The Mt. Vernon Community School Corporation (MVCSC) is proud to announce that Superintendent Dr. Jack Parker has been named the 2025 Superintendent of the Year for District V by the Indiana Association of Public School Superintendents (IAPSS). District V encompasses Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Johnson, Marion, and Shelby counties. Area superintendents made their selections based on the nominees’ qualifications, achievements, and positive impact on their school community.

Since becoming superintendent in January 2019, Dr. Parker has led MVCSC through a period of significant enrollment growth while maintaining financial stability, ensuring the district can meet the needs of an increasing student population. Under his leadership, MVCSC developed plans to build a new elementary school and reestablish an intermediate level for fifth and sixth-grade students through collaborative community efforts.

MVCSC has long prioritized academic excellence, with a focus on innovative instructional practices and a comprehensive curriculum centered on Professional Learning Communities (PLC). Dr. Parker has supported teacher development by sending teachers annually to the Professional Learning Communities at Work® conference, fostering professional growth and collaboration.

In addition to focusing on staff development, Dr. Parker has led gratitude activities to support and cultivate a positive culture. These efforts include the leadership team delivering personal specialty coffee to staff, hosting ice cream socials, cooking picnic-style meals, hosting Olympic-themed team-building activities, co-hosting a large staff appreciation event with the Mt. Vernon Education Foundation, and providing appreciation postcards for administrators to recognize their staff. These initiatives reflect Dr. Parker's servant leadership philosophy, which has been received with appreciation by the MVCSC community.

“I am humbled by this recognition and deeply grateful for the trust of my peers,” said Dr. Parker. “It is an honor to serve the students, staff, and community of Mt. Vernon. I remain committed to fostering a culture of support, innovation, and inclusive academic excellence where all students can thrive. I am fortunate to work in a community that shares a collaborative vision for educational success.”

“Dr. Parker’s visionary leadership and strategic approach have been transformative for Mt. Vernon Community School Corporation,” said Michael J. Beresford, Chairperson of IAPSS District V. “His ability to address financial challenges while fostering a positive school culture and enhancing student learning outcomes is truly remarkable. He exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding superintendent and is highly deserving of this recognition.”

Leadership and Contributions

Prior to his role at MVCSC, Dr. Parker served as Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning at Center Grove Schools, where he was also a middle school principal in earlier years. He was named District 9 Middle School Principal of the Year in both 2009 and 2013, and his school was nominated for a National Blue Ribbon during his tenure. A strong belief in the potential for all students to achieve high levels of learning has been a guiding principle in Dr. Parker’s leadership.

Dr. Parker is also a facilitator for the Educators Preparing Inspired Change (EPIC) Superintendent Academy, from which he graduated, and is actively involved in the IAPSS Executive Coaching program mentoring fellow superintendents. Additionally, he is a mentor in the IAPSS Inspiring Superintendent’s Academy.

One of Dr. Parker’s significant contributions to the community is his collaboration with local leaders to establish the Hancock County Career Center (HC3), a component of the Amplify Career Center, scheduled to open in 2026. Their teamwork has expanded Career and Technical Education (CTE) opportunities for county students, laying the groundwork for the future success of HC3.

As part of his professional journey, Dr. Parker has shared his insights through presentations at IAPSS and Indiana School Board Association conferences, as well as published white papers in EdSpaces, Solution Tree, and Butler University’s Experiential Program for Preparing School Principals.

A Lifelong Commitment to Education

Dr. Parker began his career as a band teacher, stating, “I am a teacher at heart. My mission is to help others grow, and in turn, grow with them. I focus on ensuring high levels of learning for everyone, and collaboration is key to achieving success.”

His first administrative role was as Associate Director of the Indiana Principal Leadership Academy, and he has taught master’s courses in curriculum and school improvement as an adjunct professor at the University of Indianapolis. Dr. Parker holds a Master’s degree in Education Administration from Butler University and a Ph.D. in Education Administration from Indiana State University. 

Peer Nominations and Support

Dr. Parker was nominated for the IAPSS 2025 District V Superintendent of the Year by two peer superintendents. Superintendent Dr. Laura Hammack at Beech Grove City Schools states, “Jack is an incredible leader and has done so much great work at Mt. Vernon. He is very engaged with IAPSS activities and has frequently served as a mentor for aspiring superintendents. He is incredibly willing to engage with colleagues to help advance their capacity. Personally, he helped me understand a comprehensive strategic planning process he led in Mt. Vernon that has been incredibly helpful in my district. I think the world of him and am inspired by his leadership. He would represent our district and the state extremely well.” 

Dr. Todd Hitchcock, Superintendent at Shelby Eastern Schools shared, “Jack seems to be out in front of everything. He and his team are always a step ahead of the curve. Having the foresight to invest heavily in Trust Based Relational Intervention (TBRIⓇ) and modify the teaching practices and culture in their buildings was a huge endeavor. As a district with growing pains, Mt. Vernon seems to be in excellent hands as they are guided through and over each obstacle that appears in their way.”

MVCSC congratulates Dr. Parker on this well-deserved recognition and looks forward to his continued leadership and candidacy for the statewide Superintendent of the Year award.