March 11, 2024 – FTCSC is excited to share that the School Board has unanimously chosen Dr. Chase Huotari as the school corporation’s new Superintendent. Dr. Huotari brings with him a wealth of experience accrued over 19 years in various capacities within FTCSC. Beginning as a Physical Education teacher and Varsity Baseball Coach at FCHS, Dr. Huotari also has held roles as Assistant Principal/Athletic Director at Franklin Township Middle School East, Assistant Principal at Franklin Central High School, Principal at Franklin Township Middle School East, Principal of Franklin Central High School, and, most recently, Chief Academic Officer of Secondary Schools.
In addition to his experience within the school corporation, Dr. Huotari is also a committed resident of Franklin Township. His deep connection to the area is further enriched by his role as a father to two daughters, Riley (9th Grade) and Kinley (8th Grade), who are students within FTCSC. His nearly two decades of personal and professional investment in Franklin Township make him an ideal leader to propel FTCSC toward a bright and prosperous future.
Expressing his enthusiasm for his new role, Dr. Huotari stated, “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to serve the corporation that marked the beginning of my career. As a member of the Franklin Township community, nothing is more important to me than ensuring our students have unparalleled opportunities within the state. I’m eager to get started.”
Dr. Huotari immediately stood out as a candidate during our Superintendent search process. It was evident when compared to all other applicants, as a highly visible member of Franklin Township, he will actively engage with all our stakeholders and the board as we work collaboratively to move the district forward,” stated FTCSC School Board President Zach Smith Howard.
In speaking of the transition, Dr. Hibbard stated, “I am delighted to announce that after careful consideration, the Board of Trustees has unanimously chosen my dedicated and talented assistant to succeed me as the new Superintendent upon my retirement. This decision reflects our commitment to nurturing internal talent and ensuring a seamless transition. I have full confidence in Dr. Huotari and believe that under his leadership, FTCSC will continue to thrive and reach new heights.
Dr. Huotari will assume the role of Superintendent on August 2, 2024.
Where can you Meet Dr. Huotari?
Dr. Huotari is embarking on a listening tour during his first 90 days and would love to meet you. See below for the events he will attend over the next few months. Check back often as more dates are added!
March 12 – Franklin Township Education Foundation (Board Meeting, Closed to Public)
March 12, 11:30 am – Franklin Township Chamber of Commerce Meeting
March 14, 3rd REACH Science Fair at South Creek Elementary
April 9, 7:15-9:15 am – Kitley Staff (FTCSC Staff Only)
April 9, 2:00-4:00 pm – Franklin Central High School Staff (FTCSC Staff Only)
April 9, 6:00 pm – Edgewood Intermediate PTO Meeting
April 11, 7:15-9:15 am – Edgewood Staff (FTCSC Staff Only)
April 11, 12:00 PM – Meeting with Mr. Gregory Hill Sr., Indianapolis Public Library CEO, and Mrs. Roberta Jaggers, Indianapolis Public Library Foundation President
April 12, 12:30-2:00 pm – Franklin Township Learning Center Staff (FTCSC Staff Only)
April 15, 8:00-10:00 am – Arlington Staff (FTCSC Staff Only)
April 15, 6:30 pm – Arlington Elementary PTO Meeting
April 16, 8:00-10:00 am – Thompson Crossing Staff (FTCSC Staff Only)
April 17, 6:00 pm – Thompson Crossing PTO Meeting
April 18, 11:30-1:00 pm – Wanamaker Early Learning Center Staff (FTCSC Staff Only)
May 2, 8:00-10:00 am – South Creek Staff (FTCSC Staff Only)
May 2, 6:30 pm – South Creek PTO Meeting
May 6, 6:30 pm – Kitley Intermediate PTO Meeting
May 7, 8:00-10:00 am – Bunker Hill Staff (FTCSC Staff Only)
May 7, 6:30 pm – Bunker Hill PTO Meeting
May 9, 8:00-10:00 am – Acton Staff (FTCSC Staff Only)
May 9, 6:30 pm – Acton PTO Meeting
May 10, 12:30 pm – FCHS Student Leadership Meeting (CCR time, Closed to Public)
May 13, 8:00-10:00 am – Adams Staff (FTCSC Staff Only)
May 13, 6:30 pm – Adams PTO Meeting
May 14-16, 9:15-11:15 am – Transportation Staff (FTCSC Staff Only)
May 16, 7:15-9:15 am – Franklin Central Junio High Staff (FTCSC Staff Only)
May 16, 6:00 pm – Franklin Central Junior High PTO Meeting
Would you like your organization to host Dr. Huotari? Contact Dr. Kent Pettet – kent.pettet@ftcsc.org
Dr. Huotari wants to hear from you
Dr. Huotari always values every opportunity to engage with our exceptional students. Recently, students from WELC, South Creek, and Kitley interviewed him regarding his upcoming role as Superintendent starting on August 2.
Dr. Huotari cherished the opportunity to engage in a meaningful dialogue with the Franklin Township Education Foundation (FTEF) regarding the future of FTCSC and how to continue to strengthen our enduring partnership.
Dr. Huotari valued the opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue with the Franklin Township Chamber of Commerce.
Dr. Huotari dedicates time to actively listening to 3rd-grade REACH Program students as they passionately share their innovative Science Fair projects. This interaction fosters curiosity and creativity and inspires a deeper connection to the wonder of learning and discovery.
Dr. Huotari has begun his FTCSC staff listening tour, seeking feedback from FTCSC staff on what we do well and areas for improvement. He will be meeting with staff from every building.
Kitley Intermediate School
Franklin Central High School
Edgewood PTO Meeting
Edgewood Intermediate School
Dr. Huotari had the honor of meeting with Mr. Gregory Hill, Sr., CEO of the Indianapolis Public Library, and Mrs. Roberta Jaggers, President of the Indianapolis Public Library Foundation, to discuss strategies for enhancing the partnership between the Indianapolis Public Library and the Franklin Township Community School Corporation. The goal is to ensure optimal resource provision and accessibility for our students and staff.
Franklin Township Learning Center
Arlington Staff Meeting
Arlington PTO Meeting
Thompson Crossing Staff Meeting
Thompson Crossing PTO
Wanamaker Early Learning Center Staff Meeting
