Batesville's Ketcham Named IAPSS District VIII Superintendent of the Year

Mr. Ketcham is one of eight superintendents being considered for selection to be the 2025 Indiana State Superintendent of the Year.

(Batesville, Ind.) - The Indiana Association of Public School Superintendents (IAPSS) is delighted to announce that Paul Ketcham, Superintendent of Batesville Community School Corporation (BCSC), has been named the IAPSS 2025 District VIII Superintendent of the Year. District VIII includes Bartholomew, Brown, Dearborn, Decatur, Clark, Floyd, Franklin, Harrison, Jackson, Jefferson, Jennings, Ohio, Ripley, Scott, Switzerland, and Washington counties.

Ketcham has served as Superintendent of Batesville Community School Corporation 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 continued to excel, serving 2,200 students across grades PK-12 in a rural small city setting. BCSC is recognized for its high academic standards, ranking in the top 20 for both best teachers and school corporations in Indiana. Notably, the district’s partnership with Ivy Tech allows students to earn up to two years of college credit before graduating from high school, and BCSC is the only district in Indiana to offer a Mandarin Chinese program.

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 & Instruction from Olivet Nazarene University (2004), and a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences/Secondary Education from Northern Kentucky University (1998).

"Paul Ketcham exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding superintendent through his innovative approach and commitment to continuous improvement," said a representative from IAPSS District VIII. "His efforts to maximize limited financial resources while achieving exceptional student outcomes have significantly impacted the Batesville community and set a standard for others to follow."

Ketcham is actively involved in several professional organizations, including his roles as IAPSS Legislative Chair 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 workforce demands.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, 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.

Mr. Ketcham is one of eight superintendents being considered for selection to be the 2025 Indiana State Superintendent of the Year, which will be announced later this month.