Welcome Home: Jake Steinmetz returns as new principal at Owen Valley High School

For Owen Valley High School's new principal Jake Steinmetz, leading the school isn't just the next step in his career; it's a homecoming.

After 13 years in school administration and a career shaped by mentors, educators, and diverse leadership experiences, Steinmetz has returned to the place where his journey in education began. His connection to Owen Valley runs even deeper than his first teaching position. His mother once served as a special education teacher at Owen Valley High School, making his return especially meaningful.

"I started my teaching career at OV, so I am excited to come full circle and be able to lead the building into the future," Steinmetz said. "I am looking forward to starting the school year and seeing how the students grow this school year."

Education has long been part of Steinmetz's family's story. His father was a professor at Indiana University before serving as a college administrator at several institutions, while his mother dedicated her career to helping students with special needs at Owen Valley. Although he grew up surrounded by educators, it wasn't until college, through volunteering in schools and coaching, that he realized teaching was the path he wanted to pursue.

Since then, Steinmetz has spent more than a decade serving in school leadership roles, learning from experienced administrators and working alongside talented educators.

"I have been fortunate to work with a lot of great administrators through the years," he said. "Those experiences have allowed me to learn a lot by working in some really great schools with great teachers."

As he begins his first year leading Owen Valley High School, Steinmetz describes himself as a collaborative leader who believes the best schools are built by empowering teachers and staff.

"I try to work with teachers and staff to help put them in the best position possible to be successful in their classrooms," he said. "Getting the right people in the right spots is critical to having a successful school."

Rather than viewing himself as the expert in every subject, Steinmetz sees his role as removing obstacles and ensuring educators have the tools they need to help students succeed.

"The biggest thing I can do is give teachers what they need to be successful and then let them do what they do best," he said. "I want to be their biggest cheerleader."

"Mr. Jake Steinmetz is a valued and welcome addition to the OVHS leadership team as he is promoted to Principal. Jake has always led with 'students first' in his mind and the decisions he has made in the past and will continue to do so into the future are driven by that. He will bring additional perspective and the chance to improve upon the great things already taking place in our high school." – Superintendent Andy Cline

His priorities for the coming school year center on three key areas: strengthening community partnerships that expand work-based learning opportunities; ensuring students have access to the resources they need to pursue their goals; and supporting teachers as they continue helping students reach their full potential.

Those goals reflect Steinmetz's belief that every student's path after graduation deserves equal support.

Whether a student plans to attend college, enter the workforce, enlist in the military, or pursue technical training, he believes Owen Valley has a responsibility to prepare them for success.

"We have a path forward for a student no matter what their interest may be," Steinmetz said. "We have great partnerships within the community, and we'll continue making connections to ensure students get the experiences they need to reach their goals."

He also hopes students take advantage of everything Owen Valley has to offer beyond the classroom.

"My hope is that our students are excited to start the school year and are ready to maximize their opportunities," Steinmetz said. "We have so many amazing opportunities within the school that I hope each can find something they are passionate about and are willing to try."

Strong schools, Steinmetz believes, depend on strong partnerships with families.

"Parents and families are absolutely critical to everything that happens in the school," he said. "Communication is key. As long as parents, families, and the school continue communicating and focusing on students' goals, we can work together to make success possible."

Although every school faces challenges, Steinmetz sees tremendous opportunity at Owen Valley because of the people who make up the school community.

"Owen Valley is full of amazing people who are focused on helping students reach their full potential," he said. "If we keep student success at the center of everything we do, we'll continue to see success across the school."

When he's away from school, Steinmetz enjoys balancing quiet evenings at home, often with a good book or music, with opportunities to travel and attend sporting events.

"I try to balance those two things throughout the year," he said. "It's nice to relax, but it's also nice to always have something to look forward to."

As the school year begins, Steinmetz hopes students, parents, teachers, and the community will come to know him as someone who is approachable, welcoming, and committed to helping every student succeed.

For Steinmetz, returning to Owen Valley is more than accepting a new position. It is an opportunity to lead the school where his own career in education began and to invest in the next generation of Patriots.

The Owen News welcomes Owen Valley High School's new principal and wishes him, the staff, students, and families a successful 2026–27 school year.

Get to Know Owen Valley's New Principal

Coffee or tea? Unsweetened tea
Favorite school subject growing up? History
Favorite book? The Catcher in the Rye
Favorite sports teams? The Detroit Lions, Detroit Tigers, and any Indiana University team
Early bird or night owl? Night owl
Favorite local restaurant? Crossroads 46 Diner ("Breakfast is my favorite meal!")
If you weren't an educator, what career would you have chosen? Lawyer
Fun fact: Although he's lived in Indiana most of his life, he was born in Michigan and also lived in Ohio and California before moving to Indiana.