Warsaw Community Schools announced Hilary Stouder as the new principal of Lincoln Elementary School, pending board approval in July.
With 23 years of experience in education, Stouder brings a wealth of knowledge to her new role, according to a news release from WCS.
Stouder’s educational journey began with an undergraduate degree in early childhood education from Indiana University Bloomington. She then completed a Master of Arts in Curriculum and Educational Technology from Ball State University in 2021 and is set to complete her Master of Education in School Administration and Supervision from Indiana State University.
Throughout her career, Stouder has held various roles in K-12 education. She spent 20 years at Whitko Community Schools as a second-grade teacher, librarian, instructional coach and master teacher. For the past three years, she has been at Lincoln Elementary, serving as an interventionist and instructional coach.
Stouder said, “The previous roles I have held have given me a broad picture of education related to curriculum, Response to Intervention, teacher professional development and leadership.
"Working in Warsaw Community Schools is like coming home," she continued. "As a former Lincoln Lion and Warsaw Tiger graduate, working at Lincoln was an exciting transition for me. Over the past several years, I've worked in a leadership role to build our literacy instruction and Leader in Me initiative. It felt like a natural move to seek the principal position and continue the work we have begun. I love the Lincoln students and staff and can't wait to work in this new role together."
Chief Accountability Officer Kyle Carter stated, "I am thrilled to see Hilary step into the role of principal at Lincoln Elementary. She consistently demonstrates her passion and strength as an instructional leader and models genuine care for the students, staff and school community. Having attended Lincoln Elementary as a child and served in the building as an instructional coach, Hilary has a unique understanding of the school's past and current reality, giving her a valuable perspective as she and the team plan for the future. She is the right leader to advance the Warsaw Community School's mission at Lincoln Elementary."
Stouder's primary goals for her first year as principal include providing consistency with the literacy instruction and Leader in Me implementation initiatives. Her vision is to cultivate a safe learning environment where every student and staff member feels seen and empowered, the release states.
"I am thrilled to embark on this journey with a dedicated team of educators, supportive families and inspiring students," Stouder said. "Together, we will ensure that Lincoln Elementary remains a place where dreams are realized and futures are bright."
Hilary Stouder lives in Warsaw with her husband, Kevin; son, Saul; and dog, Birdie. Saul will be in fourth grade at Lincoln Elementary this year.
Superintendent Dr. David Hoffert said, "We are very excited to welcome Hilary Stouder as the next Lincoln principal. Her background as a former Lincoln student, resident of the local community, elementary teacher, and academic coach aligns with the mission and needs of the building. A huge ‘thank you’ to the many parents, staff and teachers involved in the focus groups and interviews.”