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South Putnam Principal Puckett announces retirement
After more than three decades working in education, South Putnam Middle/High School Principal Kieth Puckett has announced his intention to retire.
Puckett issued a press release Wednesday morning announcing his retirement, set to take effect June 30.
"I'm happy to leave the middle school and high school in good shape, and I'll be excited to watch our students interact with our young faculty in the coming years. We have an incredible group of teachers with an unsurpassed school culture. Our school board and Superintendent (Bruce) Bernhardt have set us up to be a strong school for years to come," Puckett said.
He received a bachelor's degree in English education and Indiana secondary teacher's license from Indiana Central University in 1980 and a master's degree in English education from DePauw University in 1984. He attained his secondary administration license from IUPUI in 1998.
Puckett started his education career at Cloverdale Community Schools in 1980 where he taught language arts and served as the yearbook adviser, coached varsity cross country, freshman basketball and varsity boys' track.
He referred to his start at South Putnam Community Schools in 1984 as moving "home."
"The Puckett family has been in the South Putnam system since 1952. Every single calendar year since 1952, a Puckett has been in one or more of the schools that now make up our corporation. We are so grateful to this corporation for the education and the inspiration we received while we were students here," Puckett said.
He is a 1976 South Putnam High School graduate.
During his tenure at South Putnam, Puckett has served as the athletic director, school safety specialist, taught junior high language arts, coached cross country, girls' track and served as the varsity basketball coach through three sectional championships.
"The relationships I've forged with players, my coaching staff, as well as opposing coaches still serve as a point of pride for me," Puckett noted.
Puckett has served in his current capacity as principal since 2006, and noted his pride in the accomplishments of the school corporation during his time there.
Since the inception of the Indiana Department of Education's accountability grade, South Putnam Community School Corporation has not received less than an 'A' grade, Puckett said. The school has received its first Four Star rating in 2014 and consistently led area schools in graduation rates.
Superintendent Bernhardt stressed how much of an asset Puckett has been to South Putnam Community Schools over the years.
"Mr. Puckett has had a wonderful career serving our community in so many facets including teacher, coach, athletic director and principal. He is a strong role model and has always held high expectations for both students and adults. South Putnam Middle/High School students have been recognized on a state-wide basis for high levels of achievement under his administrative leadership. Mr. Puckett has had the opportunity during the last few years to hire most of the faculty and staff in his building and, together, they have maintained an environment where students excel not only in their studies, but in life. It has been my privilege to work with Mr. Puckett over the years and I thank him for his efforts and commitment to excellence in our schools," Bernhardt said.
Puckett has been married to Greencastle Community School Corporation Superintendent Dawn Puckett for 35 years. Together they have two children, Anthony is a teacher at Franklin Central High School and Andrew works in the technology department at DePauw University. They also have three grandchildren.
"Family has been huge for me. My wife Dawn and I have been partners in everything we've done since we were 14-years-old. There's nothing I've been able to accomplish that she isn't largely responsible for. In addition, I've always idolized my brothers and tried to emulate their successes. They are my heroes," Puckett said.