Superintendent Dr. Jeff Butts to Retire in January 2026; Named Executive Director of IAPSS

The Metropolitan School District of Wayne Township announces the upcoming retirement of Superintendent Dr. Jeffrey K. Butts, effective January 4, 2026. Dr. Butts, a nationally respected educational leader, has served as superintendent since 2011 and will step into a new statewide role as the Executive Director of the Indiana Association of Public School Superintendents (IAPSS) on January 5, 2026.

During his 34-year career in public education, including over three decades in educational administration, Dr. Butts has led transformative change at every level of the K-12 system. His tenure in Wayne Township has been marked by significant advances in academic achievement, financial stewardship, community engagement, and educational innovation.

Among his many accomplishments, Dr. Butts led the development of Indiana’s first public virtual high school (Achieve Virtual Education Academy), spearheaded the creation of dual-credit institutions like Ben Davis University High School and Area 31 Early College, and expanded adult and preschool education across the district. Under his leadership, MSD Wayne’s graduation rate increased by 34%, and the district's fiscal health was fortified through strategic budget management, referendum successes, and $1.5 million in annual energy-saving initiatives.

Dr. Butts has also been recognized nationally and statewide, including being named a runner-up for AASA National Superintendent of the Year, receiving the Indiana Superintendent of the Year award, and earning accolades from organizations such as the Indiana National Guard, Hobsons, and the Indiana Council for Exceptional Children.

“We are incredibly proud of Superintendent Dr. Jeff Butts and grateful for the dedicated leadership he has provided our district,” said Brandon Bowman, President of the MSD Wayne Board of Education. “While we will deeply miss his vision and steady guidance, we celebrate his appointment as Executive Director of the Indiana Association of Public School Superintendents, and know he will continue to make a meaningful impact on public education across our state.”

In addition to his role as Superintendent, Dr. Butts has been a long-standing contributor to IAPSS, having served in numerous leadership positions including President, Chair of Policies and Resolutions Committee, District V Chair, Mentor, and Executive Coach. Dr. Butts has facilitated 125 superintendents through the Educators Preparing Inspired Change (EPIC) and 180 aspiring superintendents through the Indiana Aspiring Superintendent Academy (IASA).  His appointment to Executive Director reflects a culmination of his lifelong dedication to strengthening public education in Indiana.

Dr. Butts expressed deep appreciation for the Wayne Township community, stating, “Serving this district has been the honor of a lifetime. The work we’ve done together—with educators, students, families, and community partners—has been transformative. I am humbled to continue this service in a new role and look forward to supporting public school leaders across Indiana.”

A search process will be developed by the MSD of Wayne Township School Board in the coming months.