We're "ON" It! - The Owen News

In a move that signals both continuity and a fresh perspective for local education, the Cloverdale Community School Corporation (CCSC) Board of School Trustees officially hired Dr. Stacy Mason during its meeting on May 11.

Dr. Mason, a veteran educator with three decades of experience, will succeed outgoing Superintendent Greg Linton. The board’s decision comes after an extensive search process aimed at finding a leader capable of maintaining Cloverdale’s unique identity while navigating the evolving landscape of Indiana education.

When asked to provide a snapshot of her professional journey, including where she earned her degrees and the key career stops that led her to CCSC, Dr. Mason highlighted a career dedicated to service in her home region.

“I am a lifetime Vigo County resident. I left to go to college at Indiana University Bloomington and returned,” she said. “All my 30 years in education have been at the VCSC (Vigo County School Corporation). I have been lucky enough to teach or lead at all levels including elementary, middle, high school and in district level positions. The majority of my career was spent at Terre Haute North Vigo High School where I was a teacher, dean, special education PAR, assistant principal and then principal. I then moved to the district level where I served as the Director of Secondary Education and Assistant Superintendent.”

Cloverdale is a district with a very distinct identity. When asked what the “selling point” was that convinced her this was where she wanted to lead, Dr. Mason noted the district’s reputation and its potential for growth.

“Cloverdale has a strong reputation in the education sector. The district is known for solid leadership by both Mr. Linton and the board with excellent educational, athletic and extra-curricular opportunities for students,” she said. “I was intrigued by the size of the district and the community. After working my whole career in a district the size of VCSC, I felt this would bring a new perspective and offer a welcome challenge. I felt due to the nature of the experiences I have had to this point in my career and my skill set, CCSC would be a good fit.”

Regarding how she plans to get the “lay of the land” and understand the specific culture of Cloverdale’s schools, Dr. Mason emphasized immediate engagement.

“I have already met with the principals and started tours of the facilities,” she explained. “Once I am in the office in July, I will offer ‘Meet and Greet’ times for students, staff and parents. I, too, plan to go out into the community to begin making acquaintances.”

When asked what tangible change or improvement residents can point to a year from now because of her vision, Dr. Mason pointed toward a collaborative roadmap.

“With the board’s guidance, together, we will develop a ‘Strategic Plan’ that will outline goals for the district spanning the next five years,” she said. “In developing the plan, we will seek feedback and input from all stakeholders inside and outside of the district. An example of one goal that has been shared is to increase our marketing footprint so that we are highlighting our students, staff and all the good things happening at CCSC for all to see. I would love to grow the ways in which we communicate with families and the community through social media and other means as well as to offer a website that is user friendly and inviting.”

With shifts in state-wide educational standards and funding, Dr. Mason was asked how she plans to protect Cloverdale’s local interests while navigating broader political and financial pressures.

“Students are the key to funding stability. CCSC must offer innovative programming to attract new students,” she said. “By expanding athletic, extra-curricular, dual credit or advanced placement programming, we are offering something that others around us don’t, making CCSC the exception. Getting feedback from our students at all levels will tell us what students want. While CCSC has taken the steps that other corporations haven’t with their very successful virtual school, we can investigate what other adaptive learning models might be attractive to students. Career center and CTE offerings that truly expand on the new graduation requirements and pathways will be a way to attract students. Finding time to send teams to visit other schools and districts to see how they implement new or varied programs is always a way to spark new ideas. Our students have to have a big voice in this initiative; they know what they want and listening to them will allow us to think outside of the box.”

When asked what she sees as the biggest challenge facing Cloverdale students today and how her administration plans to tackle it, Dr. Mason focused on the balance of life and academics.

“For Cloverdale students and all students, I believe helping them to focus on the rigors of school while balancing the challenges of society and life in general is tough,” she explained. “Ensuring that students and families have the resources they need to support student achievement and well-being is important. Understanding what our families need and how we can help outside of what CCSC is already doing is something we will study.”

