Batesville Middle School assistant principal named finalist for national award

First Batesville administrator to earn national finalist status

(BATESVILLE, Ind.) – The assistant principal at Batesville Middle School is in the running for a national award. 

Justin Tucker has been named a finalist for the 2025 Assistant Principal of the Year for Middle Level Schools. 

Tucker is the first Batesville Schools administrator to qualify as a national finalist for the award which is administered by the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP).

He was selected after being named the 2024 Indiana Assistant Principal of the Year by the Indiana Association of School Principals last November. He was chosen as a finalist after a rigorous review process of nominees from all 50 states.

“His dedication to fostering a positive learning environment, commitment to student success, and leadership at Batesville Middle School have made a lasting impact on our school community. This recognition is well-deserved, and we are honored to have him representing Batesville on the national stage,” said Batesville Superintendent Paul Ketcham. 

Tucker has served as the BMS assistant principal since 2019 and oversees various functions such as discipline, attendance, safety, special education and day-to-day operations. Recently, he created a new parent/student policy handbook, working collaboratively with all stakeholders. 

“I'm deeply honored and humbled by this recognition, which wouldn't be possible without the support of our amazing students, parents, and staff,” Tucker said. “As a Batesville High School graduate, I know firsthand how special this community and our school corporation are, and it's a dream come true to showcase it all on a national level."

Tucker will find out if he is the winning finalist for the award during a gala in Washington, D.C. on April 11.