The MSD of Decatur Township welcomes three new Principals to the Decatur Proud Team for the 2023-2024 School Year.
(July 19, 2023) – INDIANAPOLIS – The MSD of Decatur Township is pleased to announce three new Principals, beginning for the 2023-2024 school year. “We are Decatur Proud to welcome Mrs. Kate Andrews, Mr. Jack Birmingham, and Mr. Phil Shults to our team. Each of our new principals bring a wealth of educational experience, and we are excited for the leadership they will provide for our students, staff, and families.” said Dr. Prusiecki, Superintendent.
Mrs. Kate Andrews, Principal at Decatur Township School for Excellence
Mrs. Kate Andrews was School Board approved as the new Principal at Decatur Township School for Excellence at the July 11th, 2023 meeting. She has worked in Decatur Township for over 20 years as a Special Education Teacher, Assistant Principal, and now Principal at Decatur Township School for Excellence. She holds a Bachelor's degree in General and Special Education from IUPUI, and a Master’s degree in Administration from the University of Indianapolis. Mrs. Andrews stated, “I am looking forward to working with our DTSE parents, staff, and students. What brings me the most excitement is watching our students grow into young men and women who are excited about their future prospects.” Personally, Mrs. Andrews and her husband have been married for 27 years and their daughter will be a freshman at Purdue. Outside of work, she enjoys volunteering and being with family and friends, including her 215 pound Great Dane, Otis.
Mr. Jack Birmingham, Principal at Valley Mills Elementary
Mr. Jack Birmingham was School Board approved as the new Principal of Valley Mills Elementary at the School Board Meeting on April 11, 2023. Jack Birmingham has been a teacher and administrator for over 35 years. Since 2001, Jack’s administrative path included assistant principal, athletic director, assistant superintendent and E3+ recruitment/retention coach. Jack continues to serve the leaders of Indiana, mentoring building leaders through the Indiana Association of School Principals and is the author of the school leadership book, Carnivals 2 Theme Parks, published in 2019. He is an avid sports fan, who loves the beach and spending time with family. He and his wife, Doreen have been married for 32 years and have four adult children, Tyler, Maranda, Grace and Serena.
Mr. Phil Shults, Principal at Decatur Middle School
Mr. Phil Shults was School Board approved as the new Principal at Decatur Middle School on July 11th, 2023. Mr. Shults joins the Decatur Proud Team with nearly 18 years of experience in Indianapolis Public Schools, where he served as Teacher, Department Head, Dean, Assistant Principal, and, most recently, Principal at Northwest Middle School. Prior to that, he worked 10 years as a director for a non-profit organization in Florida, developing leadership programs for middle school students. Mr. Shults said, “My favorite part of being principal is the fact that I have fun every day. I enjoy working with students, parents, teachers, and the larger school community in developing and growing our students.” Mr. Shults also shared, “I can't begin to tell everyone how excited I am to be part of the Decatur school community. I very much look forward to meeting parents and students soon.”
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About MSD Decatur Township
The MSD of Decatur Township is student invested,community connected. Decatur Township prioritizes student learning, safety and customer service, and fostering a support system for our families. Located on the southwest side of Indianapolis, Decatur Township is proud to serve thousands of elementary, middle, and high school students and families. The district vision is Preparing Students to be Tomorrow Ready. Together, we are DECATUR PROUD! Learn more at www.decaturproud.org.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Emily LeMay, Director of Student & Family Engagement MSD of Decatur Township
elemay@decaturproud.org
317-856-5265 ext. 18137