The relationship between a superintendent and the community is vital. On the topic of building trust with parents and taxpayers who might be skeptical of new leadership, Dr. Mason pledged high visibility.

“For me, developing relationships with civic groups, community organizations, businesses, local government leaders and nearby higher education institutions is imperative as the superintendent of CCSC,” she said. “Superintendents must immerse themselves in the fiber of the community in order to gain the trust and respect of those around them. That immersion means active attendance at community and school events. Students, staff and parents need to see their superintendent. Being present and engaged at school functions both during the school day and in the evening is top priority. Visibility and approachability come with being where everyone else is. Active listening and interactions with all stakeholders at school functions will help me to keep a pulse on the heartbeat of the district.”

In her experience, when asked what the key is to maintain a healthy relationship with the school board and the faculty, and what “collaboration” looks like in her office, Dr. Mason spoke to the power of shared goals.

“I believe that good communication with the board and with staff ensures a smooth working environment,” she said. “Whether the communication is coming directly from me to faculty or through the principals, timely and consistent messaging is vital for everyone to be on the same page. I often like to get feedback from those that I am working with to understand what they need from me. Collaboration is important to me and an area of strength in my leadership practices. We are all better and smarter when we are working as one.”

For those in the community who don’t have children in the school system, Dr. Mason explained why they should be excited about her appointment and how a strong school corporation benefits Cloverdale as a whole.

“Strong schools attract families,” she emphasized. “If our schools grow, Cloverdale grows and so does business.”

Beyond her professional resume, Dr. Mason shared a look at the person behind the desk and what she and her family do in their free time.

“My husband and I have three grown children. My oldest daughter lives in Cleveland, Ohio and is an entrepreneur working to grow a small business,” she said. “My son is an accountant at Thrive West Central in Terre Haute and my youngest daughter just finished her sophomore year at IU Southeast in New Albany. All my kids were athletes playing multiple sports, so we have spent our free time on the ball fields or the court. Our lives have slowed a bit as we are now down to just watching one daughter on the court as she plays volleyball at IU Southeast.”

When asked if there is a particular book, mentor or piece of advice that has shaped her approach to leadership, Dr. Mason credited her upbringing.

“My parents were educators, and I grew up in a household that valued education and treating others the way you want to be treated,” she said. “I am a product of their love and guidance. My ultimate hope is to lead with kindness and heart, always remembering that students are at the center of everything we do in this field and that if the adults around them are not happy or taken care of, whether the issue is big or small, students lose out. My parents and several other strong, caring leaders I have had the privilege to work with over the years have helped to shape me into the person I am today.”

Starting a new position in a new town is a big step. When asked what she and her family are most looking forward to exploring in the Cloverdale and Putnam County area, she already has a destination in mind.

“I have never been to Lieber State Park,” she said. “I think that is one of the first places we will explore. I hear it is a treasure!”

Finally, when asked what direct message she would send to every student walking into a Cloverdale classroom on their first day this fall, Dr. Mason offered a hand of partnership.

“I would like CCSC students to know that I am here for them,” she said. “I am ready to listen and learn from them so that we can work collaboratively with staff, parents and the community to make school the absolute best place for them every day!”

Following the appointment, CCSC Board President Ms. Vivian Whitaker described the rigorous process the board went through during the search and what she anticipates Dr. Mason will bring to CCSC.

“We used the University Search Team, led by Dr. Terry McDaniel, to screen the 19 applications and make a recommendation as to the ones they felt we should interview. As a result, we offered interviews to seven people, five of whom accepted,” Ms. Whitaker said. “Following those interviews, we selected two finalists with whom we felt comfortable. Each candidate was to prepare a 10-minute presentation on something they feel passionate about that would improve the quality of our schools.”

Ms. Whitaker noted that Dr. Mason stood out immediately during the final stages.

