dedication, vision, and passion for education that Dr. Parker has brought to every position he has held in Center Grove,” said Center Grove Superintendent Rich Arkanoff in a news release. “He is a valuable colleague and friend and will be missed. We wish him the very best in Mt. Vernon.”
Parker said he applied for the position in the fall and interviewed with the board on two occasions. He was interested in working at Mt. Vernon schools because of the district’s reputation, its solid student programs and its more recent initiatives for technology integration, he said.
He said he looks forward to getting to know the people, the systems and the programs within Mt. Vernon schools and working together to promote student success.
Parker will take over on Jan. 7. His contract runs through June 30, 2021. He will receives a base salary of $149,000; 20 paid vacation days; 10 sick days; and five personal days per year. He will also receive an annual auto allowance of $9,500 per year to go toward the use of his vehicle for school- and district-related purposes. He will sign the contract at the school board’s meeting next Monday, officials said. A reception will follow at approximately 7:30 p.m. in the Alumni Center at the Mt. Vernon Administrative Service Center, 1806 W. State Road 234.
Parker and his wife of 31 years, Pam, live in Greenwood but plan to move to the community soon.
Mt. Vernon’s former superintendent, Shane Robbins, resigned in May after accepting a superintendent position in South Carolina. Robbins had served in the position since July 2015. Heather Noesges, the director of elementary education, and Chris Smedley, chief financial officer, have served as interim co-superintendents since June.
[sc:pullout-title pullout-title=”About Jack Parker” ][sc:pullout-text-begin]
PROFESSIONAL
Most recent job: Assistant superintendent for teaching and learning, Center Grove schools, Johnson County.
First teaching job: Band teacher, 1989
Education: Master’s from Butler University; Ph.D in education administration from Indiana State University.
PERSONAL
Age: 52
Family: Wife, Pam. The couple, married 31 years, now live in Greenwood but plan to move to the community.
[sc:pullout-text-end]
