Perry Central Wins State Education Award, Boosts Community Recruitment

Perry Central Community School Corporation received statewide recognition this month when the district was named a recipient of the Hoosier Excellence in Education award, Superintendent Tara Bishop told the school board on December 8. The honor was formally presented at the Indiana Department of Education 2025 Education Excellence Gala on December 11, marking a high profile validation of programs and outcomes in the county school system.

At the meeting Superintendent Bishop highlighted staff and student achievements that were cited in the district nomination, and she said the district will continue the targeted academic and extracurricular programs that contributed to the award. School officials described the recognition as both a celebration of recent gains and a call to sustain the practices that produced them.

The award carries immediate symbolic value for Perry County. Local officials expect the distinction to reinforce community pride and to become a tool in recruitment efforts for teachers and for families weighing school choices. In a tight labor market for educators, external validation from the state education department can strengthen the school corporation s case when competing for talent and when seeking partnerships with regional employers and postsecondary institutions.

Beyond personnel, the recognition has policy implications for the school board and county leaders. The accolade is likely to sharpen focus on maintaining the programs highlighted in the nomination, and it may influence budget priorities and oversight expectations in coming board sessions. Voters and civic stakeholders will likely watch whether the district translates recognition into measurable, sustained improvements in student outcomes and equity of opportunity across schools.

Transparency and accountability will determine whether the award produces long term benefits. Residents interested in follow up should monitor school board agendas and district performance reports to see how implementation, staffing and funding decisions align with the priorities cited during the nomination process. For now, the Hoosier Excellence in Education award gives Perry Central a moment of recognition and raises expectations for continued progress.