Avon Announces 4 Administrators

On May 27, the last day of the 2021-22 school year, the Avon Board of Trustees approved Dr. Wyndham's recommendation to hire four administrators. Each will begin their new roles this summer, before the start of the upcoming school year.

Brad Bates - Avon Intermediate School East Principal

With AIS East Principal Jenny Shayotovich transitioning to a role in the Administration this summer, we have undertaken a thorough search for her replacement. In conversations with AIS East staff, a common theme emerged: "We already have who we need." After two rounds of interviews with multiple candidates, the hiring team realized the staff was correct. Long-time Assistant Principal Brad Bates was the clear consensus to become Principal at AIS East this summer. Before becoming Assistant Principal at AIS East in 2016, Mr. Bates served as an Assistant Principal in Evansville. He also has experience working in higher education and as a 4th and 5th grade teacher. He has a Bachelor's degree in Sports Administration and Master's degrees in Elementary Education (University of Southern Indiana), Academic Advising (Kansas State University), and Business Administration (University of Indianapolis).

Keith Haston - Director of Transportation

For years, Avon's Facilities and Transportations Departments have been led by Mike Rawlinson, who has been doing a wonderful job leading these very distinct teams. These are separate positions in all other districts of Avon's size, so district administrators decided it was in our best interest to divide these responsibilities. Mr. Rawlinson will be the Director of Facilities, and after a thorough process, Assistant Director of Transportation Keith Haston has been chosen to become Director of Transportation. Since 2013, Mr. Haston has played a key role in all aspects of the department, ensuring staffing needs are met, compliance with state regulations is maintained, and managing a staff of about 180 office workers, drivers, aides, and mechanics. Prior to coming to Avon Schools, Mr. Haston had a distinguished career in the US military. 

Ranesha Lee - Avon Middle School North Assistant Principal

Looking at the enrollment growth projected for Avon's middle schools in the coming years, it became clear that we needed more administrative support at AMS North and South. Eric Mattingly was announced as Assistant Principal at AMS South earlier this spring. We repeated the process after Matt Hines was hired to replace retiring AMS North Principal Susan Green and he participated in the search for the AMS North Assistant Principal. Nearly 90 individuals applied for the position, and Ranesha Lee distinguished herself from the field. She is an Avon resident and currently serves as an Instructional Coach at IPS. She has teaching experience in IPS and Wayne Township Schools. Ms. Lee holds a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and a Master's degree in Educational Leadership, both from IUPUI. 

Christy Shepard - Sycamore Elementary School Assistant Principal

Current Sycamore Elementary Assistant Principal Karmesha Molton will move to River Birch Elementary this summer. The rigorous process to fill this position included input from Sycamore staff, parents, and district administrators. Christy Shepard, long-time Avon Schools educator and current Sycamore Instructional Coach, will serve as Assistant Principal at Sycamore beginning this summer. An educator who has continued developing in her leadership throughout her 22-year career at Avon Schools, Mrs. Shepard has a Bachelor's degree in Special Education (Indiana University), a Master's from Indiana Wesleyan, and an MBA in Educational Leadership from University of Indianapolis.

Congratulations to our new administrators!