EVSC

Update (May 19, 2025)

Dr. Darla Hoover Appointed as Next Superintendent of the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation

The Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation (EVSC) is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Darla K. Hoover as its next superintendent. Dr. Hoover has served the EVSC in various positions for the past 24 years, including her current position as Chief of Schools and Instructional Core. In this role, she oversees all district matters related to curriculum, instruction and academic support for the EVSC, as well as multiple innovative models and programs.

Dr. Hoover will officially begin her tenure as superintendent on July 1. She replaces Dr. David Smith, who is retiring after a 43 year career in the EVSC that includes serving as superintendent for the past 14 years.

Dr. Hoover’s demonstrated leadership has been pivotal in implementing academic programs and instructional practices to maximize student success throughout the district. Her EVSC experiences include chemistry teacher at Bosse High School, science department chair at Central High School, assistant principal of programming at Bosse High School, principal at Central High School, and central office administrator. Serving in these roles has provided her the opportunity to develop relationships with families and staff members across the district. Creating a team-centered focus has been a hallmark of her leadership style that has resulted in a collaborative environment with open lines of communication.

“Dr. Hoover’s appointment marks a new chapter for EVSC,” according to School Board President Karen Ragland. “Our trustees are confident that Dr. Hoover’s leadership will ensure our district continues its proud tradition of providing a high-quality, innovative education that benefits all students, their families, and this great community we serve.”

The educational credentials for Dr. Hoover include a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from the University of Southern Indiana. She also holds an Education Specialist degree, a Master of Science in Education, and a Bachelor of Science in Professional Chemistry. Additionally, she earned an Urban Leadership Certificate from Brown University and holds Indiana Education licenses as a Superintendent, Building Level Administrator, and Secondary Chemistry Teacher.

Dr. Hoover is a proud graduate of the EVSC from Bosse High School. Her youngest son is a current EVSC student, and her two older sons are EVSC graduates.

January 13, 2025

The EVSC has officially begun the process of selecting its next superintendent. During the January 13, 2025, school board meeting, Dr. David Smith formally announced his plan to retire, effective July 1, 2025, following a 43-year career with EVSC, including 14 years as superintendent.

At the January 27, 2025, meeting, the EVSC Board of School Trustees announced that they will partner with the Indiana School Boards Association (ISBA) to guide this important search. As a long-standing member of ISBA, EVSC will benefit from their expertise to ensure a thorough and successful selection process.

The Board of School Trustees is committed to keeping the community informed and will provide regular updates during upcoming school board meetings. All relevant information, including the application link, is posted below.

EVSC remains dedicated to serving our students, families, and community, and we look forward to selecting a new superintendent who will uphold and build upon our strong tradition of excellence.

Stay tuned for updates as we move forward in this important transition.

Update (May 6, 2025) with Contract

The EVSC Board of School Trustees has selected a candidate who will move forward as the recommendation for approval as the next superintendent. This formal approval and announcement will take place at a special school board meeting to be held on Monday, May 19 at 5:30 p.m. in the EVSC Administration Building Board Room.

Per statute, the contract is required to be posted for public review for 10 days prior to a public hearing and the official vote of the trustees. Click here for the contract.  

Timeline

• Search Launch (Posting to Revelus) – February 10, 2025
• Candidate Recruitment – February 10 – March 16, 2025
• Superintendent Search Survey - February 25 - March 10, 2025
• Application Deadline – March 16, 2025 (midnight)
• Candidate Screening – Week of March 17, 2025
• Candidate Screening Meeting with Board – March 24, 2025, at 1:00 PM
• First and second round interviews will occur throughout the month of April.
• New superintendent contract will be posted online.
• School Board will take action on the contract at the appropriate meeting in May.
• New superintendent begins official duties July 1, 2025. 

Additional Information

Dr. Smith’s January 13 Retirement Announcement

Click here to learn more about the services the Indiana School Board Association will be providing for the EVSC Superintendent search. To see the IASBA agreement ratified on February 10, click here. 

EVSC Podcast

See the podcast below with Steve Horton, board services consultant with the Indiana School Board Association. In this conversation, he discusses the typical process that is used by school boards to search for, and ultimately select, a new school superintendent.