BMS' Tucker Named National Assistant Principal Finalist

Justin Tucker. Photo provided.

(Batesville, Ind.) - Batesville Middle School (BMS) Assistant Principal Justin Tucker has been named as one of three national finalists for the 2025 Assistant Principal of the Year for Middle Level Schools, announced the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP). According to NASSP, these exemplary leaders were selected for their outstanding contributions to student success, school improvement, and educational leadership. Tucker is the first Batesville Community School Corporation (BCSC) administrator to achieve United States finalist status.

“While often working behind the scenes, assistant principals build the foundation for student success,” said NASSP CEO Ronn Nozoe. “They create safe environments, mentor teachers, connect with families, and solve problems before they become crises. It’s an honor to celebrate these finalists who are the driving force behind their thriving school communities and student success.”

Tucker qualified for national consideration after he was selected as the 2024 Indiana Assistant Principal of the Year by the Indiana Association of School Principals last November. Before that honor, he was first named Assistant Principal of District 10, which is composed of Dearborn, Decatur, Fayette, Franklin, Hancock, Jennings, Ripley, Rush, Shelby, and Union Counties. He was selected as a national finalist by a committee consisting of past State Principals of the Year, industry leaders and experts, and NASSP staff, who reviewed the nominees from each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Department of Defense Education Activity, and the U.S. Department of State Office of Overseas Schools.

"I'm incredibly proud of Justin Tucker for being named a finalist for the 2025 NASSP Assistant Principal of the Year,” commented Paul Ketcham, BCSC Superintendent. “His dedication to fostering a positive learning environment, commitment to student success, and leadership at Batesville Middle School have made a lasting impact on our school community. This recognition is well-deserved, and we are honored to have him representing Batesville on the national stage."

Serving as the BMS assistant principal since 2019, Tucker oversees school discipline, attendance, safety, special education, and day-to-day operations. He also participates on the corporation’s safety team, involving all assistant principals, school resource officers, and the superintendent. Recently, he created a new parent/student policy handbook, working collaboratively with all stakeholders.

“I'm deeply honored and humbled by this recognition, which wouldn't be possible without the support of our amazing students, parents, and staff,” Tucker said. “As a Batesville High School graduate, I know firsthand how special this community and our school corporation are, and it's a dream come true to showcase it all on a national level."

The two 2025 National NASSP Assistant Principals of the Year—one for Middle Level and one for High School—will be announced on April 11 at a gala in Washington, D.C.