Rob Moorhead Named 2027 Indiana Superintendent of the Year

Moorhead is in his 15th year as Superintendent of South Ripley Schools

(Versailles, Ind.) - Rob Moorhead has been selected by members of the Indiana Association of Public School Superintendents (IAPSS) as Indiana's 2027 Superintendent of the Year.

Selected from eight district honorees representing school corporations across Indiana, the Indiana Superintendent of the Year is chosen for outstanding leadership, a commitment to student success, educational innovation, community engagement, and service to the profession. 

As Indiana's 2027 Superintendent of the Year, Moorhead will represent the state in the AASA National Superintendent of the Year program, which recognizes exceptional school system leaders from across the country for their leadership, vision, and commitment to improving the lives of students

Moorhead is in his 15th year as the Superintendent of South Ripley Community School Corporation. Under his leadership, South Ripley earned national recognition for organizational excellence. In 2023, the district was named a Cognia District of Distinction, an honor awarded to only a select number of school systems worldwide for excellence in leadership, strategic planning, and continuous improvement.

"I am deeply honored and humbled to be selected as Indiana Superintendent of the Year. This recognition truly reflects the incredible work taking
place every day in South Ripley Community Schools. Our dedicated teachers, staff, administrators, students, Board of School Trustees, and supportive community partners have created a culture where students can thrive, and I am grateful to work alongside them. I am also proud to shine a positive light on IAPSS District VIII, where I am surrounded by exceptional colleagues who are deeply committed to serving their schools and communities. I am thankful for the opportunity to serve in leadership roles through IAPSS, where I have been privileged to advocate for public education and the outstanding educators who make a difference in the lives of Indiana's students. I congratulate each of the district winners, and I look forward to representing Indiana in the AASA National Superintendent of the Year program and sharing the great work taking place in public schools across our state."

Moorhead's leadership was key in establishing the Ripley County Alternative to Suspension Program (RCATS), creating strong collaborative partnerships among local school districts, the judicial system, and community agencies that later made the Attend and Engage Program (AEP) possible. By bringing together the four Ripley County school districts and key community partners through RCATS, he helped build the trust and shared commitment that enabled AEP to be successfully developed and implemented. Since its launch, AEP has significantly improved student attendance, expanded countywide, and become a recognized model for collaborative student support.

“Rob exemplifies the very best of educational leadership,” said Dr. Jeff Butts, IAPSS Executive Director. “Throughout his career, and especially during his service as President of IAPSS, he has led with humility, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to serving others. He has a remarkable ability to bring people together, build consensus, and keep the focus where it belongs: on creating the very best opportunities for students and supporting the leaders who serve them. From strengthening professional learning for Indiana’s superintendents to guiding our association through a significant leadership transition, Rob’s vision and steady leadership have left a lasting impact on both IAPSS and public education across our state. There is no one more deserving of being named Indiana’s 2027 Superintendent of the Year.”

In celebration of the recognition, Andy Comer, President of the South Ripley School Board of Trustees, said, "On behalf of the South Ripley Board of School Trustees, I am thrilled to congratulate Mr. Rob Moorhead on being named the 2027 Indiana Superintendent of the Year. This honor reflects the exceptional leadership he has provided to our schools and community. Rob has built a culture where students come first, our staff members feel valued and supported, and strong partnerships with families and the Versailles community continue to flourish. His vision, accessibility, and unwavering commitment to doing what is best for children have strengthened South Ripley in countless ways. We are proud to call him our superintendent and couldn’t be happier to see him receive this well-deserved recognition.”