Plainfield board approves Andy Allen as superintendent effective Jan. 1, 2026

The Plainfield Community School Corporation Board of Trustees voted Aug. 7 to approve a contract naming Andy Allen as the district’s next superintendent, effective Jan. 1, 2026, after a public hearing on the contract drew no comments. The decision follows a search launched in April that included a survey of staff, secondary students and parents; the board reviewed 19 applications, held initial interviews with seven candidates, and conducted second-round interviews with four finalists. The board published the contract in the Republican newspaper on July 24 and opened a required public hearing; no members of the public spoke during that hearing. Board President (name not specified in transcript) summarized the board’s view before the vote: “the board is very proud to announce that mister Andy Allen has been selected to lead Plainfield Schools beginning January 1.” The board moved and seconded approval; members voted by voice and the motion carried without recorded opposition. Board discussion and staff remarks described the search timeline and candidate review; the board said one candidate “consistently rose to the top of our list.” The board also noted it sought input on candidate qualities from teachers, parents and students. Andy Allen, who spoke after the vote, said he was “humbled and honored” to be selected. He told the board he will continue his current duties as principal at Batesville High School and as president of the Indiana Association of School Principals until the Jan. 1 start date and that he will work with Plainfield administrators and outgoing Superintendent Scott Olinger during the transition. Allen thanked family members in the room and described listening as a foundational leadership practice. The board temporarily suspended its regular meeting to hold the required hearing on the proposed contract; with no public input, the board returned to the regular agenda and voted on the contract the same evening.