New Superintendent Approved for the MSD of Decatur Township

MSD Decatur Seal

(April 9, 2024) – INDIANAPOLIS – We are Decatur Proud to announce that Scott Collins was unanimously approved by the School Board of Trustees as the new Superintendent of the Metropolitan School District of Decatur Township at the April 9th, 2024 meeting. Collins will assume the role beginning July 1st, 2024. 

Photo of Scott Collins

“I am excited about becoming a part of a school community that is Decatur Proud! As I have met with members of the community, school staff, administrators, and the school board, the love and passion for Decatur Schools is so evident,” shared Collins. “There are many great things happening in Decatur and I am looking forward to joining the Decatur Family!”

Collins brings a wealth of experience with over 28 years in education including service as a teacher, principal, personnel director, finance director, and assistant superintendent of learning. He currently serves as the Superintendent of Fayette County School Corporation, where he has led the district for eight years. During his tenure in Fayette County, Collins has overseen multiple construction and renovation projects, opened an early learning center which provides free preschool for all students, created an alternative school program serving students in grades 7-12, and realigned core curriculum in grades K-12, including the implementation of the Science of Reading. 

Prior to his return to Fayette County, where he served for one year as assistant superintendent before his transition to superintendent, Collins served over eight years as a building principal in the Avon Community School Corporation.  Before his move to Avon, he served in Fayette County as a building principal for a short time before transitioning into central office where he oversaw personnel and finance. Collins also served as a principal in Spencer County and as a teacher in Wayne County and Warren Township.

Collins holds a bachelor’s degree from Indiana University, master’s degrees from Ball State University, and an Ed.S from Indiana State University. He is currently completing his dissertation for his doctoral degree, with conferment in the summer of 2024.

School Board Members with Scott Collins

Chase Lyday, Board Member; Dale Henson, Board Secretary; Estella Vandeventer, Board Vice President; Scott Collins, Superintendent (effective 7.1.24); Judith Collins, School Board Member; Larry Taylor, Board President

The Decatur Township School Board of Education collaborated with the University Superintendent Search Team to screen and interview candidates for the position. Mr. Larry Taylor, School Board President, said, “We took into account community and staff input and survey results and approached the selection process focused on finding the best candidate to serve and advance the school district.” Taylor further shared, “Scott Collins emerged as our top candidate, bringing considerable experience as a superintendent and in additional administrative roles. We as the School Board confidently look forward to great future success for the MSD of Decatur Township with his leadership.”

Looking toward the future, Collins emphasized, “Our students deserve the very best opportunities to prepare them for career and college success. Now, more than ever in education, we must be visionary and creative in finding ways to support and teach our students while best utilizing the resources available through funding, community partnerships, and grant opportunities. I want to ensure that we are able, as a team in Decatur, to provide as many resources as possible in our classrooms, fine arts, and athletic programs. I have devoted my career to the students and families that I serve, and I cannot wait to start in Decatur Township!”

Mr. Collins, along with his wife, Ashley and their children, plan to relocate to Decatur Township from their current home this summer. Together, they look forward to joining the community and becoming Hawks!