Center Grove board names Dr. Aaron Stahlbaum as superintendent pick; public hearing set

The Center Grove Community School Corporation board announced March 19 that it has selected Dr. Aaron Stahlbaum as its choice for superintendent following a nationwide search.

Board President Mr. Russell said the board's decision followed a comprehensive search and input from staff, parents and community members. The board described Stahlbaum's background, saying she brings "20 years of experience in public education, including 10 years as a teacher and leadership roles at the school, district, and state levels." The board said Stahlbaum's record includes work in Greenwood Schools, a role as a senior school improvement specialist with the Indiana Department of Education and leadership positions in Kokomo and Bartholomew Consolidated school corporations.

Dr. Aaron Stahlbaum thanked the board for its trust, saying, "I want to express my deepest gratitude to the board for placing their trust and confidence in me as the selection for the next superintendent of Center Grove, and I look forward to completing that process in the upcoming month."

The board said it will hold a public contract hearing in April, followed by a special board meeting to vote on the appointment. No formal vote on the appointment occurred at the March 19 meeting; the board described the announcement as the selection pending the public hearing and final vote.

Board members who spoke praised the choice. Rob said the district had "a lot of really, really good candidates" and expressed confidence in Stahlbaum's leadership. Another board member noted Stahlbaum will remain connected to the district's work and that Dr. Long will remain available in an advisory capacity.

What happens next: the district will publish details of the April public contract hearing and the date for the special meeting where trustees will vote on the contract.