During the Tuesday, March 17 Board of Education meeting, the Indian Hill School District Board released results from its recent community engagement process. In addition to gathering input on the future leadership of the district and the qualities desired in its next superintendent, the engagement process also helped define the community’s expectations for priorities and direction of the district moving forward. In a unanimous vote, Board members named veteran Indian Hill educational leader, Dr. Melissa Stewart, as the new superintendent of schools.
“Dr. Stewart possesses every characteristic our community indicated they wanted to see in our next superintendent,” said Indian Hill Board of Education President Bear Tullis. “She has a true love for our district and will lead with an unwavering focus on what best serves our students. She will listen to our community with an open mind, build genuine relationships with our staff, students, and parents, and will always put the district first. She will be a true servant leader.”
Community Feedback
Over the past several weeks, the Board engaged students, staff, families, and community members to better understand the priorities, values, and aspirations of the Indian Hill School District community. Stakeholder feedback was collected through community, parent, and staff surveys as well as student, staff, parent, and community focus groups.
Across all engagement formats, participants expressed deep pride in the district and a strong commitment to its continued success. Key themes emerged from the engagement process defining what the Indian Hill School District community expected in the next Superintendent of Schools:
• Unquestionable Integrity
• Student-Centered Leadership
• Strong Academic Leadership
• Visible and Relational Presence
• Servant Leadership
• Clear and Transparent Communication
• Strategic Focus and Discipline
• Courageous Decision-Making
• Respect and Empowerment of Educators
• Vision for the Future of Education
Following the review of stakeholder feedback, the Board affirmed its confidence in newly named Superintendent Dr. Melissa Stewart, whose leadership reflects the characteristics identified through the engagement process.
With more than two decades of service to the Indian Hill School District, Dr. Melissa Stewart embodies the qualities stakeholders consistently identified as essential in the district’s next superintendent. Throughout her career, she has earned the trust of students, staff, and families through a leadership style grounded in honesty, transparency, and thoughtful decision-making that always prioritizes what is best for students.
Deeply committed to Indian Hill’s tradition of academic excellence, Dr. Stewart has worked alongside teachers and administrators to sustain the high standards that define the district while supporting the educators who make that success possible. Known for her visible presence in schools and genuine engagement with the community, she leads with humility and a service-oriented mindset, focusing on the collective success of the district rather than personal recognition.
Her communication is clear, direct, and accessible, and she is respected for establishing focused priorities and approaching complex challenges with both integrity and resolve. At the same time, Dr. Stewart understands that preserving Indian Hill’s legacy also requires preparing students for a rapidly changing world, and her leadership reflects a careful balance of honoring the district’s traditions while ensuring students are equipped with the skills and opportunities needed for the future.
“Dr. Stewart knows what works in our district and knows where opportunities for improvement exist,” said Tullis. “She has a strategic vision and the necessary expertise and leadership skills to lead our district with a steady hand. But most importantly, she has the full trust and support of the entire Board.”
A Brave Educational Leader
Dr. Stewart began serving the district in 2007 and has spent nearly two decades in leadership roles within Indian Hill Schools. She served as principal of Indian Hill Elementary School from 2007–2017 and as the district’s Assistant Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer from 2017–2025 before being named Interim Superintendent. Prior to joining Indian Hill, she served as an intervention specialist and later as a special education supervisor and principal in regional school districts.
She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from The Ohio State University, a Master of Education from the University of Cincinnati, and a Doctorate of Educational Leadership from the University of Cincinnati. Dr. Stewart is also Lean Six Sigma Greenbelt certified and a certified DISC practitioner. In addition to her work in Indian Hill, she served as an adjunct instructor at the University of Cincinnati, as a member of the CAPA Board of Directors, and as a board member for the Exploring with Grace Foundation.
Dr. Stewart said she is honored to continue serving the district and community she has called home professionally for nearly two decades.
“I am deeply grateful for the trust the Board of Education has placed in me and for the opportunity to continue serving the students, families, and staff of Indian Hill,” Dr. Stewart said. “This is an extraordinary district with a proud tradition of excellence. I look forward to working alongside our talented educators and engaged community to ensure every student is supported, challenged, and prepared for success in an ever-changing world.”
“The Board of Education remains deeply committed to investing in the leadership development of our administrators, educators, and staff so that Indian Hill continues to cultivate a strong pipeline of future leaders,” said Tullis. “By operating strategically and building leadership capacity throughout the district, we will ensure that the Indian Hill School District remains a destination for the very best in K–12 education. Additionally, we thank all members of the Brave Family who invested time into providing this robust and valuable feedback. We are excited to help coauthor the next amazing chapter for our students.”
The full superintendent search stakeholder engagement report and survey results are available here.
Photo caption: Dr. Melissa Stewart was named the new superintendent of the Indian Hill School District in a 5-0 vote during the March 17 Board of Education Meeting.