Retiring Washington Township Schools superintendent Nikki Woodson convened a historic gathering of district leaders on May 16, uniting the district’s two living former superintendents and her successor to celebrate a legacy of educational excellence and mark a leadership transition.
The luncheon in Indianapolis included former superintendents James Mervilde and Eugene White, alongside incoming superintendent Sean Taylor.
Woodson, who steps down June 30 after 15 years leading the district, framed the event as a tribute to collaborative leadership.
“We stand on the shoulders of those who came before us,” Woodson said, praising her predecessors’ roles in shaping the district’s “progress and standard of excellence.”
The occasion also welcomed Taylor, who assumes the role on July 1.
Woodson’s retirement concludes nearly 30 years in education, half of which were spent in Washington Township. She emphasized equity, innovation and community partnerships during her tenure, though specific achievements were not detailed in the event announcement. Post-retirement, she plans to focus on philanthropy, mentor administrators and guide graduate students pursuing leadership roles.
“This moment is bigger than any one individual,” Woodson said. “It’s about honoring a legacy while ensuring Washington Township Schools continues to thrive under new leadership.”
Previously announced as her successor, Taylor did not provide remarks in the press release. His appointment follows a national search, according to prior district statements.
The rare assembly of current and former Superintendents underscored the district’s stable leadership history. White served from 2002 to 2010, followed by Mervilde (2010–2014) before Woodson’s decade-long tenure.
Community members and staff praised the event’s emphasis on continuity.
“It’s inspiring to see our leaders recognize the past while embracing the future,” said one attendee, who requested anonymity.
Washington Township Schools, serving over 11,000 students, remains one of Indiana’s largest districts. The transition comes amid statewide debates over education funding and curriculum policies. However, the luncheon focused on unity rather than challenges.
Woodson’s departure marks the end of an era, but her influence lingers.
“Our work is about planting trees whose shade we may never sit in. I’m confident Dr. Taylor will nurture this forest,” Woodson said.
Contact Multi-Media & Senior Sports Reporter Noral Parham at 317-762-7846 or via email at noralp@indyrecorder.com. Follow him on X @3Noral. For more news, click here.
Noral Parham is the multi-media & senior sports reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder, one of the oldest Black publications in the country. Parham has worked with various leagues to provide a diverse perspective in sports, including the Big Ten, Big East, IHSAA, IndyCar, MLB, NHRA, NFL, NBA, WNBA, WWE and the Olympics. Prior to joining the Recorder, Parham served as the community advocate of the MLK Center in Indianapolis and senior copywriter for an e-commerce and marketing firm in Denver.
