బేట్స్విల్లే, INDIANA – Batesville Community School Corporation is pleased to announce that Bernice Essick has been named assistant principal at Batesville Intermediate School (BIS), joining Principal Dana Cassidy and the Bulldog team for the 2026–27 school year.
Essick brings a wealth of educational leadership experience and a deep commitment to the Batesville community. ఇటీవల, she has served as Interim Dean of Students at Batesville Primary School, where she has led schoolwide behavior systems, collaborated closely with teachers and families, and helped strengthen student support structures. Prior to that role, she spent seven years as an elementary teacher at Batesville Primary School, including serving in the district’s Dual Language Immersion program.
ఆమె కెరీర్ మొత్తం, Essick has been recognized for building positive relationships with students, సిబ్బంది, and families while developing systems that promote consistency, accountability, and student success. Her background includes leadership in instructional support, school improvement, behavior intervention, data analysis, and collaborative problem solving. Before entering education, she also gained extensive organizational leadership experience with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Southeastern Indiana YMCA, bringing a unique perspective in systems development and operational leadership.
“One of the things that stood out most throughout this process was Berni’s heart,” said BIS Principal Dana Cassidy. “She genuinely loves Batesville kids, believes in the work we’re doing, and is deeply committed to this community. Our students deserve adults who will build relationships, set high expectations, and make them feel safe, seen, and supported every day. Berni is exactly that kind of leader. I’m incredibly excited to welcome her to the BIS family and can’t wait to see the impact she’ll have on our students, సిబ్బంది, and families.”
Essick earned her School Administration Certification from Indiana Wesleyan University in 2022. She also holds a Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education from Ball State University, along with certifications in Gifted and Talented Education and Transition to Teaching. Outside of school, Essick enjoys cheering on Batesville students at athletic events, music events, and theater productions and values every opportunity to give back to the community that shaped her. She and her husband, Thomas, are raising their two sons, Levi and Wyatt, in Batesville, where they are active members of the Bulldog community.
“I am incredibly honored and excited to serve as assistant principal at Batesville Intermediate School,” said Essick. “Batesville has been home to my family for many years, and I care deeply about our students, సిబ్బంది, మరియు సంఘం. I look forward to partnering with our families and BIS Staff to build strong relationships, support every child, and continue the tradition of excellence that makes Batesville such a special place.”
Essick joins the BIS leadership team as the school continues to build upon its Bulldog Ready mission of preparing every student for success through meaningful relationships, high expectations, and authentic learning experiences. Her experience, collaborative leadership style, and unwavering commitment to students make her an outstanding addition to the Batesville Intermediate School family.
