Dr. Jeffrey K. Butts, superintendent of the Metropolitan School District (MSD) of Wayne Township, will retire on January 4, 2026, marking the end of a 14-year tenure that has been pivotal in shaping the district’s educational landscape. The following day, Butts will assume the role of executive director of the Indiana Association of Public School Superintendents (IAPSS).
During his 34 years in public education, Butts has gained recognition as a transformative leader. His time in Wayne Township has been defined by innovation, strategic vision and community collaboration. Notable accomplishments under his leadership include the establishment of Achieve Virtual Education Academy, Indiana’s first public virtual high school and the creation of dual-credit programs such as Ben Davis University High School and Area 31 Early College. Butts also oversaw the expansion of both adult and preschool education programs, significantly broadening access to quality education.
Under his guidance, Wayne Township’s graduation rate improved by 34%, and the district achieved financial stability through strategic budgeting, successful referenda, and energy-saving initiatives that save $1.5 million annually.
Brandon Bowman, president of the MSD Wayne Board of Education, praised Butts for his exceptional leadership.
“We are incredibly proud of Superintendent Dr. Jeff Butts and grateful for the dedicated leadership he has provided our district,” Bowman said. “While we will deeply miss his vision and steady guidance, we celebrate his appointment as executive director of IAPSS and know he will continue to make a meaningful impact on public education across our state.”
Butts has received numerous accolades throughout his career, including being named Indiana Superintendent of the Year and a runner-up for AASA National Superintendent of the Year. He has also been recognized by the Indiana National Guard and the Indiana Council for Exceptional Children.
In his new role at IAPSS, Butts will continue to advocate for public education and support school leaders statewide.
Reflecting on his career, he stated, “Serving this district has been the honor of a lifetime. The work we’ve done together — with educators, students, families, and community partners — has been transformative. I am humbled to continue this service in a new role and look forward to supporting public school leaders across Indiana.”
The MSD of Wayne Township School Board will begin the search for his successor in the coming months.
Contact Health & Environmental Reporter Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth.
Hanna Rauworth is the Health & Environmental Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper, where she covers topics at the intersection of public health, environmental issues, and community impact. With a commitment to storytelling that informs and empowers, she strives to highlight the challenges and solutions shaping the well-being of Indianapolis residents.
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