Native son Byrum adapting to superintendent role at North Vermillion

Brian Byrum is no stranger to the North Vermillion Community School Corporation. 

The veteran educator has spent his entire career at North Vermillion, beginning in the classroom and moving into the elementary principal role 15 years later. After that, he moved into the central office, serving as the assistant superintendent for six months as he transitioned to superintendent. 

"Those six months were incredibly helpful. Being able to work alongside a veteran superintendent in the corporation office and to be mentored only helped make the transition smoother. I believe each role I have had up to this point in my career has helped prepare me for the next. But it wasn't the role I held, but the people I worked with alongside me in each position that have helped prepare me for each new role," Byrum told The Parke County Post. 

As the superintendent, Byrum sees both the good and bad of his district daily, and he said there are plenty of positives and strengths within the North Vermillion Community School Corporation. 

"We believe that we are a small school setting with big school opportunities. We have several strengths to note, but a few are our preschool program, Robotics, FFA and Agricultural programs, along with our music and theatre arts. All of them support and align with our academic programs," he said. 

Byrum acknowledges his district, like every other in the state, is "always looking to improve."

"Our mission is to grow and learn together as students and staff. We strive for our most veteran staff member to our youngest preschooler to be a continual learner. I think that is also the message I want to send to my staff and families. We are always going to continue to grow and learn. We do it together," Byrum said. 

As the school year winds down, Byrum said there is plenty going on across his district to keep people busy.

"At the elementary, there is the end of the year Talent Show, Spring Music Showcase, as well as the popular field days during the last week of school. At the high school, we will have the spring musical, "Beetlejuice," the weekend of April 25-27, Spring Music concert on May 5, Prom on May 10, and, of course, the celebration of the class of 2025 with their graduation on May 24," Byrum said.