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!

###

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!

###

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 14, 2026

The Metropolitan School District of Decatur Township is proud to announce a comprehensive rebranding initiative that reflects the district’s enduring values, vibrant community, and vision for the future of education. The new branding, at the beginning of the 2025-2026 school year, includes a refreshed district logo, a new “Hawk” mascot, and updated logos for each elementary school—uniting all schools under a cohesive visual identity that celebrates Decatur’s legacy and bright future.

A Fresh Take on a Classic: The New District Logo

The new district logo (first unveiled in August 2025) is a thoughtful, timeless evolution of Decatur’s familiar identity. The logomark features three students in different stages of their academic journey walking together on a path beneath a rising sun, a symbol of growth, hope, and the promise of tomorrow.

Each figure represents the heart of Decatur’s mission: the younger students look up to the graduate, who in turn serves as a friend, guide, and mentor, embodying the district’s spirit of connection and mentorship.

The logotype honors the structure of the previous logo while incorporating the lettering style of Decatur’s widely recognized athletic “DC” monogram. The district’s colors of Navy and Vegas Gold, now standardized across district logos, replace the former palette to create a consistent, unified look.

Together, the imagery and colors symbolize Decatur students as well-prepared learners walking toward tomorrow, their path representing the journey they take through Decatur Township Schools, one that leads forward while keeping them connected to the community that shapes them.

A Refreshed Symbol of Pride: The “Decatur Proud” Logo

Few symbols are as meaningful to Decatur as the “Decatur Proud” logo. More than just an image, it has become a staple of community identity, a declaration of confidence in the district’s mission and pride in its people. This beloved logo has been refreshed to align with the district’s updated color palette of Navy and Vegas Gold, visually connecting “Decatur Proud” to the broader family of district designs. While its look has been modernized, its message remains unchanged: Decatur Proud is who we are.

The Return of the Hawk: A Symbol of Strength and Spirit

After several years without an official mascot design, Decatur proudly introduces a new “Hawk” — a bold emblem of focus, determination, and excellence. 

Inspired by Indiana’s most common raptor, the red-tailed hawk, the new design was carefully crafted to reflect the district’s heritage and forward-looking spirit. The artwork draws from a legacy sketch beloved by the community and reimagines it with a regal, traditional style.

Rendered in Decatur Navy and Vegas Gold with the addition of a new supporting color, Tempest Gray, the hawk’s sharp, focused gaze reflects the intelligence and determination of both the red-tailed hawk and Decatur’s students.

The new Hawk logo will proudly represent Decatur Central High School, Decatur Middle School, and the Decatur Township School for Excellence, creating a strong visual link among the secondary schools.

Elementary Logos: Honoring Identity, Building Unity

The third phase of the rebranding introduces updated logos for each elementary school. While a few incorporate younger versions of the Hawk, most feature distinct mascots that reflect each school’s individual history and identity.

Every design was created with care to ensure the collection feels cohesive and family-like. Each is unique, yet unmistakably Decatur. Together, these logos celebrate the district’s history and unity, giving every school its own symbol to take pride in while reinforcing their shared connection to the district’s mission and values.

Partnership with K12 Licensing for District Trademark Licensing Program

The MSD of Decatur Township has now partnered with K12 Licensing to manage and administer the district’s Trademark and Licensing Program. This partnership strengthens brand protection and control while generating royalty revenue from authorized merchandise sales.

Vendors or individuals wishing to produce and sell products featuring MSD of Decatur Township schools’ logos, names, or other trademarks must obtain an official license through K12 Licensing. The process requires submitting an application and product samples for approval. Approved vendors may then purchase official K12 Licensing hangtags and labels for use on products sold at retail. 

K12 Licensing is the nation’s oldest and largest high school licensing agency, serving more than 5,800 schools and 30 state associations including The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) as its official licensing partner. K12 Licensing returns millions of dollars in royalty revenue to partner schools annually, supporting educational programs and initiatives.

Vendors or individuals interested in obtaining a license are encouraged to contact:

Brandon Tucker, Director of K12 Licensing, btucker@k12licensing.com or 317-504-5400

###

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