32-year school veteran named director of instruction

When asked to describe what he is passionate about in education, New Palestine High School Assistant Principal Miles Hercamp said, "My passion is working with students and watching students grow educationally and emotionally. I enjoy working with all educators to improve student achievement."

When Dr. Rhonda Peterson, current Director of Curriculum, decided to assume leadership of Brandywine Elementary School, a replacement strategy for her position was launched.

After 32 years in education, spending the last six as the Assistant Principal at New Palestine High School, Miles Hercamp has been named Director of Instruction for the district. "Miles is a hard-working, detail-focused, data-driven leader who has a strong connection with staff and students. He brings a perfect balance to this leadership position. Miles is strong in detail-driven projects but has a very approachable style which helps him connect with people."

"miles is a hard-working, detail-focused, data-driven leader who has a strong connection with staff and students. he brings a perfect balance to this leadership position." Lisa Lantrip, Superintendent

Miles Hercamp is ready for a change. "I am ready for a new challenge. I look forward to being able to impact the learning of all students in a whole new way," said Miles.

Miles has been impacting the learning of students in our corporation for many years. At NPHS, he spent 21 years as a Math Teacher and was Head of the Math Department for 10 years. He taught summer Physical Education for eight years and also spent 12 years teaching Driver's Education in the summer. Miles was the Dean of Students for four years. He spent a year as the Athletic Director and six years as Assistant Principal. Miles has shown a passion for education, a heart for kids, and a loyalty to our district that speaks volumes.

"Three traits of a great leader include: loyal, trustworthy, and passionate," said Lisa Lantrip, Superintendent. "Miles Hercamp is loyal to this district, trustworthy in decision-making, and passionate about the very things that embody education today. Miles is a natural leader who is trusted among colleagues. He is analytical in his thinking and collegial in spirit."

"miles hercamp is loyal to this district, trustworthy in decision-making, and passionate about the very things that embody education today. miles is a natural leader who is trusted among colleagues. he is analytical in his thinking and collegial in spirit."

When asked to reflect on the changes he has seen in the district over the past three decades, Miles said, "When I started at New Palestine High School in 1985, we were a school of about 650 students. We were considered to be a more rural school. Over the last 32 years, I have seen NPHS grow to more than 1,100 students. We have become a bedroom community to Indianapolis. I have seen the corporation grow from two to three elementary schools. I have watched technology in our district grow from a few labs of computers to a device for all of students throughout the district. A digital transformation in our district has changed how the curriculum is being delivered to the students."

"when i started at New Palestine high school in 1985, we were a school of about 650 students. We were considered to be a more rural school. Over the last 32 years, I have seen NPHS grow to more than 1,100 students."

"We are a forward-thinking, growing district. Miles has seen the corporation through many different phases over the years," said Lisa Lantrip. "He understands where we have been and where we are going. He has lived through many different instructional advancements throughout his career. He has seen technology introduced into our classrooms and embraced how that has changed the way content is delivered. Miles is a natural fit to lead instruction at Southern Hancock Schools and guide us into the future."

What does the future look like for learning in Southern Hancock Schools? "I see greater alignment of our curriculum through key performance indicators to drive data driven decisions. I also see our district continuing to enhance technology to improve instruction to meet the needs of our students in an ever-changing society," said Miles.

A long-time community member, Miles has made his home in New Palestine since 1991. "I like the close community connections and the easy accessibility to Indianapolis," said Miles. "We offer an outstanding education to all who attend our schools. We have a close staff who almost become an extended family. We have great students that work to their full potential. And, we have great families. I appreciate the commitment, passion and dedication the parents have for Southern Hancock Schools."

Miles and his wife, Denise, of 33 years, attend Cross of Grace Lutheran Church in New Palestine. His son Joey and his wife Lindsey are both New Palestine High School graduates, and they have two children Tucker and Lucy. Tucker is a kindergarten student at New Palestine Elementary School and Lucy will attend New Palestine Elementary School next year. Miles said his other son, Tyler, graduated from New Palestine High School and is married to Stephanie.

"I believe that we have great students, parents and a strong community in Southern Hancock Schools," said Miles. "I have high expectations as we move forward."

Miles has lofty goals and will create a roadmap to help us meet those goals. "I hope to bring my years of experience and connection with the community and Southern Hancock Schools into my role to continue to improve the learning experience for our students," said Miles.

And, that is exactly what it is all about. It is about improving the learning experience for students. "Miles is a student-centered, teacher-focused leader who embraces change and will lead with patience, perseverance and thoughtful planning," said Lisa Lantrip.

"Miles is a student-centered, teacher-focused leader who embraces change and will lead with patience, perseverance and thoughtful planning," said Lisa Lantrip.

Miles has a BS degree from the University of Indianapolis and an MS in Secondary Education from IUPUI. He completed Educational Leadership classes and has received his Principal’s License.

Congratulations to Miles Hercamp, Director of Instruction.

Article written by Janet Mann

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