The Hamilton Southeastern Board of School Trustees unanimously approved Patrick Mapes as the new superintendent, effective immediately. Mapes has over 35 years of experience and recently served as superintendent of Perry Township Schools.

According to an HSE press release, Mapes’ wife and children plan “to relocate from their current house on the south side of Indianapolis to a home in the HSE community.”

After former superintendent Dr. Yvonne Stokes resigned from HSE after tension between her and the school board, Dr. Matt Kegley, HSE Schools assistant superintendent, was unanimously voted in as the interim superintendent.

Mapes plans to promote Kegley from his previous role of assistant superintendent to deputy superintendent.

In the press release, Mapes said, “I plan to hit the ground running by building on the strong foundation set by the district’s leadership and by connecting with HSE’s staff, students and neighbors. My family and I are looking forward to joining this amazing community.”