Stoneking Named Batesville High School Principal

The appointment is effective July 1.

(Batesville, Ind.) - Brad Stoneking has been selected, pending school board approval, as the next principal of Batesville High School. 

Effective July 1, Stoneking will leave his current position as the Batesville Primary School principal to return to BHS, where he served as associate principal from 2013 to 2015. His administrative experience at the high school level at both BHS and South Dearborn High School, coupled with his dedication to systems and structures, stakeholder communication, and community partnerships, led to his appointment.

A Batesville resident, Stoneking brings over 20 years of experience in education as a teacher, coach, and school leader to the BHS role. Since becoming principal of BPS in 2017, he has worked alongside the staff to make significant instructional improvements, including the implementation of the Science of Reading through Amplify Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA), which focuses on how the human brain learns to read. During this time, he also worked with Batesville Intermediate School leadership to strengthen this alignment across grades K–5, leading to continued growth in IREAD performance and placing Batesville among the top-performing schools in the state. In 2022, Stoneking was honored as the Indiana District 10 Elementary Principal of the Year.

Most recently, Stoneking has served on the implementation team for BCSC’s community-connected strategic initiative, Bulldog Ready, leading the group that evaluates current school systems and structures to determine changes that better serve students.

“We were very intentional in this process, seeking input from our staff, parents, and students through surveys and focus groups, and engaging a diverse group of stakeholders in a rigorous interview process,” said Dr. Katy Eastes, BCSC superintendent. “What became clear is that we have found a leader who truly reflects what our community values. Mr. Stoneking brings an incredible level of energy and enthusiasm that makes him a natural fit for working with high school students. He also has a proven ability to build a positive, connected school culture where people feel valued and supported. His communication skills stand out; he is approachable and committed to keeping students, staff, and families informed and engaged. Just as importantly, he fully embraces our Bulldog Ready vision and understands how to move that work forward in a meaningful way for all students. I am confident that his leadership will continue to strengthen our high school and create even more opportunities for our students to thrive.”

After receiving his undergraduate degree in Education from Franklin College, where he also played football, Stoneking completed his M.S. in Educational Administration from the University of Scranton. He furthered his education in 2017, earning his Ed.S. in Educational Leadership and superintendent licensure from Indiana State University. He has participated in several leadership development programs, including the Indiana Principal Leadership Institute (IPLI) and the Indiana Aspiring Superintendent Academy (IASA), and is currently pursuing his Chief Business Officer certification through the Indiana Association of School Business Officials (IASBO).

An active member of the Batesville community, Stoneking serves as Vice President of the Kids Discovery Factory Board of Directors and is involved with Community Church of Batesville. He also serves as the District 10 Elementary Board Representative for the Indiana Association of School Principals (IASP).

“This transition will be a bittersweet one for me,” Stoneking said. “I am deeply grateful for my time as BPS principal and hold a deep appreciation for the staff, students, and families who have shaped my experience over the past nine years. In taking on the role at BHS, I am especially excited to continue working with many high school students who were students during my time as principal at BPS, as well as reconnecting with familiar staff and building relationships with new team members.”

Stoneking and his wife, Sarah, the school counselor at Batesville Intermediate School, have two daughters, Sydney and Madison, who are both BCSC students. They are grateful to live and serve in the Batesville community and to have their children attend Batesville schools.

“I look forward to continuing to support student success and strengthening the tradition of excellence at Batesville High School,” he concluded.