“Dr. Stacy Mason’s presentation knocked it out of the park,” she said. “It was obvious she did her homework in learning about our school corporation. Her vision aligns with everything we are doing now. I believe she will continue the excellent leadership set by Mr. Greg Linton. I’m so very pleased that Dr. Mason is now part of the Clover family.”

Guest speaker Daryl Kasper speaks at the podium while American Legion Putoff-Lautenschlager Post #141 Honor Guard members Helen Jones (left), Randy Mitten and Rick Hoffman stand steadfastly in the falling rain during Memorial Day services at the Lutheran Cemetery near Patricksburg on Sunday, May 24. As part of the program, Owen County helped carry the light of America 250 forward by welcoming a commemorative lantern (shown on the table) traveling across Indiana. Inspired by the lanterns of the Revolutionary War era, the relay leads up to the nation’s semiquincentennial and symbolizes remembrance, unity and the enduring spirit of patriotism connecting communities today. TRAVIS CURRY | THE OWEN NEWS

American Legion Post #141 Honor Guard members Jack Hauser, left, and Arthur Bailey carry the U.S. flag and the flag of Indiana through the Lutheran Cemetery near Patricksburg during Memorial Day services on May 24. TRAVIS CURRY | THE OWEN NEWS

Putoff-Lautenschlager Post #141 Honor Guard member Frank Jones plays Taps on a ceremonial electric bugle as a fellow guard member salutes during Memorial Day services at the Lutheran Cemetery near Patricksburg on May 24. TRAVIS CURRY | THE OWEN NEWS

Featured speaker Pastor Alan Farmer addresses the crowd during a Memorial Day ceremony held May 25 at the historic Hudson Hill Cemetery chapel in northeast Montgomery Township. Originally established as “Decoration Day” in the wake of the American Civil War—to honor fallen soldiers by decorating their graves with flowers—Memorial Day has evolved into a deeply rooted national tradition of remembrance. TRAVIS CURRY | THE OWEN NEWS

Members of the Owen County Honor Guard prepare for a 21-gun salute during the Memorial Day service in Chambersville Cemetery on May 25. There were four services in the Spencer area, starting at Chambersville Cemetery, moving to the Owen County Courthouse, making a stop at Veteran's Memorial Bridge and concluding at Riverside Cemetery.

Former VFW Post #1405 Commander Ted Mangin gives the speech at the Owen County Courthouse Memorial Day service.

Spencer American Legion Post #285 Commander Mitchell Muse (left) and Spencer VFW Post #1405 Commander Brian Nash pose for a photo.

Past Department President and current Secretary of the VFW Post #1405 Auxiliary, Sharron Barger (right), places a wreath during the Memorial Day service in Riverside Cemetery. NICOLE DECRISCIO | THE OWEN NEWS

Owners Josh Singh (left) and Harry Singh, pictured alongside employee Prince Singh (right), welcome customers to their new convenience store and Shell gas station at 5720 Main St. in Freedom. In addition to standard convenience store staples like snacks, beer, wine, and fountain drinks, BJ Market serves hot food items - including chicken and breakfast sandwiches - and will soon feature made-to-order options through an upcoming partnership with Hunt Brothers Pizza. The business is now open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. TRAVIS CURRY | THE OWEN NEWS

Robert Boltinghouse took the lead of the Owen Valley High School Patriots seven years ago, after spending about 15 years as a special education teacher, athletic director, assistant principal and middle school principal in other districts.

In the fall, Boltinghouse will return to Edgewood High School, the school he taught at for eight years and graduated from in 1998, as principal. He hopes to bring the skill set he developed at OVHS, his vision for career pathway development and philosophy of individualizing education for students.

Despite a slightly larger student body and change of day to day scenery, Boltinghouse’s goal stays the same.

“It’ll be the same mission at Edgewood,” Boltinghouse said. “No matter who you are, no matter where you go, leave it better than you found it.”

