Creating connections with teachers and students is a top priority for the new principal at Smith Elementary School, who considers education as the path to success.
Casey Voelz opened the school year in the top administrative job at Smith, 4505 Waycross Drive, embracing a focus on creating relationships with people around her.
That has been accomplished by having a visible presence in getting to know individuals better, especially the students, she said.
Voelz oversees about 500 students, stepping into the role that had been held by Jay Payne, who was promoted to the principal’s job at Central Middle School.
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“Being visible is really important with kids,” Voelz said. “Anything I can do to make them feel safe and valuable, this is their safe place.”
Her ability to be seen also allows her opportunities to check in with teachers to see if they need anything and how she can help, Voelz said.
“Obviously, I want to continue the momentum that Jay started,” she said.
Voelz said the school’s PLC, an acronym for Professional Learning Community, is important at Smith. Teachers across the school corporation meet on a weekly basis to analyze student data, which helps them target instruction to students based on skills, Voelz said.
Voelz, who comes to Smith after serving as assistant principal at Parkside Elementary School the prior year, started her career with the Bartholomew Consolidated School Corp. in 2014.
She was assistant principal at Taylorsville and Parkside elementary schools upon her arrival to the district. Voelz began her teaching career in 2007 as a seventh-grade history teacher with Center Grove Community School Corp. in Greenwood.
Her own interaction with teachers as a student prompted her to enter the education profession, she said.
“School was always fun,” Voelz said. “I firmly believe education is the path to success. We have a lot of fantastic people here (at Smith).”
Role models
Voelz credited Parkside Principal Chris Smith and Laura Hack, BCSC’s director of elementary education, in helping to shape her own leadership style.
Hack described Voelz as an individual who commands respect across the district.
“She has earned that over time,” Hack said. “Her leading that building will be positive.”
Hack also credited Voelz’ ability to connect with others around her, noting that she brings high energy to her new role.
“She brings solid foundational leadership skills,” Hack said. “She’s a great person all-around.”
Voelz’ focus as principal for her fellow colleagues at Smith is clear.
“It’s always to push staff members to continue best practices for kids and to never accept status quo,” Voelz said.
Voelz said she appreciates the fact that BCSC focuses on professional development for educators and implementing new strategies tied to education, two assets that make the district a great place to work.
“I think we’re a great option for students,” she said.
Amy Biddinger, who teaches kindergarten at Smith Elementary, said Voelz has been welcoming and open with parents she meets.
“She’s very invested in the school,” Biddinger said.
Voelz said she is excited to start her journey as the top principal coming into a new school within the BCSC district.
“I really want a place to call home,” she said.
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Age: 33
Education: Bachelor’s degree in secondary education, Indiana University; master’s degree in administration supervision, Ball State University
Work history: Voelz started her education career in 2007 as a seventh-grade history teacher with the Center Grove Community School Corp.
She was hired by the Bartholomew Consolidated School Corp. in 2014, serving as assistant principal at Taylorsville and Parkside elementary schools. She was most recently at Parkside Elementary School, where she served as assistant principal for the past year, before her arrival at Smith.
Personal: Husband John; sons Jackson and Harrison
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Meet Megan Shaff, the Bartholomew Consolidated School Corp. adult and alternative education director.
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