Decatur Schools announces interim superintendent

When superintendent of Decatur Township schools Matt Prusieck retires at the end of this calendar year, one of his deputies will take his place while the board searches for his replacement.

The Decatur Township school board Tuesday night unanimously approved appointing Decatur Township assistant superintendent Stephanie Hofer to the interim role.

Hofer will take over for Prusiecki starting Jan. 1, 2024.

Prusiecki announced his retirement from the district in September. He was with the district 21 years, 11 as superintendent.

“I have been honored and blessed to be able to serve the school community of Decatur Township and positively impact the lives of many students, staff and families,” Prusiecki said during his announcement in September. “I plan to retire, always being Decatur Proud.”

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Hofer has more than 19 years of experience in Decatur Township and has served in a variety of roles including teacher, instructional coach, and principal. She has been the district’s assistant superintendent since 2017, overseeing both elementary and secondary education.

“I’m excited and honored to serve the district in an even greater capacity through this time of change,” said Hofer in a news release. “I am Decatur Proud of our students, staff, and community and am looking forward to leading us into the next chapter.  I am thankful to the school board for their trust in me and support.”

The southwest district in Indianapolis is one of the smaller districts out of the 11 school districts in Marion County. Around 6,700 students are enrolled in the district.

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Several public universities will help with the search process, a district news release said.

Ball State University, Indiana State University, Indiana University and Purdue University professors will collect and analyze community survey data and facilitate the application and interview process, the district said.

Contact IndyStar reporter Caroline Beck at 317-618-5807 or CBeck@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter: @CarolineB_Indy.

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