Sheridan Schools names new superintendent

The Sheridan School Board approved the hiring of Mary Roberson as the district's new superin-tendent. Roberson currently serves as Superintendent of Perry Central Schools. Roberson will retire from her position at Perry Central at the end of December and begin her duties at Sheridan on Feb. 1, 2020. (From left) Alan Lyon, Nancy Boone, Mary Roberson, School Board President Todd Roberts, Jim Hopkins and Steve Dollahan. (Photo provided)

The Sheridan School Board voted to approve Ms. Mary Roberson as the next Superintendent of Sheridan Community Schools on Tuesday evening. Ms. Roberson will assume her leadership duties beginning Feb. 1, 2020.

Ms. Roberson brings with her a wealth of experience and expansive leadership qualities developed from her 33 years in public education. For the past 17 years, she has served as Superintendent of Perry Central Schools in a district very similar to Sheridan in Southern Indiana. During her tenure as Superintendent she has forged powerful business partnerships that have created exceptional college and career ready opportunities for students.

She began her public education career as a Kindergarten classroom teacher, Assistant Principal and most recently Superintendent, all within Perry Central Community School Corporation.

Honors and recognition for Roberson include a Sagamore of the Wabash by Governor Holcomb in 2019, an Honorary Degree from Ivy Tech Community College in 2014, 2011 District VII Superintendent of the Year, 2011 Southern Hills Counseling “Citizen of the Year,” 2005 Perry County Junior Women “Distinguished Woman of Year” and 2002 National Jefferson Award.

Roberson earned her bachelor and master degrees in elementary education from Indiana University Southeast, an EdS in Language Education and Curriculum from Indiana University Bloomington and courses for an Indiana Superintendent License from Indiana University Bloomington. She holds Indiana licenses as a teacher, principal and superintendent.

Following the approval Tuesday evening, Roberson commented, “I am thrilled to become part of the Sheridan school community. I have already been incredibly impressed with the students, staff and community, and I look forward to working with them to build upon the great things that are already happening here. I am grateful for the warm welcome and excited to work in such a progressive school system.”

Sheridan Board President Todd Roberts offered the following statement on behalf of the board: “Ms. Roberson comes to Sheridan Community Schools with a remarkable degree of experience as an accomplished educational leader. Her fundamental values, interpersonal skills and collaborative leadership style make her an exceptional individual to carry forward our vision and mission of putting students first in all that we do. We are excited to welcome Mr. Roberson and are eager for her to get to know our incredible students, staff and Sheridan Community.”

Ms. Roberson plans to relocate to the Sheridan community.