Batesville’s Ketcham Finalist for State Superintendent of the Year

Batesville Community Schools Superintendent Paul Ketcham. (Provided Photo)

(Batesville, IN) – Congratulations to the leader of the Batesville Community School Corporation.

Paul Ketcham has been named the Indiana Association of Public School Superintendents (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 at Batesville Community Schools since 2017, following his tenure as Superintendent of the Milan Community School Corporation.

His administrative career began in 2009 as an Assistant Principal at Franklin County High School.

Under Ketcham’s leadership, Batesville Schools continue to be recognized for high academic standards, ranking in the top 20 for both best teachers and school corporations in Indiana.

The district’s partnership with Ivy Tech Community College allows students to earn up to two years of college credit before graduating from high school.

Batesville is the only district in the state offering a Mandarin Chinese program.

The school corporation serves 2,200 students across grades Pre-K-12.

His 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).

“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.

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