Heller continues to lead Muncie Community Schools with accountability

By Rick Yencer

MUNCIE, IN - Tim Heller has spent a lifetime in public education, using accountability and responsibility to lead Muncie Community Schools and other institutions.

And the Muncie Community School Board decided this week to extend Heller's career through 2015, giving him plenty of accolades for the work he already has done. His pay remains constant at $143,000 to run the largest school corporation in Delaware County.

 "I am very thankful for the opportunity to serve here," said Heller, 68.

 Heller had a vote of confidence from a new school board that evolved from resignations and recent elections. The contract extension was approved by President Michael Long and board members Bev Kelley, Tony Costello and George Branam who gave a big amen to Heller's tenure. Board member Robert Warrner was absent.

 MCS like other public schools have been hit hard by property tax caps and spending cuts brought on by the Indiana General Assembly that is under pressure from charter and home school advocates to provide more funding for school choice.

 Heller, who became superintendent in 2011, see public schools getting more attention with new rules and accountability standards with testing and education. Sometimes it is easy to say that lawmakers should just leave schools alone, said Heller, to do their job of providing the best education possible for the 6,700 students in Muncie schools.

 The superintendent worked in Muncie schools for 12 years and then did another 12 years in Kentucky schools before returning last year.