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Criteria | Nomination Form | Selection Process
Principal of the Year Winners by Year
Sponsored by The Horace Mann Companies
2009 Principals of the Year



Myra Powell
Borden Elementary,
Borden
Elementary Principal of the Year
Although Borden Elementary is small in that it serves less than 400 K-6 students, and is situated in rural Clark County, it offers a large array of extra-curricular activities and educational opportunities that would rival any larger school in a metropolitan area.
Myra received her K-12 education at Borden Elementary and Borden Jr/Sr High School where she developed her leadership and organizational skills. After earning her Administration and Supervision certificate from IU Southeast in 1994, she was fortunate to be offered the principalship of Borden Elementary. She returned to her home school to provide leadership for the students to have the best educational experiences possible.
Test scores have grown along with the many academic and non-academic opportunities, including leadership and service projects. Within the past 4 years Borden Elementary has been rated as a P.L. 221 Exemplary Progress School. Under Myra's leadership, Borden also received the ASAI (American Student Achievement Institute) Top Gainers Award (based on ISTEP scores) for two years.
Borden Elementary has been referred to as "the best kept secret around." Myra believes this is a testament to the high expectations set for the students, the great teaching staff, and to parent, community, and school values.
Rhonda Mull
Scribner Middle School,
New Albany
Middle School Principal of the Year
Rhonda feels that three components to her success as a principal are: recognizing the tremendous work it takes to accomplish student-centered learning, continually learning herself as she reads, analyzes, and incorporates new and appropriate educational techniques, and valuing the advise, honest opinions, and continued support of her fellow administrators in the New Albany-Floyd County school corporation, where she has been principal of Scribner Middle School since 2001.
Rhonda expects the best from all in her school, and this expectation reflects itself in the school's motto, "Simply the Best." By implementing such projects as AMP reading to improve literacy, curriculum mapping, or enhancing school safety with the Panther Prowlers who monitor student activity at extra-curricular functions, Rhonda's leadership skills inspire all to challenge themselves to be their best. The school's Student Council president says, "Mrs. Mull really is the epitome of 'simply the best.'"
Matthew Shockley
Center Grove
High School,
Greenwood
High School Principal of the Year
Starting with Tipton Community Schools as a Social Studies teacher, Matt moved to Center Grove High School in 2005. Matt's philosophy is that leadership is about serving others, crediting his parents and Christian faith with giving him this foundation.
To serve all students at CGHS, he has implemented several programs and initiatives: increasing the number of students enrolled in Honors and AP courses, the availability and advancement of technology throughout the school, the first SLC, The Early College @ Center Grove, which was rolled out this year, and the New Technology High School will come online next year.
In line with Matt's philosopy of serving, CGHS juniors participate annually in the Junior Day of Caring, an event fondly remembered by students and teachers and a visible statement of its students giving back to the local community.

2009 Assistant Principal of the Year
Brad knows that rewarding good behavior is a powerful motivator - you acknowledge students who are modeling appropriate expectations and hopefully influence students who might be "on the fence" between good and bad choices. Eligible students at Clark-Pleasant Middle School can enjoy the C-PMS Internet Cafe during their school lunch period.
But possibly more improtant is reaching those students who make poor decisions at school. Brad created the B.A.S.E. (Behavior, Academic, Social, Emotional) program, an alternative to in-school suspension. Not only does the student receive all homework, quizzes and tests, but also receives assistance from the BASE teacher or guidance counselor.
Brad acknowledges the greatest awards he has received are the notes from students or parents thanking him for his help. As Steven R. wrote, "Thank you for not giving up on me."
Brad Arbuckle
Clark-Pleasant Middle School,
Whiteland
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