Andy Cline, Spencer-Owen Community Schools Superintendent, has worked with Boltinghouse since he began as superintendent five years ago. He said Edgewood is receiving a student-driven principal.

“He will be thinking about the kids first in whatever capacity that may be, whether it’s academics, or the arts or athletics,” Cline said. “He will always put those students first. He’ll look to support those kids and their families in whatever ways he can.”

OVHS legacy

At OVHS, Boltinghouse helped develop a career pathway program containing about 20 options that give students the opportunity to tailor their high school education to explore a career of their choice and integrate them into the community to gain experience.

It was a team effort, Boltinghouse said, that required a supportive staff, teachers and guidance department to work together to focus on individual students and interests while equipping them with skills they could use after graduation.

Derek Morgan, S-OCS School Board President, said he thinks of Boltinghouse as a “bold and decisive leader,” qualities that make him an asset for Edgewood.

“He is somebody who sees a problem, and identifies a path forward and pursues that path and goes at it with force,” Morgan said. “He doesn’t sit back and wait for things to get worse.”

Both Cline and Morgan pointed to Boltinghouse’s work to revitalize OVHS through an inclusive culture and fun atmosphere. One project the principal executed was placing bright graphics and phrases around the school. They made students feel seen, like they were a part of something, Morgan said.

“That’s been something he’s worked hard at and something that I think is going to be a lasting legacy in that building,” Morgan said. “I think everybody should strive to make the place better than they found it, and I fully believe that he’s left it better than he found it.”

Boltinghouse said he tried to stretch the money from the school’s Coca-Cola sponsorship to take care of and show appreciation for teachers and revitalize the school. OVHS was in good shape and well maintained, he said, but “very bland and very boring.”

“We wanted the student body to have an identity,” Boltinghouse said.

The project, parts of which used district money and local sponsors, included bright, Patriot-themed wraps on the gym doors, a track and field record board and signs with phrases like “Proud to be a Patriot” and “Patriot Proud.” Outside, at the front of the school, blue channel letters light up to spell “Home of the Patriots,” a way to market the school from State Road 46, Boltinghouse said.

When Boltinghouse first came to OVHS, he would hear people say things like, “What do you expect? This is Owen County,” an outlook he believes stunted students from seeing they could succeed and achieve.

The signage and “Patriot Nation” mantra came from his desire to remind students on a daily basis that they belong.

“They start to build a belief and a pride in themselves, that no matter what they want to do, college, workforce, military, that they could go out and they could achieve those things,” Boltinghouse said. “I think that has shifted. Kids take pride in what they’re doing.”

Plans for Edgewood High School

Edgewood leadership had given him opportunities to return to the school in the past, but it never felt like the right time, Boltinghouse said. This year, Edgewood principal Dirk Ackerman is retiring, with Boltinghouse’s role to officially begin July 1.

Taking the lead of the Edgewood Mustangs this fall felt like an opportune chance to use his skill set in career pathway development and keep the momentum the school already created going. Boltinghouse specifically believed he could help the school bolster its hands-on learning opportunities.

“It’s a chance to go home,” Cline said. “There’s always high expectations going home. Just take the best things that you have and go home and make your hometown better. That’s what I’ve always said to him in our conversations.”

Following some construction down the line, Edgewood is set to be one of the first schools in the state to offer opportunities in robotic manufacturing and the addition of a medical-related wing for a medical pathway program in partnership with Cook Medical and Boston Scientific.

Just like in Owen County, Boltinghouse plans to reconnect with people he knew while growing up in the area and build connections with the businesses and organizations in the community to connect the school and students with chances for experience.

“To be back at Edgewood, I told them in the interview, this is not just a job for me,” Boltinghouse said. “This is something that I take very serious, but it’s also kind of an honor to be back and serve the same community that invested so much in me.”

Making the decision to move schools was difficult and bittersweet, Boltinghouse said. But, the move was about his vision and where the Richland-Bean Blossom Community School Corporation is headed.

