Jasper School Board bids farewell to Dr. Lorey, welcomes interim leader while searching for new superintendent
Heartfelt tributes and a significant leadership transition marked the Greater Jasper Consolidated School Board meeting on Monday evening. Board President Greg Eckerle opened the session with a poignant farewell to outgoing Superintendent Dr. Tracy Lorey, who is departing after 12 years at the helm and 32 years in the corporation.
Eckerle praised Lorey’s exceptional leadership, stating, “I can honestly say in all my years I’ve never met a better leader than Dr. Lorey,” He highlighted her preparedness, ability to handle any issue, and her rapport with individuals from all walks of life.
Eckerle shared a story that illustrated Lorey’s dedication and care for the school staff and all the students. He recounted how she once comforted a distressed kindergartner at the end of one school day. “(She was) really having a tough time just struggling,” he said about the student.
The young girl was beside herself, and no one could comfort her. Dr. Lorey took it upon herself to see if she could help and was able to calm her down. To ensure the rest of the day went well, she rode on the bus with the student to her home.
“I don’t know how many other superintendents would do that sort of thing. I expect not very many,” Eckerle said. “It just shows the heart she has.”
Dr. Lorey has been selected to work with the State Department of Education as Deputy Secretary of Education under Governor Mike Braun and Secretary of Education Dr. Katie Jenner.
“As much as we hate to see her leave, obviously the state will find out how good she is. We’ll still benefit from her expertise, her knowledge, how she’s able to handle things,” Eckerle said.
The board presented Lorey and her husband with lifetime passes to all sporting events, acknowledging her consistent presence at school events.
Lorey expressed gratitude for her tenure, saying, “It’s been my honor and pleasure to serve the students, staff, and community.”
Following the farewell, the board unanimously approved Dr. Mary Roberson as the interim superintendent.
Roberson, in her acceptance speech, thanked the board for their trust and paid tribute to Lorey’s legacy.
“Tracy and I go way back, and I’ve long admired her tenacity, her leadership, and like Greg pointed out, her genuine caring spirit,” Roberson said. She emphasized that Lorey’s work has not only shaped the district but also inspired many in the field of education.
Roberson outlined her approach to the interim role, quoting Maya Angelou: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
She expressed her commitment to maintaining the district’s strong trajectory. “My hope is that the community will feel confident, students will feel valued, teachers will feel empowered, and you as a board will feel assured,” Roberson stated.
Roberson will serve until the next superintendent is named. She has served in this role for other school corporations and has extensive experience as a superintendent.
The school board is working with a university search team to find a permanent superintendent. The team, led by Dr. Terry McDaniel from Indiana State University, includes Purdue, Indiana University, and Ball State representatives.
The corporation opened a survey seeking input from the population the corporation serves. You can take part in the survey here.
Applications for the permanent position will be accepted until March 7, after which the selection process will begin.
