HSE Schools names new director of Career & Technical Education

Cloud

In alignment with its mission to ensure all students graduate prepared for employment, post-secondary education, or enlistment in the armed services, Hamilton Southeastern Schools is proud to announce the appointment of Brandon Cloud as the district’s first Director of Career and Technical Education (CTE).

This new role, approved by the Board of School Trustees, builds upon the district’s ongoing efforts to provide meaningful career exploration, experiences, and pathways for all students.

Over the past two years, HSE Schools has partnered with Ford Next Generation Learning and engaged a diverse group of stakeholders – including students, parents, educators and community leaders to develop its Journey of a Student initiative. This work defines the knowledge, skills, and attributes students need to succeed and positions the district as a leader in preparing graduates for life beyond high school. The initiative also aligns with state graduation requirements and employability skill standards.

“This role is essential to continuing the transformational work that we have started, ensuring our students have access to opportunities that connect learning to real-world applications,” Superintendent Pat Mapes said. “I believe Brandon Cloud’s proven leadership within the district and his passion for helping students reach their goals in and outside of the classroom make him the ideal choice for this position.”

The Director of Career and Technical Education will oversee program development, engage with industry partners, and support staff in delivering high-quality career and technical education. It will also coordinate efforts with the Indiana Department of Education and local employers to ensure students graduate with the skills and credentials needed to obtain their future goals.

Cloud brings nearly three decades of experience in public education to the role, with more than half spent working in HSE. Over his career, he has served as a special education teacher, school counselor, and director of experiential and alternative learning. He launched the district’s first large-scale internship program, placing over 250 students annually in real-world job settings, and assisted in establishing partnerships with organizations like Conner Prairie, Fishers AgriPark, and the Medical Academic Center. Cloud is currently the Director of Alternative Education, leading the Hamilton Southeastern Fishers Academy, which provides non-traditional pathways to graduation, yielding a 99 percent success rate.

“I am honored to step into this new role and continue serving the students, staff and families of Hamilton Southeastern Schools,” Cloud said. “Our district is leading the charge in ensuring students are prepared for whatever path they choose, and I’m excited to expand on this initiative by helping strengthen community partnerships and enhancing career readiness programs.”

Cloud will continue his leadership at the Hamilton Southeastern Fishers Academy through the end of the school year while establishing this critical role to enhance career and technical education across the district.