South Ripley Superintendent Named IAPSS District VIII Superintendent of the Year

Moorhead will now be considered for the 2027 Indiana Superintendent of the Year.

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(Versailles, IN) – Rob Moorhead, Superintendent of South Ripley Community School Corporation, has been named the 2026 District VIII Superintendent of the Year by the Indiana Association of Public School Superintendents (IAPSS). District winners are selected by fellow superintendents for their leadership, professional accomplishments, and impact on students and schools. Moorhead will now be considered,
along with seven other district honorees, for the 2027 Indiana Superintendent of the Year, which will be announced in July.

Under Moorhead’s leadership, South Ripley Community School Corporation has become recognized for innovation, collaboration, and a strong commitment to continuous improvement. His work has focused on creating systems that support student success while building meaningful partnerships across schools, community agencies, and regional organizations.

One of the district’s most impactful initiatives has been the Attend and Engage Program (AEP), developed in partnership with Ripley County Court Services and local community agencies to address chronic absenteeism among students. The program created a coordinated system of accountability and support that reduced unexcused absences and tardiness by 20 percent and excused absences and early dismissals by 10 percent during its first year. These reductions represented a significant improvement, particularly among the economically disadvantaged student population, who had previously been overrepresented in these categories. The initiative has since expanded countywide and has served as a model for surrounding districts and communities. The development of AEP was made possible by the strong foundation of collaboration previously established through the creation of the Ripley County Alternative to Suspension Program (RCATS), which was led by Moorhead, working in partnership with Court Services Director Shannon Schmaltz and Judge Ryan King. Moorhead has also led South Ripley through multiple successful Cognia accreditation cycles, helping establish a clear district-wide framework focused on accountability, strategic planning, and student-centered continuous improvement.

In 2023, South Ripley was named a Cognia District of Distinction, an honor awarded to only 11 districts worldwide in recognition of exceptional educational systems and practices.

Under his leadership, the district has implemented operational efficiencies, pursued grant opportunities, and developed partnerships that expanded student opportunities while minimizing financial impact on taxpayers. A recent partnership with the Cincinnati Reds Community Fund and St. Elizabeth Healthcare helped fund major athletic facility improvements while generating more than $200,000 in local community support.

“Mr. Moorhead has built a culture centered on collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement,” said Dr. Jeff Butts, IAPSS Executive Director. “His ability to bring schools, families, businesses, and community organizations together around a shared purpose has had a profound impact on students and the South Ripley community. He represents the very best of educational leadership in Indiana.”

Reflecting on the recognition, Moorhead said, “Being selected as the District VIII Superintendent of the Year is a tremendous honor, especially to be chosen by my fellow superintendents across Southeast Indiana. I am proud to represent such an outstanding group of leaders who are deeply committed to serving their students and communities. This recognition is truly a reflection of the exceptional work happening every day at South Ripley. Our administrators, teachers, and staff are the driving force behind our success, and I am grateful for their dedication to our students. I also want to thank our school board for their continued support and trust in our vision, which has allowed us to pursue meaningful initiatives that benefit our schools and community.”

The Indiana Superintendent of the Year will be selected from the eight IAPSS district honorees by the association’s Distinguished Service Committee and announced in October.