WABASH, IN – After nine years of dedicated service as Superintendent of MSD of Wabash County (MSDWC), Mike Keaffaber has announced his retirement, effective July 2025. Mr. Keaffaber, who assumed the role in July 2016, leaves behind a legacy of strong community engagement, educational excellence, and a commitment to student success.
“It has been an honor and privilege to serve as Superintendent of MSD of Wabash County,” said Mr. Keaffaber. “Over the past nine years, I have been blessed to work alongside incredible colleagues, dedicated staff, and a supportive community that prioritizes the success of our students. Reflecting on my forty years in education, I am grateful for the relationships, accomplishments, and memories that have shaped my journey. I want to thank my wife, Susan, and family for the support and encouragement given during these years. While stepping into retirement is bittersweet, I look forward to seeing the district continue its tradition of excellence and growth in the years ahead.”
Keaffaber’s career in education has spanned two school districts over forty years. Beginning teaching for ten years at Converse Elementary in the Oak Hill United School Corporation. Following that, he served as principal for twenty years at four different schools: Oak Hill Junior High School, Sweetser Elementary, White’s Jr/Sr High School, and Northfield Jr/Sr High School. He also served one year as the Assistant Superintendent of Finance for MSDWC, managing responsibilities that included Transportation and Food Service, before assuming the superintendent role.
His family’s history is deeply rooted in MSDWC. His father was a teacher and administrator at Southwood Jr/Sr High School, and his mom, a Southwood graduate, also served as a staff member at Southwood Elementary. He, his siblings, and his children are all proud Southwood alumni, with his wife a graduate of Northfield High School.
Under Mr. Keaffaber’s leadership (and he would say with his Dream Team), MSDWC has made significant advancements in education and community involvement. His vision has always centered on fostering a positive school culture and strengthening ties between the district and the broader Wabash County community. He prioritized the hiring and support of exceptional educators and staff, ensuring that MSDWC remained a welcoming and dynamic learning environment.
Mr. Keaffaber has overseen numerous initiatives that have enriched both the educational experience and the safety of students and staff, including:
● Expansion of Early Education: Implementation of a preschool program in the 2017-18 school year, increasing access to early childhood learning opportunities.
● Growth of Extracurricular Activities: Introduction of new programs such as the clay target league, robotics, eSports, and expanded elementary athletic offerings.
● Teacher and Staff Recognition: Development of initiatives to celebrate and support educators and staff, fostering a culture of appreciation and motivation.
● Enhanced School Safety: Addition of School Resource Officers (SROs) and significant security updates across school buildings.
● Financial and Infrastructure Improvements: Oversight of key building projects and financial planning that have strengthened the district’s fiscal health.
● Advocacy for Educators: Cultivating an exceptionally positive relationship with the teachers’ association, leading to notable improvements in teachers’ salaries and benefits.
Beyond the school district, Mr. Keaffaber has been deeply involved in numerous local organizations and initiatives, demonstrating a passion for community service. His roles have included:
● Board Memberships and Leadership Roles: President of the WMAP Governing Board, President of Kiwanis, Secretary for the YMCA, Vice President of the United Fund, and President of the Region 8 Executive and Governing Board.
● Public Health and Safety Initiatives: Member of the Wabash County Drug Steering Committee, Chairperson of the Wabash County Prevention Steering Committee, Member of Community Corrections Advisory Board/Local Justice Reinvestment Advisory Council, Wabash County AACTION, Wabash County Health Action Team, and active participant in the Wabash County Tobacco Free Coalition.
● Education and Youth Development Committees: Engagement with the Wabash County JDAI Steering Committee, Prevent Child Abuse Committee, and Success for All Committee.
● State and Regional Advocacy: Serving as a delegate and committee member for the Regional Statewide Prevention Congress. Member of the Indiana Association of Public School Superintendents, Indiana School Boards Association, Upper Wabash Valley Superintendent Study Council, Indiana Small Rural Schools Association, NIPSA Lobbying Group, and Wabash County Broadband Task Force.
● Public Speaking and Mentorship: A recurring speaker at the National Day of Prayer, Grow Wabash County Leadership events, and various educational forums.
Mr. Keaffaber is known not only for his leadership in the office but also for his active engagement in MSDWC schools. He is a familiar face at sporting events, performances, and extracurricular activities, always cheering on students and staff. He even obtained his Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) to serve as a backup school bus driver, ensuring students could always get to school safely.
As Mr. Keaffaber prepares for retirement, the MSDWC community expresses deep gratitude for his years of service and the lasting impact he has made on the district. MSD of Wabash County will continue his mantra and vision of “dream big and work hard.”
