Indian Hill Board names Dr. Melissa Stewart next superintendent; approves three‑year contract

The Indian Hill Exempted Village Board of Education announced on March 17 that it has engaged Dr. Melissa Stewart to serve as the district’s next superintendent and approved a three‑year contract beginning in August.

Board members said the selection followed a deliberate community process that included student and staff meetings, two community sessions and a district survey. The board described the chosen profile as a ‘‘servant leader’’ who prioritizes relationships with students, teachers and families.

Dr. Stewart, a district employee since 2007 who has served in elementary and central‑office roles, addressed the board after the vote. “I am so deeply honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve as the next superintendent of Indian Hill Schools,” she said, adding that she intends to ‘‘support the incredible people who make this district thrive and to ensure that every decision we make keeps our students and their future at the center of our work.’’

A board member moved to approve Stewart’s contract and the motion carried. The board recorded affirmative roll‑call responses immediately after the motion.

The agenda packet lists the contract as a three‑year agreement that will keep the current interim superintendent in place through the end of the school year and transition Dr. Stewart into the role in August. The board said the formal profile and search materials would be shared publicly that evening.

The appointment follows a search that the board said included input from eight meetings with students, multiple staff sessions, two community meetings and a range of emails and survey responses. Board members praised district staff and volunteers for their participation in the process.

Next steps noted by board members include finalizing transition details and continuing public updates as Dr. Stewart assumes the superintendent duties in August.