Schimpf named new superintendent at North Central Parke

MARSHALL — It’s a homecoming of sorts for Mike Schimpf.

The outgoing principal of South Putnam High School has been named the new superintendent of North Central Parke Schools, the corporation announced via its Facebook page on Thursday.

Even as he leaves his home county for a new job, Schimpf returns to the area where he had his first principal’s post, spending 2014-15 as the principal at Turkey Run High School.

Mike Schimpf

“I feel so blessed to be entrusted to work in the role of superintendent and to become a part of the NCP family,” Schimpf said.

Schimpf has been the principal at South Putnam since 2015. He announced his resignation, effective June 30, in January.

He will replace Superintendent Tom Rohr, who announced his retirement in December. Rohr also has Putnam County connections, having spent several years as North Putnam superintendent in the 1980s.

In his time at North Central Parke, Rohr oversaw the consolidation of Rockville Junior/Senior High and Turkey Run Junior/Senior High into one middle school and one high school.

Parke Heritage Middle School is now in the former Turkey Run building, while Parke Heritage High School is in the former Rockville High School.

Schimpf will officially replace Rohr on July 1.

“I know that NCP is full of caring educators,” Schimpf said, “and I am eager to begin having conversations with staff and community members to determine needs and expectations to best enhance student learning.”

The Greencastle High School graduate began his teaching career at White’s Junior/ Senior High School before returning to his alma mater in 1999.

During his 14 years at GHS, Schimpf taught English as well as coaching cross country and track and field. He also spent time juggling his teaching duties with being the district energy manager.

In 2012, Schimpf left GHS to take a job as assistant principal at Eminence Schools.

He has degrees from Purdue University, Indiana State University and Indiana Wesleyan University.

“Education is my passion, but family is very important to me. In May, my wife Kari and I will be celebrating our 20th wedding anniversary,” Schimpf said. “We have two children: Noah, who will graduate this spring and attend Indiana University in the fall; and our daughter Ally is currently a sophomore in high school.”

Kari Schimpf remains a preschool teacher at Deer Meadow Primary School in Greencastle.

Earlier this month, current North Putnam High School Assistant Principal Levi Yowell was named Schimpf’s replacement at South Putnam.