Janae Norman is taking her career in a new direction when she officially moves into Larry Perkinson’s post as Bartholomew Consolidated School Corp.’s student assistance coordinator in December.
Norman is a product of BCSC, born and raised in Columbus and a graduate of Columbus East High School.
She came back to Columbus after graduating from Purdue University in 1992 and worked as a substitute teacher before accepting a position at Columbus North High School as a special education instructor.
For 20 years, Norman advocated for students with special needs and their families and connected them with school and community resources.
“I’ve always loved to be around kids,” Norman said. “I’ve enjoyed having the ability to have an influence on teenagers and making connections.”
Norman transitioned to a dean position at Columbus North six years ago.
In that position, Norman also played the role as a counselor, often sitting down with kids after they were sent to the office and asking why they were reacting the way they were to a particular situation.
“In the dean’s office, it used to be that 20 years ago it felt like a hardcore, black and white, ‘break the rules, you get the consequence,’” Norman said. “I feel like we have changed that philosophy to where we’re trying to work more with kids on changing behaviors and trying to help support them to make better decisions.”
Norman would also involve the parents and guardians in the conversation with the students so everyone was aware of what was going on.
Now, Norman is moving into a new role, one that has been held for the last 25 years by Perkinson.
“Everybody loves Larry,” Norman said. “We joked prior to me getting this position that whoever takes this position is taking on a pretty big job trying to fill Larry’s shoes because he’s just really seen as a positive resource for people. He’s available all the time.”
Perkinson approached Norman last December about applying to fill his position, something she never expected from a person she respected so much.
“That floored me,” Norman said. “I was very grateful, humbled, surprised. The more he and I talked about it, the more I felt like this could be a good position for me.”
For the first nine weeks of this school year, Perkinson will remain the lead contact while Norman attends different training sessions on issues including mental health, school safety and drug, alcohol and substance abuse.
“There are so many needs out there,” Norman said. “There are so many people who need support, who are in crisis or who don’t know who else to call. Being able to find resources for people helps them feel like they are being supported.”
When students return from fall break, Norman will take the lead and Perkinson will provide support. She said she’s excited to take on a large role in the community where she can connect people with the resources they need.
“There are a lot of different hats I’ll be wearing,” Norman said. “I’m considered a resource for people and families who need support. I’m a liaison between the school corporation and community agencies. I feel prepared to be open to learning as much as I can.”
Norman said she looks forward to building relationships with the other BCSC schools and community organizations in the new role. She also hopes people will give her grace as she learns the ins and outs of the new position.
Living up to what people expect of this position is one of her biggest goals, but Norman said she’s ready to accept the challenge.
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Janae Norman
Hometown: Columbus
Education: Columbus East High School; Purdue University ’92
Career: Special education teacher, Columbus North High School, 19 years; Dean of Students, Columbus North High School, six years; BCSC student assistance coordinator, present
Family: Husband, Steve; three daughters, Lucy (15), Sierra (17) and Kathryn (19)
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