Heights’ Bret Bailey Selected As District 5 Middle School Principal Of The Year
Bret Bailey, Hamilton Heights Middle School Principal, has been selected as the District 5 Middle School Principal of the Year by the Indiana Association of School Principals (IASP). District 5 is in Central Indiana. District 5 is comprised of Boone, Hamilton, Howard, Madison, Miami, and Tipton Counties.
District Middle School Principals of the Year are elected by their peers. One middle school principal is honored from each of the 12 districts. From these 12 District Middle School Principal winners one will be chosen as the 2023 Indiana Middle School Principal of the Year. The State winner will be announced at the IASP annual award celebration in November.
Bailey, who has been with Hamilton Heights for close to a decade, said he is humbled and honored by the recognition, especially knowing the high caliber and talent among his peers in the other District 5 schools. Bailey earned his undergraduate degree in Biblical and Religious Studies from Huntington University in 2003; earned his teaching certification, Master’s Degree in Education, and administration certification from Indiana Wesleyan University; and is currently working on his Ph.D. in Educational Leadership at Indiana State University. A native of Sharpsville, IN, Bailey began his career in education as an instructional assistant at Tri-Central Community Schools in 2004.
He is married to Summer, and they have two children, Boston and Briley, enrolled at Hamilton Heights Middle School.
“I appreciate the vote of confidence and support from my colleagues, our team at HHMS, and the IASP. Over the last nine years as principal, we have collaborated to help kids learn, celebrated success, and engaged our students in meaningful educational experiences that will help them take steps forward into their future beyond high school. I appreciate the opportunity to serve the HHSC children, families, staff, and community members each day and look forward to continuing the work of making a difference for our students.”
“This is a high honor and speaks volumes about Bret’s vision, leadership, dedication, and hard work for students, families, and staff at Hamilton Heights,” said Hamilton Heights Superintendent Dr. Derek Arrowood. “I get to see the impact of Bret’s work every day. I know firsthand Bret’s value at Heights and the amount of time, thought, and meaningful action he invests to foster a culture of trust with students, staff, and the community. He has successfully helped build a collaborative culture working closely with staff on professional learning communities to strengthen curriculum, innovative programming, assessments, and interventions. It’s paying big dividends in positive student behavior, achievement, and outcomes. He inspires, motivates, engages, and continues to set the bar high.”
The recognition ceremony is a part of the 2023 Principals of the Year Recognition Celebration that will take place during IASP’s annual Fall Professionals Conference.
The Indiana Association of School Principals is a not-for-profit, professional association serving over 2,800 building level administrators in the state of Indiana.