Southwestern Consolidated Schools approved a new board member Wednesday at its December meeting and accepted the resignation of its superintendent.

Joshua Edwards, superintendent of the southern Shelby County school system since March of 2022, tendered his resignation to the school board effective Wednesday. Edwards was placed on indefinite administrative leave on Nov. 8.

“The Southwestern Consolidated School District of Shelby County and Superintendent Josh Edwards have mutually agreed that it is in the best interest of both parties for the School Board to accept Mr. Edwards’ resignation from employment with the School Corporation,” said Southwestern school board president Derrek Tennell in a prepared statement. “On behalf of the entire school community, the School Board wishes Mr. Edwards well in his future endeavors.”

Southwestern Junior/Senior High School principal John Tindall is currently serving as interim superintendent. Tennell stated Thursday morning that a new interim superintendent will be named as early as next week to finish out the 2023-2024 school year.

Tennell confirmed an exhaustive search will commence to find Southwestern’s next superintendent.

“We will be using all available resources,” said Tennell.

In the days following Edwards’ leave being instituted, board member Jerry Drake submitted his resignation leaving the Jackson Township seat vacant.

Three men and three women applied for the open seat and went through the interview process in late November. Jon Deater, John Blue and Charity Mohr advanced to Wednesday’s meeting where Deater, a 2011 Southwestern graduate, earned the seat over Blue by a vote of 4-2.

During the public interview process, Deater stated he does not yet have children in the school system with two daughters under the age of five.

Deater’s Jackson Township seat on the school board will be up for election in 2024.

In other board business Wednesday:

• Accepted a $5,000 donation from Major Health Partners to be used for January’s Shelby County basketball tournaments hosted by Southwestern.
• Approved an invoice for $92,090.53 from Central Indiana Hardware for doors, locks and keying. Funds will be used from the Title IV grant and Construction Fund.
• Approved the 2024-2025 school calendar.

In other Southwestern news:

• Construction has started on building a new stage at Southwestern High School. The $50,000-plus project is being funded by the Alumni Association
• The Alumni Association will sponsor an all-you-can-eat chili supper in the high school cafeteria on Jan. 5 as part of the Shelby County Boys Basketball Tournament. For $5, basketball fans can get chili, a peanut butter sandwich, dessert and a drink. There also will be a pizza option for $7. All proceeds go to the alumni association.

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