DCSC in the News

Danville Community School Corporation (DCSC) is honored to announce that Dr. Tracey Shafer will retire as Superintendent of Danville Community School Corporation in June 2027, concluding more than a decade of dedicated service to the district and its students, staff, and community.

Dr. Shafer began his tenure as superintendent in January 2015. Over the past several years, his leadership has helped shape a period of transformation for DCSC. Under his leadership, the district has experienced significant student and staff growth, celebrated countless faculty and student successes, strengthened leadership throughout the district, enhanced safety practices and facilities, and expanded opportunities for communication and community engagement.

Perhaps most visibly, Dr. Shafer has guided the district through the implementation of the Master Campus Plan, which is now nearing completion.

When asked about his future retirement, Dr. Shafer said, “I am grateful to our board, staff, and school families for the opportunity to lead the Danville Schools for the past twelve years. It has been a privilege to work alongside so many talented people and to serve such a supportive school community. Working together, we have accomplished much, and I am confident these successes will continue well into the future.”

Dr. Shafer’s decision to retire marks the conclusion of an important chapter for DCSC. His commitment to students and staff has been evident throughout his time with the district, and his influence can be seen not only in the district’s buildings and programs, but in the people and culture he has helped shape. Through it all, he has remained focused on DCSC’s mission to maximize student success.

“I have been incredibly fortunate to work alongside Dr. Shafer during such an important period in our district’s history,” said Assistant Superintendent for Instruction Dr. Morgan Walker. “Throughout his time in Danville, he has remained committed to creating the conditions for students to be successful, not only through the growth of our facilities and programs, but through a continued focus on strong instruction, high expectations, and developing the people who serve our students every day. I am grateful for his leadership, for all I have learned from him, and especially for the many years we have had the opportunity to work together.”

Chief Financial Officer Corey Herbert also proudly reflected on Dr. Shafer’s time with the district. “One of Dr. Shafer’s greatest strengths has been his ability to look beyond what the district needs today and position us for what we will need tomorrow. His legacy will be seen for many years in our facilities, but even more importantly, it will live on through the students, parents, and staff he has empowered, the culture he has helped build, and the differences each and every one of these individuals will make far into the future.”

The DCSC Board of School Trustees will select the district’s next superintendent prior to Dr. Shafer’s retirement in June. As the district prepares for this transition, DCSC invites the community to join in celebrating Dr. Shafer’s years of service and the lasting impact he leaves throughout Danville Community School Corporation.

Thank you, Dr. Shafer, for your years of service, leadership, and dedication to Danville Community School Corporation.

Danville Community School Corporation (DCSC) is kicking off the 2026-27 school year with several exciting accomplishments to celebrate! Four members of the DCSC team have earned regional, state, and national recognition for their leadership, dedication, and impact on students and schools.

DCHS Principal Matt Clodfelter was named the Indiana Association of School Principals (IASP) Region 8 Principal of the Year! The award celebrates outstanding school leaders who are dedicated to creating high-quality learning opportunities and positive experiences for students. Recipients are nominated and selected by their peers through IASP. This award serves as a great example of Mr. Clodfelter’s dedication to making a difference for every student.

School Resource Officer (SRO) Nick Webber also earned top honors this summer, being named the Indiana School Resource Officer Association (INSROA) Region 8 Officer of the Year. The award recognizes SROs for their outstanding contributions to students, schools, and their communities. Officer Webber was selected from SROs serving throughout Region 8 for the positive impact he continues to make at DCSC and across the Danville community.

Our teachers are making their mark, too! DCHS EL Teacher Kim Hayse was named one of the Top 25 Indiana Teacher of the Year candidates by the Indiana Department of Education. The statewide recognition celebrates educators who demonstrate exceptional dedication to their students, their profession, and their school communities. Being selected among the state’s Top 25 is an incredible accomplishment and a reflection of Mrs. Hayse’s commitment to helping every student succeed.

Finally, DCSC is proud to announce that DCMS Agriculture Teacher and FFA Advisor Laura Crosby has been selected as a 2026-27 National FFA Teacher Ambassador. Even more impressive, this marks Laura’s third consecutive year serving in this prestigious national role, which is just another testament to her leadership, expertise, and continued commitment to agricultural education and her students.

“There is no better gift to our students and families than the people we employ at Danville Schools,” said Superintendent Dr. Tracey Shafer. “These teachers and school leaders exemplify the quality of education provided by our staff members. We are proud of their accomplishments and thankful for their daily contributions to provide an excellent experience for our Danville boys and girls.”

