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The MSD of Decatur Township is proud to congratulate Mrs. Susan Strube, Principal of West Newton Elementary, as the IASP Elementary Principal of the Year for Indiana.
(November 24, 2024) – INDIANAPOLIS – The MSD of Decatur Township is proud to congratulate Mrs. Susan Strube, Principal of West Newton Elementary, who has been named as the Elementary Principal of the Year by the Indiana Association of School Principals (IASP). Mrs. Strube has devoted her entire career to serving our Decatur Township students, families, and community. She leads West Newton Elementary with professionalism, accountability to high academic standards, and love for students and staff.
Dr. Scott Collins, Superintendent, shared, “Mrs. Strube is so deserving of this recognition as the Elementary Principal of the Year in Indiana. Her dedication and love for the students, staff, and families at West Newton Elementary is very evident and the culture of her school is one that instills a love for learning in a safe, welcoming, and nurturing environment! Mrs. Strube has chosen to invest in Decatur Township Schools for her whole career and she is one of the most caring, child-focused leaders I have ever known. We celebrate with her and are “Decatur Proud”!
About Principal Strube
Across her career of 37 years, Mrs. Strube has served in a variety of roles in the district including teacher, director, and principal. She supports future teachers as an Armstrong Teacher Educator at Indiana University School of Education and through a clinical partnership with the University of Indianapolis.
Mrs. Strube is a member of the Reading League of Indiana and collaborates with Marian University through the Literacy Cadre for professional development and instructional implementation. She leads literacy and instructional teams within the school that have been crucial for implementation of the Science of Reading and explicit instruction routines in all classrooms. With Mrs. Strube’s leadership, teachers collaborate to provide solid tier 1 instruction and intervention support for students, leading to improvement in IREAD-3 scores each year.
West Newton Elementary was recently named as a Purple Star School by the Indiana Department of Education, supporting military veterans and families with resources and recognition. These efforts clearly show initiative from the West Newton Staff, cultivated by Mrs. Strube. “Mrs. Strube’s commitment to the staff, scholars, and community of MSD Decatur Township is unparalleled. Her leadership is deeply rooted in her conviction that the work we do is not only significant but transformative. She embodies the principle that our efforts are both meaningful and achievable, always keeping at the forefront the belief that every student matters," stated Mr. Chris Gearlds, Assistant Superintendent.
“During her tenure at West Newton Elementary, Mrs. Strube has refined her focus through years of self-reflection. She ensures that effective instruction is delivered in every classroom, understanding that quality teaching is the cornerstone of student success,” continued Gearlds.
IASP Principal of the Year Program
The Indiana Association of School Principals annually recognizes outstanding school leaders in each of the 12 Indiana districts who have succeeded in providing high-quality learning opportunities for students. These principals are acknowledged by their peers for the exemplary contributions they have made to the profession. An overall state winner is then chosen at each level. Criteria for this award includes IASP membership, membership in professional organizations, community involvement, ensuring a positive school climate, and leadership at the school, district, and state level.
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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, 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