The MSD of Decatur Township names Mrs. Haley Aus as Assistant Principal of West Newton Elementary, effective July 1, 2026.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 14, 2026

The MSD of Decatur Township School Board of Education approved the appointment of Mrs. Haley Aus as Assistant Principal of West Newton Elementary School. Mrs. Aus will team with newly named Principal, Mrs. McGuffey to provide leadership, starting for the 2026-2027 school year.

Mrs. Aus brings 21 years of experience in education, including serving as a special education teacher, supporting students in multiple settings from inclusion to self-contained programs. She has served as an instructional coach in both Avon and Pike Township, and as English/Language Arts Coordinator for Indianapolis Public Schools. She currently serves as the Director of Behavioral and Instructional Interventions here in Decatur Township. 

Mrs. Aus shared, “Over this last year, I have deeply fallen in love with Decatur Township, and I’m so proud and excited to take what I have learned in my unique experience and support West Newton as their assistant principal. I feel beyond blessed to learn and grow as a professional with the staff and students there.”

Mrs. Aus is the proud mother of four girls and enjoys outdoor activities with her husband and daughters, such as snowboarding, mountain biking, and exploring new places together. 

Best wishes to this amazing team and the West Newton Tigers!

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About MSD Decatur Township

The MSD of Decatur Township is student invested, community connected. Decatur Township prioritizes student learning, safety and customer service, and fostering a support system for our families. Located on the southwest side of Indianapolis, Decatur Township is proud to serve thousands of elementary, middle, and high school students and families. The district vision is Preparing Students to be Tomorrow Ready. Together, we are DECATUR PROUD! Learn more at www.decaturproud.org. 

MEDIA CONTACT:

Emily LeMay, Director of Student & Family Engagement 

MSD of Decatur Township

elemay@decaturproud.org

317-856-5265

The MSD of Decatur Township names Dr. Jake Shaffner as Principal of Valley Mills Elementary, effective July 1, 2026.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 14, 2026

The MSD of Decatur Township School Board of Education approved the appointment of Dr. Jake Shaffner as Principal of Valley Mills Elementary School, effective July 1, 2026. Dr. Shaffner will succeed Mr. Jack Birmingham, who has been named as Director of Career Partnerships here in the district, starting next school year.

Dr. Shaffner brings 17 years of experience in education, including roles as a 3rd and 4th grade teacher, assistant principal, and principal. He currently serves as the Principal of Rushville Elementary, in Rushville, Indiana.

Dr. Shaffner earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Purdue University in Elementary Education and both his Master’s Degree and Doctoral Degree in Educational Administration from Ball State University. 

Dr. Shaffner shared, “I am looking forward to serving a wonderful group of students, staff, and families! Everyone I have met at MSD Decatur have been kind and thoughtful. I'm very excited to join the Valley Mills team and make a positive impact on our students.”

Originally from Greenwood, Indiana, Dr. Shaffner and his wife, Audrey, have three children. He is a huge fan of Purdue basketball and enjoys running, having completed his first full marathon last fall. 

Welcome to Decatur Township, Dr. Jake Shaffner!

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About MSD Decatur Township

The MSD of Decatur Township is student invested, community connected. Decatur Township prioritizes student learning, safety and customer service, and fostering a support system for our families. Located on the southwest side of Indianapolis, Decatur Township is proud to serve thousands of elementary, middle, and high school students and families. The district vision is Preparing Students to be Tomorrow Ready. Together, we are DECATUR PROUD! Learn more at www.decaturproud.org. 

MEDIA CONTACT:

Emily LeMay, Director of Student & Family Engagement 

MSD of Decatur Township

elemay@decaturproud.org

317-856-5265

We invite members of the Decatur Township community to join us on May 4th at 5:30 pm or May 19th at 6:00 pm at the Administration Office for a presentation from Dr. Scott Collins, Superintendent, featuring a budget and referendum update, current financial challenges, and a referendum proposal for 2026. A video presentation will be shared after the second meeting.
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Dates/Times: May 4 (5:30 pm) and May 19 (6:00 pm)
Location: Administration Office Boardroom (5275 Kentucky Ave.)