Printable Version of Topic

Michigan City Area Schools Superintendent Dr. Barbara Eason-Watkins has announced that she will be retiring, effective August 2, 2024.

She has served as the Superintendent of Michigan City Area Schools since July 2010. Her top priorities have centered on strengthening the instructional core, expanding college and career preparation opportunities, and providing increased educational options for families and students. She led efforts to establish elementary magnet schools in the Arts (at Pine Elementary) and in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (at Lake Hills Elementary) and supported both Lake Hills and Barker Middle School in obtaining Indiana STEM certification. She has also focused on creating programs for high-ability students K-12, establishing Michigan City High School as a leader in dual credit and AP opportunities.

Dr. Eason-Watkins has collaborated with partners in higher education, business, and industry to realign programs and curricula to support students and meet workforce needs. During her tenure, she oversaw the expansion of career and technical education programming and partnerships for the
A. K. Smith Career Center. Among the initiatives she launched for MCAS are the Early College Program, the Compressed Air Academy, the Little Wolves Early Learning Center, and a comprehensive K-12 technology program. Under her leadership, the district received several awards, including the University of Notre Dame’s Advanced Placement (AP-TIP IN) School of the Year, the Richard C. Sussman Prize for Team Innovation from the Society of Innovators at Purdue Northwest, and an Indiana Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence honoring the district’s innovative solar installations.