By Steve Heath | The Times-Post

PENDLETON — Call it a hard act to follow or a seamless transition.

As conflicting as that might sound, it’s probably pretty accurate in describing the change in administration at Maple Ridge Elementary School.

On June 30, John Lord will retire, ending 41 years in the South Madison Community School Corp., the last 17 years of which he’s been principal at Maple Ridge.

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At the most recent district school board meeting, Valerie Steger, who has been the assistant principal at Maple Ridge since 2012, was named to succeed Lord as the next principal.

“I look forward to her taking over,” Lord said. “I was thrilled when she was the one chosen. That’s who I wanted. Like (Superintendent) Mr. (Joe) Buck said, ‘She’s had a seven-year job interview.’ She will be great, and she has the support of our teachers, too.”

Lord is the only principal the school has ever had. He calls the opening of the building in 2002, “My biggest thrill in education.”

Now, it’s time for him to pass the baton.

He has loved seeing the growth of his students, noting his initial fourth-graders in 1978 at Fall Creek Elementary School are now 51 years old.

“Not too long ago I had a student tell me I had their grandma in class,” Lord quipped.

Now, he’s watching another student of sorts, Steger — one he has worked with the past seven years — grow into the position he has held since Maple Ridge’s doors opened.

“I love the staff here, and I love the culture that John has created,” Steger said. “It’s a family here. The transition shouldn’t be hard at all. Mr. Lord does different things than what I do. So, I’ll be learning those things.

“When I first came to this building, the transition from teaching to administration was challenging for me, but now that I’m here, I couldn’t imagine being anywhere else.”

Steger, who was part of the final graduating class of Anderson Madison Heights High School in 1997 before earning degrees at both Indiana University and Ball State University, taught in the Noblesville Schools system from 2002-2012, before being hired at Maple Ridge.

“(Mr. Lord) has been a huge influence because he allows his teachers, and he allows me, to have independence,” Steger said. “We know we have to get things done. He lets us be leaders.”

Steger admits, though, it’s still bittersweet.

She’s excited about the new opportunity and growth in her professional career, but she’s a little sad to see her boss and mentor leave.

“I’ve teased with Mr. Lord about leaving, ‘Can you stay just a little longer?’ It’s the decision he needs to make right now, and I’m very excited,” Steger said. “I’m very excited to continue the culture and family atmosphere in this building.”

Smooth changeover

The new principal was already excited about her new position, but she has received an even bigger boost from the reaction of the current teachers — there are 37 at the school — and staff.

“When I taught, we would get new principals about every two years,” Steger said. “So, getting a new administrator in charge is challenging because you don’t know what to expect.

“More than anything, I have really enjoyed seeing everybody’s positive reaction.”

That’s no surprise to Lord.

“I know she will be great. I have no doubt. I was thrilled when she got it, because I believe that’s the best for our kids.”

As easy as the transition will be, Steger is also well aware — she’s seen it first hand — her boss is a tough act to follow.

“He’s poured his heart and soul into this building,” Steger said. “I’m honored that I am the person he wanted to take over. I want to continue those strong traditions we have here.”

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Principal John Lord has worked 41 years with South Madison County School Corp.

Year, school, position

1978 — Fall Creek Elementary School, fourth-grade teacher

1979-1986  — East Elementary School, third-, fifth- and sixth-grade teacher

1986-2002  — Pendleton Heights Middle School, assistant principal

2002-2019  — Maple Ridge Elementary School, principal

Accomplishments

“My biggest thrill in education has been the opening of this building. I got to open a brand new school and that was very special. To create culture and climate, and to see it grow over 17 years has been great.”

“The most important job of a principal is to hire great teachers. It’s the teachers that do the magic in the classroom and I’m very proud of the teachers we’ve hired over the years. (Valerie and I) are both proud of the staff we’ve been able to hire here.”

After retirement

Lord wants to work with student teachers, do volunteer social work, follow Notre Dame and Pendleton Heights football.

Family

Wife Sue — math teacher at Pendleton Heights Middle School

Son Bryan — morning show host at WRAL-FM, Raleigh, N.C.

Daughter Berkeley — student at Pendleton Heights High School

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