On Jan. 1, Angela Miller, pictured right, became Caston School Corporation’s new superintendent. She is pictured with Linda Arnett, Caston’s “Teacher of the Month” for January. Miller, who grew up on a small farm near Akron, credits her time in 4-H with helping develop leadership skills from a young age. Photo provided by Angela Miller.

By David Hazledine
InkFreeNews

CULTON COUNTY — In Jan. 1, Angela Miller succeeded Dr. Paul Voigt as superintendent of Caston School Corporation. A curriculum director at Caston for over seven years, Miller is familiar with the rural corporation’s unique character.

“It’s definitely a family,” she observed. “When you’re small you have a connection to everybody. I really like that family atmosphere. Even though I didn’t grow up here, I’m still treated like family.”

Miller grew up in nearby Akron on a family farm and still credits her 4-H experience with providing a firm foundation for her professional life.

“I’ll always be a supporter. The leadership skills you gain are invaluable. … Many from my friend group in 4-H are leaders in the community into our 50s,” she said.

Miller has also had a lifelong interest in art, and after graduating from Tippecanoe Valley High School, she attended Manchester College, where she studied to be an art teacher. Her first posting was at Whitko Community Schools, teaching art in grades K-8.

After marrying Doug Miller, her husband of 32 years, Angela took a four-year hiatus from work to spend more time with their new children, Daniel and Madison. She transitioned back into education at Tippecanoe Valley School Corporation.

At Valley, Miller also “eased into administration.” While there, she earned a master’s degree in elementary education from Indiana University in Kokomo and an administrative license form Indiana Purdue at Fort Wayne. She was a curriculum director for eight years and then principal at Mentone Elementary for five years. As recently as 2021, Miller earned her education specialist degree from Indiana State University.

A superintendent, said Miller, must have the ability to “see the bigger picture.”

“Every part of the education system has its own microcosm,” she explained. The superintendent must be able to connect with people, “so everybody is pulling together for the best interest of the children. That’s what we’re here for.”

Miller credits her predecessor for spearheading a strategic plan, which was adopted in March 2020. Broadly speaking, the plan focuses on the “four Cs”: Culture, community, curriculum and campus. The plan calls for regular data collection and review to ensure the corporation is meeting its goals.

“It’s nice to start a job like this with a road map in place,” said Miller.

Her first month has been spent “getting up to speed. … And keeping the board informed on what’s going on, so they can make the best decisions.”

Miller also cited the phenomenon of “rural brain drain,” talented students moving away to larger cities or other parts of the country, as a problem she hopes to address. In recent years, Caston added community service as a graduation requirement, a move she endorses.

“If we’re going to produce community leaders, it’s not just math and science that are going to get us there.” The community service requirement helps foster a greater sense of connection. “It’s an amazing seed to plant.”

Furthermore, Caston’s location — between Rochester and Logansport — means this community involvement impacts a larger area. “It gets spread out because of where these kids live geographically.”

“I can’t say enough about how the community supports these students,” Miller enthused. She recalled when an anonymous donor purchased pizza for the entire elementary for a week before Christmas break. “That’s just one example.”

Miller also works to foster relationships with students outside of the classroom, and she is glad her husband is “into sports,” as the couple enjoy attending Caston sports events together.

The Miller’s also spend time at Doug’s mother’s home on Lake Manitou and enjoy snowmobiling in the winter.

“I still do arts when I can,” Miller added. She paints in water color and acrylic.