“I was definitely not out shopping for jobs,” Boltinghouse said. “I probably would not have left for anything but Edgewood, and it just had to be the right time, right place.”

New principal search

Owen Valley’s search for a new principal is already underway, with about 18 applicants, Cline said. The hiring committee has begun reviewing applications and holding interviews for the position and is expected to narrow down a finalist soon, Cline said.

“He will be missed, and he has made a positive impact on our kids,” Cline said. “But as we move forward, we’ll try and find a person with similar qualities, and who has an endearment towards our community and our kids.”

Owen County is now closer than ever to beginning the long-awaited jail project.

With a site selected, prospective negotiations to lower utility infrastructure costs and a more favorable financial position, the process of issuing government bonds for the project could begin at the June 8 County Council meeting.

The Owen County Council heard a presentation from financial advisor Jeff Peters on the county's financial position at its May meeting. Peters is with Peters Franklin based in Indianapolis.

Peters has been a longtime adviser on the county’s finances, especially in pursuing the construction of a new jail.

In the update given by Peters, he said that the implementation of a new local income tax structure has been pushed back from 2027 to 2028 due to activity in the state legislature. This means that the earliest Owen County would see additional income tax revenue is 2029. This restructures the local income tax to consolidate the separate local income tax (LIT) funds into one, eliminating the jail LIT and the PSAP (Public Safety Answering Point) LIT.

Additionally, 25 percent of the revenue from one of the income tax levies had to be sent to municipalities. A new formula has changed the percentage, which is now based on the proportionate share of the municipality's population. This means more of that income tax revenue will go to the county.

“Based on the best information we have today, the way the legislation is written, your income stream is better than what we had previously anticipated for that reason,” Peters said. “The good news is based on the new jail project site and the two estimates that have been delivered, which is an option of 104 beds or 112 beds, we believe that you can fund either one of those scenarios based on these things we’re going to walk through.”

Peters also cited a growing income tax base for the county. The county saw a 4.3 percent increase from 2023 to 2024, the most recent year for which audited income tax receipts are available. He said that this means that income tax revenue for the operational side of the county’s budget is sufficient and growing.

“We would believe that you will have sufficient income tax revenue along with your other revenue to meet the needs that you’re going to have going forward and be able to cover the inflation on that,” he said. “If you think there are some big issues coming up where that’s not going to be true, then we probably want to talk about that because that is one of the primary assumptions, that you’re going to have enough revenue to do everything you wanted to do.”

He said that, based on this information, the county could support an annual debt service of $2.745 million for the new jail facility.

The 104-bed version of the facility would have an annual debt service of $2.25 million, while the 112-bed version would have $2.65 million.

The difference, beyond the number of beds available and price, also lies in the number of holding and detox cells in the area adjacent to what would be the sally port. If the county later needed to add to this portion of the facility, both the cost and the scope of work could pose challenges. For example, to add to that portion of the facility, they would have to tear down the sally port, expand the holding area and then rebuild it.

If the county runs into issues in the future funding the jail project through the current income tax levy, it can increase the levy to 2.9 percent, up from the current 2.5 percent. A 0.1 percent difference comes out to approximately $550,000 annually.

“I still think under the model that we’ve talked about before, at this point, you can stay at the 2.5 percent and fund everything that you want to do,” Peters said.

This honors the council’s desire not to raise property taxes to fund the jail project.

That being said, in order to move forward with the jail project before the income tax revenue comes through in 2029, the county will have payments due in 2027 and 2028 totaling approximately $3 million. The county ended 2025 with $6.5 million in cash reserves in the general fund, which is roughly a year’s worth of operating cash, according to Peters.

“That’s a great benefit to you and shows that you have been diligent about saving that money going forward,” he said.

Currently, the county also has $2.5 million in economic development, $1.6 million in their public safety LIT and $4 million in the correctional facility LIT funds.

