Administrator moves from Lawrence schools to HSE
By Mark Ambrogi
Dr. Janice Combs will have one short weekend off between jobs.
Combs, who was hired in April, will become assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction for Hamilton Southeastern on June 1. Combs will leave her job as deputy superintendent in charge of learning and achievement for Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township on May 29.
“It was difficult to leave here much earlier because we’re wrapping up the school year and there are responsibilities I wanted to make sure I completed,” Combs said. “I also know they’ve been without an assistant superintendent for quite some time and they got a lot of needs there. So we agreed I’d get up there June 1 and hit the ground running.”
HSE Superintendent Dr. Allen Bourff said he was pleased to add a candidate of Combs’ caliber to our leadership team.
“She is a can-do trailblazer with an outstanding record of academic innovation,” Bourff stated. “Her experience from previous school districts will prove to vital in mentoring our principals and administrators.”
Combs, 58, said she wasn’t looking to change districts when she got a call from Dr. Bourff.
“I’ve known him in professional circles for a number of years and I like his vision,” Combs said. “When he started talking to me about what was needed, it got me excited.”
Combs said the type of work will be similar.
“Every district has own culture, personality and needs,” Combs said. “But there are lot of commonalities when your districts are this close together.
Combs has been with MSDLT since January 2000, serving in her present role since 2011. She previously served as the director of Elementary Education and then the Assistant Superintendent of Learning and Achievement.
“I’ve had several big roles over the years,” Combs said. “It’s kind of been of multi-facet role.”
Prior to taking the MSDLT position, Combs spent 4 1/2 years in Monroe County school district, serving as an elementary school principal. She also spent 17 years in Seymour, Ind., including serving a stint as principal at a Lutheran school (kindergarten through eighth).
“I’ve loved all the different opportunities I’ve had in Lawrence Township,” Combs said. “I got to help design and build the early childhood center. I led the elementary school design. I got to lead several projects around school start times. I did some leadership on secondary redesign. I’ve had some varied opportunities that have enriched my career.
“It is bittersweet after this long and feeling so connected to this district. It’s also exciting to think about new opportunities. Hamilton Southeastern is a growing school district that will be encountering new challenges because of all that growth. I’m looking forward to serving there.”
Combs lived in Fishers for 11 years but a few years ago she moved to Lawrence Township.
Combs said she keeps working because she loves what she does.
“I’m a passionate public educator,” Combs said. “My dream is always to build a system that honors children and helps them all to be successful. As long as I feel like I can make a difference, I love the work.”
Combs said she enjoys visiting schools and overseeing great instruction.
“I want to facilitate and support teachers in getting what they need to be successful,” Combs said.
Meet Janice Combs
Education: Concordia University, two years in Ann Arbor, Mich., and two years in Seward, Neb., Master’s, specialist and doctorate degrees through Indiana University.
Honors: Earned MSDLT Administrator of the Year in 2012. Selected as one of 62 participants from the U.S. to study Early Childhood Programming in Reggio Emilia, Italy, in 2003.
Personal: Has three children, Jessica, 37 (San Francisco), Monica, 35 (Seymour), Brandon, 33 (Chicago). Jessica has one child and her second child is due in August. Monica had three children.
Hobbies: Reading non-fiction, especially biographies, gardening.
Favorite type of music: 1970s and ‘80s rock and roll.
Favorite TV shows: “The Middle” and “Modern Family.”
Favorite vacation spot: “Love to walk on the beach and have the waves roll in, usually in Florida on the Gulf side.”
Favorite restaurants: George’s Neighborhood Grill, Bonefish Grill, Harry & Izzy’s.
