By Chris Bavender
Towne Meadow Elementary School has a new principal. The Carmel Clay Schools board of trustees appointed Nikki Raasch to the position in late September.
Raasch most recently served for 14 months as assistant principal at Orchard Park Elementary. She replaced Towne Meadow interim principal Kim Barrett.
A 19-year education veteran, Raasch was inspired by her own teachers to pursue a career in the classroom. She has been with CCS for 13 years.
“When I began teaching, my goal was to be a teacher. About six years ago, I realized that I wanted to explore administration,” she said. “At that point, I decided to go back to school and work on my master’s degree. I still wasn’t sure what exactly I wanted to do with my career because I loved being a classroom teacher, but I wanted to have other options if I so desired.”
Raasch’s new role at Towne Meadow will enable her to continue to make a difference in students’ lives and “carry on the many traditions that have already been started.”
“By working directly with parents and students, we can build a relationship to help all students be successful in all aspects of their lives,” she said. “I see the impact we have on the students each and every day and know we are making a difference in their lives.”
Her education philosophy is simple: she believes every student has potential.
“Students learn in different ways and at different rates,” Raasch said. “It is our job as educators to help students reach their full potential in whatever ways are necessary.”
As she settles in to her new role, Raasch said she plans to spend time getting to know Towne Meadow.
“I need to learn all the wonderful things that take place here and the role that everyone plays in the success of this building,” she said. “Throughout this school year, I want to help ensure that all students are reaching their full potential. This means I need to learn about the students, listen to parents and support teachers to make sure that everyone’s needs are being met.”
