FORTVILLE — Mt. Vernon has chosen a longtime administrator and educator in the district to lead its middle school.
Brooke Tharp starts as the school’s principal on June 9, bringing more than 20 years of experience in teaching and school administration, most of it at Mt. Vernon, where she also graduated from high school.
Tharp will leave her position as assistant principal at Mt. Vernon High School, which she’s held since 2016.
She replaces Benjamin Williams, who resigned in January to enter the business and consulting field.
As assistant principal at the high school, Tharp was involved in the school’s crisis prevention and safety team. From 2014 to 2016, she was assistant principal of the district’s middle school, where she chaired a committee for an accreditation process and developed school improvement plans and handbooks. Before that, she was special education department chair and a teacher from 2004 to 2014 at Mt. Vernon High School. Prior to that, she served as a special education teacher at Pendleton Heights High School and Mt. Vernon Middle School.
“I have drawn on my education and professional experience to form an educational leadership style built around servant leadership and a collaborative, team approach,” Tharp said in a news release. “I am focused on building and maintaining strong relationships with all stakeholders, working alongside teachers and staff to support a shared vision for high student achievement and growth, and fostering an environment that supports the academic, behavioral, social and emotional needs of all students.”
Tharp is pursuing a Doctorate of Education Administration at Indiana State University and holds a Master’s of Education from Butler University along with a bachelor’s degree in education from Indiana University. She holds Indiana building level administrator’s and professional educator’s licenses as well.
Tharp told the Daily Reporter she’s looking forward to her new role.
“The middle school staff, students, parents are wonderful to work with,” she said. “I’ve worked with them before, and I just really want to work alongside them to help the middle school be the best possible middle school it can be.”
Mt. Vernon’s news release states Tharp’s interpersonal relationship skills and experience in curriculum development, instructional practice and assessment were integral to her selection.
“Brooke’s vast experience in creating a school environment where the whole child is supported with a direct path to learn at high levels, made her an ideal selection,” said Jack Parker, Mt. Vernon superintendent, in the release. “Her leadership abilities and strong foundation to serve students and staff give me full confidence that Mt. Vernon Middle School will continue to grow and succeed.”
At a Mt. Vernon school board meeting earlier this week, Parker called Tharp an institution in the district with a high level of respect and admiration.
“A tireless worker, dedicated Mt. Vernon staff member, great instruction leader,” Parker said. “She’s got a special education background, and will be an incredible asset to bringing the school together to speak as one and work as one.”
The selection of Tharp was the culmination of an extensive hiring process, Parker also said.
“We put some great candidates through their paces and we’re delighted that we’re moving forward with Brooke,” he said.
