I feel very honored that the Lewis Cass Board of Trustees has selected me to become a part of their school family, and I am looking forward to working with all members of the school community and community at large as the next superintendent for the corporation. I am currently in my twenty-seventh year in education, with the last six years having been spent in St. Louis, Missouri as an assistant superintendent. Prior to this, I spent the majority of my career as an educator in Indiana, serving as superintendent of schools for Elwood Community School Corporation as well as Central Noble Community School Corporation. Preceding my superintendent experience, I served as the director of transportation for Tippecanoe School Corporation and as an elementary principal for Wabash City Schools. My educational journey began as a third grade teacher, following my graduation from Purdue University. I had the privilege to continue growing as an educator by furthering my own education at both Indiana Wesleyan University and Oakland City University. I proudly served in the Air Force Reserve for eight years at Grissom Air Force Base, and I am very excited to return to this area that holds many memories for me.

My wife, Sarah, and I are looking forward to returning to North Central Indiana where we have many wonderful memories of raising our four daughters before venturing to St. Louis for new experiences and opportunities. Our daughters are now beginning to embark upon their own journeys, and we are excited to be back home again in Indiana near family and friends we have been away from over the last six years. I am looking forward to this opportunity to step back into a servant leadership role in a small, rural school community, as I spent invaluable time serving on the board of directors for the Indiana Small and Rural Schools Association. My belief has always been that small and rural schools are hidden gems in education, allowing students to receive individualized attention while still providing them with unique opportunities to reach their dreams.

Lewis Cass Schools is a place where students can chase those dreams while discovering their interests and developing their talents. The Lewis Cass Schools provide this with their tradition of athletic excellence combined with an outstanding tradition of providing students with extracurricular opportunities. It is widely accepted that students who participate in school activities beyond the classroom are generally successful in school. Lewis Cass provides many opportunities for students to become actively involved outside of the classroom during their school career.

I am eager to become a part of the “King” family and get to know all of you over the course of the next semester. Together we can build on the tradition of helping students become the best versions of themselves.

Sincerely,
Chris Daughtry, Superintendent