On Friday, Dec. 20, the Marion School Board approved a new superintendent for Marion Community Schools: Assistant Superintendent Stephanie Lockwood will move up into the role.
Lockwood, who has served as Assistant Superintendent at Marion Community Schools since January 2021, will oversee all operations and programming for the school system as Superintendent, with her start date in the new role set for Jan. 4.
She will build on her work as Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, along with her years as Principal for grades 5-8 at McCulloch Junior High School and Justice Intermediate School. Lockwood has been with Marion Community Schools since 2019, and has been in educational leadership in Grant County for about 20 years. Her connections to Marion Community Schools run much deeper, as her father, Herb McPherson, is a Hall of Fame basketball player and was a longtime teacher and coach at Marion, and her brothers were standout athletes in the 1990s.
"I am excited to serve Marion Community Schools as Superintendent," Lockwood said. "I am grateful for Mr. Burke's leadership in Marion over the past decade, and I wish him all the best in his next chapter. Our work in Marion will continue, with an intentional focus on reading and math instruction and continued growth for all students. I think we have a significant opportunity to provide excellent opportunities and experiences that will enhance the lives of our students and the future of our community."
As Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, Lockwood has been focused on the alignment of curriculum and opportunities from the high school, down to the junior high, and even into the intermediate and elementary schools. In addition, she has been leading efforts to modernize district processes and procedures to allow for more effective administration, more efficient use of resources, and better employee relations and support across the district.
"It is a privilege to work with administrators, educators, and staff who are committed to serving our students, families, and community well," Lockwood said. "I am grateful for the opportunity to continue the work of supporting our educators, engaging with our families, and collaborating with our community as we work to finish the school year strong. This is my way to give back to our community, to give my best to this school corporation. We are here to work together, and I am absolutely committed to that."
Lockwood earned her Bachelor’s Degree in English Secondary Education, Master’s Degree in Secondary Education, and Principal's Licensure, all from BSU, and Ed.S from Oakland City University in Oakland, IN, and is in her final year of work toward her Doctoral Degree.