Michaels is an alumnus, former employee and former board member of ISBVI.
Gov. Eric Holcomb and the Indiana School for the Blind and Visually Impaired (ISBVI) have announced James R. Michaels will serve as the next superintendent.
The school’s current superintendent, James Durst, announced his retirement earlier this year. Michaels will enter the role with more than 35 years of serving Hoosier youth and adults with disabilities.
“James Michaels has spent his life in service to Hoosiers with disabilities,” said Gov. Holcomb. “I know James will bring that dedication along with his decades of experience providing and leading human services to the Indiana School for the Blind and Visually Impaired."
Michaels is an alumnus, former employee and former board member of ISBVI. Since 1998, Michaels has served in education, counseling and leadership positions, including vice president of programs at Bosma Enterprises, an Indianapolis nonprofit providing employment, rehabilitation and job training for people who are blind or visually impaired. Earlier in his career, Michaels held multiple student-serving roles at the Indiana School for the Deaf.
“I am so grateful to have the opportunity to return to the school that made such a difference in my life. As a former student and employee of the Indiana School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, I have witnessed first-hand the life changing impact the school has on the students, parents, staff, and the community at-large,” said Michaels. “I am excited to have the opportunity to work side by side with the amazing ISBVI staff to continue to support, encourage, and educate the student-body. The message the students will hear from me over and over again is, ‘I believe in you.’”
Michaels completed his undergraduate and graduate degrees at Indiana University. He resides in Brownsburg with his wife, Connie; they have a son, Jesse, currently attending college.
As one of the largest state schools in the nation serving students who are blind or have low vision, IBSVI enrolls 110 students spanning preschool through high school, approximately 40 of whom are residential, as well as directly serving more than 300 students across 46 school districts. Established in 1847, the school also offers a wide array of other programming aligned to its statutory mission of serving Hoosier students with visual disabilities.
One driver injured in SR 9 collision
Sherlock Holmes to the stage at Parke Heritage this weekend
Indiana AG warns of human trafficking during Final Four
Billie Creek Village ready for another season
Voter registration deadline April 6
Flags ordered to half-staff for Captain Seth Koval
Conrady seeks Rockville Town Board seat
Peebles looks to keep Vermillion County Commissioner seat
Indiana launches enforcement campaign to target distracted driving and speeding
Indianapolis Indians named title partner of the 2026 Indiana State Fair
Carlisle man leads Parke County officers, others on chase
Game audio: 2A State Championship, Parke Heritage 57, Westview 56 (Air date March 28, 2026)
Parke Heritage captures first ever state championship
New Space Force license plate design
Indiana announces launch of enhanced system for Hoosier military and overseas voters
Wolves look to take final step in 2A title game
