Batesville superintendent named Indiana Assistant Secretary of Education

"I will forever be proud to call myself a Bulldog"

(BATESVILLE, Ind.) – Batesville Superintendent Paul Ketcham has been named the Assistant Secretary of Education for the State of Indiana. 

Ketcham will work alongside Indiana’s first-appointed Secretary of Education, Dr. Katie Jenner, who assumed the position of Commissioner of Higher Education earlier this month, succeeding Batesville native Chris Lowery who held that role for three years. 

He will assist Dr. Jenner in advancing the state’s strategic priorities for K-12 education when he enters the new role in January.

Ketcham has served as Batesville’s superintendent for the past nine years and previously held the same position at Milan.

He describes it as an honor to have served the students, staff and families of Batesville Schools.

“This community embodies what is best about public education—collaboration, compassion, and an unwavering belief in our kids. While this next chapter is bittersweet, I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to continue serving Hoosier students in a new capacity,” Ketcham said. 

Ketcham was named the 2025 Indiana Superintendent of the Year for his efforts in leading Batesville Schools into new territory.

Under his leadership, the district launched the Bulldog Ready initiative, expanded early literacy programs, strengthened partnerships with local industry and higher education, and received both state and national recognition for academic excellence.

“I want to express my deepest gratitude to the BCSC Board of Education, our staff, families, and the entire Batesville community for their unwavering support and trust,” Ketcham added.

“Together, we have built something truly special—a district where students thrive, educators are valued, and community partnerships flourish. I will forever be proud to call myself a Bulldog and will always carry the spirit of One Team, One Mission into every chapter that follows," he added.

RELATED: Batesville was awarded the prestigious Blue Ribbon School Award earlier this week. Read that story here.