Assistant Superintendent for Instruction Morgan Walker added, “These recognitions are a great reflection of the people we are fortunate to have serving our students every day. Matt, Nick, Kim, and Laura each lead and make an impact in very different ways, but they share a commitment to students and to excellence that makes our district stronger. We are incredibly proud to see their work recognized beyond Danville and to have them representing DCSC across our region, state, and nation!”

Please join us in congratulating these four incredible members of the DCSC team! Their accomplishments reflect the talent, dedication, and leadership that make a difference for our students every day. We are proud to have them representing Danville Community School Corporation at the regional, state, and national levels!

Danville Community School Corporation (DCSC) is happy to share that the Indiana School Boards Association (ISBA) has recognized DCSC Board of School Trustees President Beth Cherry with the Exemplary Governance Award (EGA) for the 2025 calendar year.

The EGA represents the highest level of distinction an individual board member can achieve. It is awarded to school board members who demonstrate an outstanding commitment to leadership and ongoing professional development. The recognition is one of four levels presented annually by ISBA and is based on points earned through participation in seminars, workshops, conferences, and other continuing education opportunities. The EGA represents an accumulation of 225 points and was awarded to 59 individuals across the state.

“Mrs. Cherry is a dedicated and engaged school board member. We are grateful for her exemplary leadership and the Indiana School Board's recognition of her efforts as a district leader,” said Superintendent Dr. Tracey Shafer.

DCSC recognizes and deeply appreciates the dedication Mrs. Cherry brings to her role in leading the district. Through her commitment to continuous growth and effective board governance, DCSC is better positioned to provide high-quality educational experiences that maximize success for every student, wherever their future may lead.

Danville Community School Corporation (DCSC) extends its congratulations to Danville Community Middle School (DCMS) Teacher Billie Carlton for being selected as a 2026–2027 Armstrong Teacher Educator through the Indiana University School of Education.

This award honors outstanding teachers from across the state and provides them with opportunities and financial support to grow professionally through a variety of learning experiences at IU Bloomington.

Carlton will be formally recognized as part of the newest Armstrong Teacher cohort during IU Bloomington’s Celebration of Excellence event on April 14.

Through the program, Carlton will participate in classes, informal gatherings, and panel discussions designed to strengthen her instructional practices and expand her professional network. In the spring of 2027, she will also receive a $1,000 honorarium in recognition of her participation and continued commitment to excellence in education.

“Ms. Carlton demonstrates a strong commitment to professional growth, regularly pursuing learning opportunities that she thoughtfully brings back to her classroom. She uses these experiences to enrich her instruction and help students see the relevance of what they are learning,” says DCMS Principal Amanda Birkey.

During her time at DCSC, Carlton has been a tremendous leader and supporter of DCMS students. She creates engaging, hands-on learning experiences that inspire curiosity and deepen students’ understanding of science. Her commitment to innovative instruction helps students explore the field in meaningful and memorable ways.

When asked about this accomplishment, Superintendent Dr. Tracey Shafer said, “Ms. Carlton is so committed to reaching each one of her students and exemplifies life-long learning to her students. Danville Community School Corporation is proud of her dedication and professionalism to the teaching profession!”

DCSC is proud of the dedication Carlton brings to her classroom each day. We are confident that this opportunity will further strengthen the incredible impact she already makes, continuing to create the “Danville Difference” for every student she serves.

For 36 years, Ann Tussey devoted her career to teaching some of our littlest Warriors as a kindergarten teacher. Her impact on students was profound and lasting—so much so that former students, like Kristi Pritchett, later grew up to stand beside her as both colleagues and close friends. No matter the age, Ann left a lasting impression on everyone around her.

Outside the classroom, Ann and her husband, Kevin, shared a deep commitment to the Danville community. Ann volunteered with Shared Blessings Food Pantry and the Hendricks County Historical Museum, served as a trustee on the Danville Public Library Board, and was an active member of several local clubs.

After being diagnosed with a terminal illness, Ann and Kevin chose to extend her legacy in a powerful way. Together, they established a scholarship in her name and generously donated funds to support kindergarten teachers for years to come, helping ensure that learning remains engaging and fun for young students.

These gifts were entrusted to the Danville Community Education Foundation (DCEF). The first scholarships were awarded this past May, and at the start of this school year, each kindergarten teacher received a $400 check as part of the gift. This generosity has already made a meaningful difference in our classrooms.

