Southmont Schools Names Dr. Chad Cripe as Superintendent

The Southmont Schools Board of Trustees named Dr. Chad Cripe as their new superintendent on Monday evening. The board approved Dr. Cripe’s hiring at a special meeting that ended a four-month search to replace former superintendent Dr. Shawn Greiner, who resigned in December 2021.

“Dr. Cripe has a passion for all things education, and truly believes in the values of servant leadership,” said Mr. Daryl Hutson, Board of Trustees president. “We are all excited to see the impact that he will undoubtedly have in our schools and in our community.”

Dr. Cripe will officially begin his time at Southmont Schools on July 1, 2022.

Dr. Cripe has been an educator for over 20 years, beginning his career as a social studies teacher and basketball coach. Later he became a building-level administrator, serving as principal at Hamilton Southeastern High School and Tippecanoe Valley High School. Since 2020 Dr. Cripe has served as superintendent of Oak Hill United School Corporation in Converse, Ind., which consists of three elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school. He earned his Doctorate, Education Specialist, and Master’s degrees from Ball State University, and his Bachelor’s degree in secondary education from Indiana University.

Dr. Cripe and his wife, Laura, have four children – Madeline (24), Charlotte (21), Henry (17), and Jack (10). Additionally, the Cripes have two grandchildren, Isabella (3) and Isaac (2). Dr. Cripe enjoys watching all sports and playing golf.

Southmont Schools has over 1,600 students, and consists of three elementary schools, one junior high school, and one middle school. Each and every Southmont Schools campus has one goal: preparing students for what comes next. From our earliest learners in the Little Mountie Preschool program, to our high school students getting ready to enter post-secondary education or the workforce – Southmont Schools strives to ensure each student has the ability, the education, and the passion to succeed.