Rossville Superintendent Named IAPSS District III Superintendent of the Year

Rossville, IN – May 14, 2026 – Dr. James Hanna, Superintendent of Rossville Consolidated School District, has been named the 2026 District III Superintendent of the Year by the Indiana Association of Public School Superintendents (IAPSS).

District winners are selected by fellow superintendents for their leadership, professional accomplishments, and impact on students and schools. Hanna will now be considered, along with seven other district honorees, for the 2027 Indiana Superintendent of the Year, which will be announced in July.

Under Hanna’s leadership, the Rossville Consolidated School District has remained focused on academic excellence, student support, and strong community collaboration. Guided by the district’s vision of “Achieve, Lead, Learn, Inspire (ALL IN),” Rossville has continued to build systems that prioritize high student achievement while ensuring all students have access to meaningful educational opportunities.

A major focus of Hanna’s leadership has been strengthening outcomes for students receiving special education services. Through inclusive instructional practices, expanded collaboration between general and special education staff, and the creation of the Clinton County Joint Services Cooperative, Rossville has enhanced both services and student outcomes. Approximately 75 percent of Rossville students with disabilities are now educated in the general education classroom for at least 80 percent of the school day, while students with disabilities maintain an attendance rate near 95 percent and a graduation rate of approximately 89 percent.

Hanna has also emphasized transparency, collaboration, and data-driven decision-making throughout the district. Rossville consistently demonstrates strong academic performance, including a 95 percent third-grade literacy pass rate and graduation pathway completion rates approaching 96 percent. Through proactive communication, community partnerships, and a strong governance relationship with the school board, Hanna has fostered a culture of trust and shared commitment to student success.

In addition to academic achievement, Hanna has led efforts to expand educational opportunities and strengthen fiscal efficiency through regional partnerships and innovative programming. Rossville students have access to advanced coursework, career pathways, and the Indiana College Core, while partnerships such as Clinton County Joint Services allow neighboring districts to share expertise and resources to better serve students.

“Dr. Hanna is a thoughtful and collaborative leader who understands how to balance academic excellence, fiscal responsibility, and student-centered decision-making,” said Dr. Jeff Butts, IAPSS Executive Director. “His commitment to inclusive practices, strong community partnerships, and continuous improvement has positioned Rossville Consolidated School District as a model of innovation and educational excellence.”

Reflecting on the recognition, Hanna said, “I am truly humbled by this honor and deeply appreciative of the dedication, compassion, and hard work demonstrated each day by our entire school community in educating and supporting all the students we serve. I am also grateful for my fellow superintendents and the continued support of the Indiana Association of Public School Superintendents as we work together to move education forward across the state for all students.”

The Indiana Superintendent of the Year will be selected from the eight IAPSS district honorees by the association’s Distinguished Service Committee and announced in October.