Teachers always leave a lasting mark on their students, but Ann Tussey made the kind of impact that will echo for generations. She was an educator, an advocate, and a leader whose kindness and generosity touched us all. Danville Community Schools is deeply grateful for her decades of service and her inspiring legacy.

Danville Community School Corporation (DCSC) is proud to announce that Graci O'Neal, a senior at Danville Community High School, has been named a 2025 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship recipient.

This highly competitive scholarship is awarded annually to one student in each of Indiana’s 92 counties. It provides full tuition, mandatory fees, and up to $900 annually for required books and equipment for four years of undergraduate study at any accredited public or private nonprofit college or university in Indiana.

Graci has demonstrated outstanding academic performance, leadership, and commitment to her community. She currently serves as President of the Danville FFA Chapter and is a dedicated 10-year member of 4-H. She plans to attend Purdue University in the fall, where she will major in animal science or pre-veterinary medicine.

“Graci is an impressive young lady and a natural leader amongst her peers.  She has established herself as a young person full of initiative who we believe will be a next generation torch bearer,” said DCSC Superintendent Dr. Tracey Shafer. “Danville schools are very proud of Graci's accomplishments and we are excited for the accomplished person she will become.  We wish her the very best as she enters the next phase of her education.”

The Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program is administered by Independent Colleges of Indiana in partnership with local community foundations. The Hendricks County Community Foundation is partnered with Lilly Endowment Inc. and helps to administer the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program in Hendricks County. You can read their full press release and learn more about Graci and the other recipients at https://www.inphilanthropy.org/news/hendricks-county-community-foundation-announces-2025-lilly-endowment-community-scholars.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Graci and look forward to the incredible impact she will continue to make in the years to come.

Danville Community School Corporation (DCSC) is proud to announce that Mr. Kyle Owens has been selected as the 2025 District 8 Assistant Principal of the Year by the Indiana Association of School Principals (IASP). According to IASP, nominees are “nominated by their colleagues for their visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to their school communities. These exceptional leaders represent the very best in educational excellence.”

"Mr. Owens has demonstrated a commitment to excellence from the minute he set foot on campus. He has been a positive force in so many things here and most importantly, he has developed the respect and admiration for being fair and consistent in working with students and staff members. We are fortunate for having Mr. Owens be a part of the Danville family," said DCHS Principal Dr. Hamann.

Since joining Danville Community High School, Mr. Owens has consistently demonstrated strong leadership, a focus on student success, and a dedication to building a positive school culture. His influence is evident in the growth of both students and staff, and his presence continues to shape a supportive, high-performing learning environment.

 “We are thrilled to celebrate Mr. Owens, who has been named our district's Assistant Principal of the Year! Mr. Owens is an exceptional leader who brings energy, insight, and dedication to everything he does,” said DCSC Assistant Superintendent for Instruction. “Whether he’s improving building operations, listening closely to staff feedback, or contributing valuable perspective at the district level, Mr. Owens leads with both heart and strategy. This recognition is a true reflection of his impact—and we couldn’t be prouder to have him on our team!” 

DCSC is deeply grateful for Mr. Owens’ service and leadership. This award is a well-deserved recognition of his efforts and an achievement that reflects the values of excellence we strive for across our district.

Danville Community School Corporation’s March Board of School Trustees meeting was one of the busiest of the year, as the Board proudly recognized four student groups for their outstanding achievements.

The Danville Community High School (DCHS) Thespian Troupe showcased their talent at the Indiana Regional Conference, earning first place and securing a bid to the state competition, where they placed seventh overall. Their dedication and success were honored by the Board with certificates of commendation.

The DCHS cheerleaders made their mark on the national stage, placing 14th out of 92 teams in the Small Varsity Performance Division II at the UCA National High School Cheerleading Championship. The Board recognized their hard work and spirit with certificates of commendation and a unanimously approved Resolution of Congratulation.

Demonstrating excellence in agriculture, the Danville FFA Meats Judging Team placed second at the state level, earning a coveted spot at the National contest. The Board celebrated their commitment and success with certificates of commendation and a Resolution of Congratulation, approved unanimously. The entire school community wishes them the best as they prepare for Nationals!

The Danville swim team was also honored for their resilience during a season filled with challenges. Without a home pool, these dedicated athletes overcame obstacles with unwavering perseverance, traveling early for practices, staying late for meets, and making countless sacrifices. Their dedication earned them certificates of commendation and the admiration of the entire Danville community.

The Danville Community School Corporation congratulates these exceptional students for their achievements and hard work. Great job, Warriors!