“But as we had talked about before in the model that we had developed, we were going to take all of that $4 million, pledge it toward the project to buy down the bond size, so that’s already been accounted for and spent,” Peters said.

Doing so helps save on interest and total principal, and Peters said that it is possible to spend cash reserves on making the debt payments in 2027 and 2028.

Councilman Nick Robertson asked if the county’s financial position looked better than it did when Peters last presented information to them four months ago.

“It does, and the three biggest points on that is the formula that made you share with cities and towns got better to your benefit. We saw a 4.3 percent actual increase in your income tax base in the county, so that shows that you’re growing and the ability to share four percent of your income tax toward EMS is a big safeguard if you foresee a problem when we get into the future years,” Peters said.

Councilman Anton Neff asked about using the $4 million in the jail facility LIT to fund the debt service payment.

“In the model, we’ve already committed it to buy down the bond, so it’s already been committed to the project itself. If you want to utilize that, I think that’s an option, and we would just go back, pull the $4 million out and up the debt service. So instead of being $2.5 or $2.6 million, now it might be $2.75 and $2.8 million,” Peters said of the rates.

Neff pointed out that the county could also sell the property that the current jail and storage units sit on in order to help with the shortfall in year two after the jail is built.

Although that could not take place until the new facility is finished, which will take about 18 months.

Those two properties have not yet been appraised to know how much the county could make from the sale.

The total cost of the project, including purchasing the 17 acres between Walmart and the Owen County Family YMCA and the necessary sewer upgrades, would be $38.5 million for a 112-bed facility or $37.4 million for a 104-bed facility.

Neff did not share Peters’ optimism on the county’s financial position.

“I’m going to still need some time to look at these numbers, but I still think we’re scraping it pretty thin here. We’re on thin ice with these kinds of numbers, and it may sound good on paper,” he said. “I don’t think it takes into account the distribution to other units of government, which the state legislature in the next session will definitely be tinkering with again. So we’ve got to be careful about banking on the entire capacity because we may end up having to give some of that capacity up to support the towns, support the library, support the schools, because they’re all going to want their share.”

County Auditor Sheila Reeves asked if it was feasible for the council to be able to move forward with a decision at their June meeting.

“It’s really up to you as the fiscal body and what assumptions and risks you’re willing to accept at this point from the bond selling part of it,” Peters said.

He said that the county has demonstrated the needed reasonable expectation that they could pay the bond through income tax and not property tax. To do the latter, the council would have to begin demonstrating that property tax revenue could support it. That isn’t how the council wants to move forward.

In addition, the courthouse will serve as the initial security collateral for the bond's interest payments during construction as long as the value is considered equal to or greater than their interest payments due on the bonds. Once construction is complete and the county has the jail facility and property back in its possession, following the BOT or Build-Operate-Transfer process.

Robertson asked what Peters would think if he were a resident of Owen County.

“You made a commitment to build a jail based on income taxes that you imposed twice. I think you need to build a jail and try to pay for it with income taxes, and at this point in time, you have the ability to do that,” Peters said.

Councilman Joe Frye asked if Peters had seen counties in worse financial positions.

Peters said he had but that when he started working with Owen County six or seven years ago, the county was close to one of the worst that he has seen.

“I think operationally you’re in real good shape. If you need to undertake a project, which you all agree you should, you have the means to do it at this point in time,” Peters said. “I don’t think you’re in bad shape now. I think you were.”

Frye asked Peters what his vote would be if he were on the council.

“It would be yes. It’d go back to [the fact that] you as a fiscal body made an obligation when you raised those taxes to replace the jail, and if you have a viable option to do it, I think you know the time has come,” Peters said.

He added that the price of the jail project six or seven years ago was not $37 or $38 million.

“And it’s not going to get any cheaper,” Council President Polly Chesser said.

Peters will be at the council’s next meeting, which will take place at 6 p.m. June 8 in the Commissioners’ Room on the second floor of the Owen County Courthouse, 60 S. Main St., Spencer.