The long-time superintendent of Wayne Township schools, Jeff Butts, plans to retire from the district’s top leadership role in January 2026 and will take over as executive director of the Indiana Association of Public School Superintendents.
Butts has served as superintendent of the state’s sixth largest school district since 2011 and has a career in public education that’s spanned 34 years. Before becoming superintendent, he was also an assistant superintendent for the district from 2006-10.
Butts said in a news release June 26, 2025 announcing his retirement that serving as the district’s superintendent has been an “honor of a lifetime.”
“The work we’ve done together — with educators, students, families, and community partners — has been transformative,” Butts said. “I am humbled to continue this service in a new role and look forward to supporting public school leaders across Indiana.”
During his time at Wayne Township, Butts oversaw the creation of Indiana’s first public virtual high school, the Achieve Virtual Education Academy, and spearheaded innovative high school programs like Ben Davis University High School and Area 31 Career Center, which is one of the largest high school career and certification training centers in the state.
In 2019, Butts was Indiana’s superintendent of the year and was the runner-up for the School Superintendents Association’s Superintendent of the year as well.
Brandon Bowman, president of Wayne Township’s school board, said the district was grateful for Butts’ dedicated leadership to the district.
“While we will deeply miss his vision and steady guidance … I know he will continue tomake a meaningful impact on public education across our state,” Bowman said.
Butts has also been involved in various leadership roles with the statewide organization over the years including president, chair of the policies and resolutions commitee, mentor and executive coach. Butts will be following executive director Robert Taylor, who is retiring.
The Wayne Township school board is developing its search process for the district’s next superintendent.
Contact IndyStar K-12 education reporter Caroline Beck at 317-618-5807 or CBeck@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter (X): @CarolineB_Indy.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Longtime Wayne Township Superintendent Jeff Butts announces retirement for 2026
Reporting by Caroline Beck, Indianapolis Star / Indianapolis Star
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