Patrick W. Mapes, who came out of retirement in February 2024 to lead Hamilton Southeastern Schools, has announced he will step down next month.
In a letter to families and staff, Mapes said he will resign effective April 13.
“When I came out of retirement to serve as Superintendent … the challenge was clear: how do we improve academically in a district that is already strong?” Mapes wrote. He pointed to what he described as measurable gains during his tenure, including the highest IREAD-3 scores and graduation rates in district history.
The IREAD-3 assessment measures reading proficiency for third graders statewide and is closely watched as an early indicator of long-term academic success. Graduation rates in recent years have hovered near 98 percent, placing HSE among the top-performing districts in Indiana.
Mapes also cited expanded student opportunities through the district’s “Journey of a Student” framework and the rollout of High School Networks, an initiative designed to provide more personalized pathways and career-focused experiences for students.
The superintendent said the district has worked to strengthen classroom instruction, increase consistency in professional development and maintain financial and structural stability, while being transparent about future challenges.
Mapes did not detail a reason for his departure beyond saying, “the time is right for me to step aside,” adding that he is “ready for a different challenge.”
Background and What Comes Next
Mapes is a veteran Indiana educator who previously served as superintendent of other districts in the state before retiring. His hiring in 2024 followed a period of leadership transition for HSE Schools.
The Board of School Trustees is expected to outline a transition plan in the coming days. Options could include appointing an interim superintendent from within the district’s administrative ranks or launching a national search for a permanent replacement.
HSE Schools serves more than 20,000 students in Fishers and surrounding areas. Leadership stability is particularly significant as the district navigates slowing enrollment growth, state funding pressures and ongoing implementation of academic and career-readiness initiatives.
In his letter, Mapes emphasized continuity.
“HSE has strong leadership in place, and the important work happening in our classrooms will continue,” he wrote.
The board has not yet publicly announced a timeline for selecting the district’s next superintendent.