Superintendent of Elkhart Community Schools

Dr. Steve Thalheimer began as the superintendent of Elkhart Community Schools on January 1, 2019.

Thalheimer has 24 years of experience in public education. He has served as a high school teacher, curriculum coordinator, assistant superintendent, and, for the last five years, superintendent at Fairfield Community Schools.

“The core of my leadership practice is stakeholder engagement, listening to students and staff, and being respectful of the people who make up our school community,” said Thalheimer. “I want students to feel safe and loved while also challenged; I want parents to feel we work in partnership as we strive for excellence and success for every child; I want teacher evaluation to be transparent and fair; I want all staff to know how important of a role they play in the growth of our students and community.”

In addition to his extensive experience, Thalheimer has also served as a presenter, advisor, consultant, and trainer at panels, institutes, and events hosted by organizations such as the Indiana Department of Education, Smithsonian International, Indiana School Boards Association, and Indiana Public School Superintendents Association.

Thalheimer currently serves on the Board of Directors for ETHOS Innovation Center and Horizon Education Alliance. He is a member of the New Paris Lion’s Club, Elkhart County Special Education Cooperative Governing Council, Indiana School Boards Association, Indiana Association of Public School Superintendents, Indiana Association of School Business Officials, National Association of Secondary School Principals, Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, and Pi Lambda Theta & Phi Beta Phi Societies. In 2005, Thalheimer was recognized by the Indianapolis Star as an Academic All-Star Teacher; in 2001, Thalheimer won the Dearborn County (Indiana) Foundation President’s Philanthropy Award; in 1998, 2000, and 2005, Thalheimer was recognized as the Lawrenceburg Teacher of the Year; in 1995 and 2001, Thalheimer was the recipient of the Jack Anderson Outstanding Teacher Award. Thalheimer earned a Doctor of Philosophy (Educational Leadership) degree from Indiana State University, a Masters of Arts (English) degree from University of Rochester, and a Bachelors of Arts (History and English) degree from Indiana University.