Over the last two years, Dan Jack, Devon Marine and Jason Cary have been promoted to the central administrative office.
School principals with years of community connections are now leading Greenfield-Central’s administrative teams.
Superintendent Dr. Harold Olin says their years of experience as highly-qualified, community-oriented school principals is advantageous for the school corporation. They were ready and eager to grab the baton to provide students with a well-rounded, dynamic educational experience.
“Dan Jack and Devon Marine had served G-C in administrative capacities for more than 15 years before they assumed their new roles in the fall of 2023, and Jason Cary had been with the corporation for seven years in our highest-profile principalship before he started his new role this past June,” Olin said. “These three professionals all know our students, families and the larger community, so they were able to make the adjustment look fairly seamless.”
That’s not to take away from the three leaders that preceded them in their roles. Lori Katz, Megan Thompson and Scott Kern all added value to G-C schools during their tenure, Olin said, and he fully supported their professional moves.
When it comes to the leadership team today, Olin said the three local principals proved their leadership skills in their buildings and made them reliable choices for the administration office.
Jason Cary, former principal of Greenfield-Central High School, is enjoying his new position as assistant superintendent. He oversees transportation and security for the corporation, as well as curriculum for the junior high and high school. Cary also connects with the community through networking and marketing.
In truth, being the principal at G-CHS was his favorite job – “That building, those kids, and that staff are just special,” he said.
“I have been in education all over the state and I’ve worked at some really great schools. But G-CHS is just different. It’s the best-kept secret in central Indiana,” Cary said. “With all that said, this new position has been exciting and challenging, and I think it came at a really great time in my career. One of my favorite parts of being the assistant superintendent is the people I get to work with.”
The staff at the central office have been welcoming and patient as he figures out the new job. The relationships he has built over time with G-C principals has made the transition smooth.
“At the end of the day, we are here for the teachers and the kids,” Cary said. “Dr. Olin does a great job of never letting us lose sight of that. We have to be responsible and efficient with the taxpayers’ money that funds what we do, but we always make decisions with the lens of what is best for kids.”
Devon Marine, who had served as principal at Greenfield Intermediate School, is now director of elementary education. He works with principals and academic coaches of the elementary and intermediate schools, collaborating on best practices in teaching and curriculum.
“I absolutely love what I do in this role, as I get to see the impacts of our work across multiple schools,” he said. “In my short time in this role so far, I’ve learned each school has unique needs and different challenges to work with. I‘ve been very cognizant of the importance of thinking long-term in regard to the district vision.”
Greenfield-Central has students as the top priority, Marine said, and all decisions made by administrators, teachers and staff are made with the best interest of students in mind.
Dan Jack had served as principal of Greenfield Central Junior High School and hit a professional sweet spot as director of human resources.
“I love what I do,” he said. “One of my favorite things about being a principal was interviewing and evaluating teachers and staff. Now, I get to oversee this at the corporation level, as well as find ways to take care of our teachers throughout their careers.”
Jack went on to say that building principals and district administrators work really well as a team. They meet formally every month, and he talks with the principals almost daily.
“Whether we are discussing teacher evaluations, supervision, substitute teachers or adjusting a schedule, our focus is always centered around what is best for the students.”
Olin has nothing but praise for his entire administrative team. When it comes to these three in particular, he said their commitment to students and staff is admirable.
Dan Jack is a great teammate, he said, and has made HR processes more employee-friendly and effective. Olin commended Jack’s intelligence and the fact that he is well-rounded and cross-trained, attributed to his years as junior high and high school administration as well as professional school organizations.
Devon Marine’s humility makes him a good fit for working with others and leading by example. Olin said Marine is one of the most efficient leaders he’s worked with, who has the full respect of the administrative team.
Jason Cary’s successful years as high school principal made him the ideal candidate for assistant superintendent. Olin said his passions on safety, transportation and marketing have him excelling at the position.
“I have the privilege of working with an amazing leadership team in Greenfield-Central,” Olin said. “They know our students, take care of our staff and embrace our community.”
By Maribeth Vaughn
“I have the privilege of working with an amazing leadership team in Greenfield-Central,” Olin said. “They know our students, take care of our staff and embrace our community.”