Perry Township Schools Board of Education voted unanimously on its next leader. Dr. Patrick Spray will become the district’s superintendent effective July 1, 2023. Dr. Spray has 15 years of experience leading schools as superintendent and four additional years as assistant superintendent. Dr. Spray is currently serving as superintendent at Clark-Pleasant Community School Corporation. He will complete the 2022-2023 school year in Johnson County, before making the move to Marion County. Dr. Spray is excited to hit the ground running in Perry Township.

“Perry Township Schools has a great reputation as a premier school district and I am honored to have been selected as the next superintendent,” said Dr. Spray. “As I have told many of my kindergarten friends when I read to them, the superintendent’s job is to be the ‘helper’ so that the most important people, our teachers, can do their jobs to teach students and help them grow as learners. I am excited to get to know the Perry team and serve this community of learners.”

Dr. Spray earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary and Teaching from the University of Indianapolis. He earned a Master of Arts in Elementary and Middle School Administration-Principalship from Butler University. He also holds a Ph.D. from Indiana State University in School Administration and Supervision. Dr. Spray’s educational background, professional experience, and proven leadership are what led the board to its final decision.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Spray to Perry Township Schools. His extensive work experience as a superintendent and decisive leadership skills made him a standout candidate and ultimately led to my vote of support,” said Board President Emily Hartman. “I am confident that the board is making the right choice and the district will continue to excel with Dr. Spray as superintendent.”

Current superintendent, Pat Mapes, will work with the district and Dr. Spray to ensure a seamless transition. Mr. Mapes will retire in June. In his seven years at Perry Township, Mr. Mapes has led some of the district’s most impactful projects, including the establishment of a school police department, increasing teacher base salaries by nearly $17,000 and the passage of a referendum renewal.

“I am proud of what my team and I have been able to accomplish. Perry Township Schools is in great fiscal shape because of our intentional efforts,” said Mr. Mapes. “I’m confident that Dr. Spray will continue the important work of creating and maintaining a successful infrastructure to grow kids academically, socially and behaviorally. I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to serve the families of Perry Township.”

Mr. Mapes came to Perry Township Schools in July of 2016. The board’s decision comes after the district conducted a nationwide, two-month long search that involved dozens of candidates.