During the Indiana Association of Public School Superintendents (IAPSS) Annual Conference on November 12, 2025, Dr. Jim Hanna, Superintendent of Rossville Consolidated School District, delivered a powerful and practical presentation titled “Tools I’ve Added to My Toolbox in 26 Years.” The session, part of the conference’s Adaptability in the Modern Superintendency focus strand, drew an engaged audience of superintendents and district leaders eager to explore strategies for thriving amid rapid change.
Over his 26 years in educational leadership and forty years in education, Dr. Hanna has witnessed firsthand the shifting landscape of public education, from evolving safety threats and fluctuating state funding to the integration of artificial intelligence and new communication expectations. His presentation provided attendees with a toolkit of actionable approaches for modern leadership, blending storytelling, data, and practical case studies
Highlights of Dr. Hanna’s Presentation
Budget Preparedness: Dr. Hanna shared how Rossville’s proactive financial planning model balances program sustainability with fiscal responsibility. Using a detailed 35-column budget worksheet, the district anticipates salary and benefit costs over multiple years to ensure long-term stability
Harnessing Artificial Intelligence: Emphasizing efficiency, Dr. Hanna demonstrated how AI tools like ChatGPT, Otter.ai, and Grammarly have transformed administrative operations, from transcribing meetings and analyzing contracts to drafting press releases and refining communication materials
School Safety Innovations: Drawing from Rossville’s nationally recognized safety protocols, Hanna highlighted the district’s layered approach using Informacast, QuickTalk, and Wayfinder technologies to enhance emergency response times. Rossville’s commitment to preparedness is supported by more than $500,000 in IDHS Secured School Safety Grants, underscoring the district’s dedication to student and staff safety
Marketing and Community Engagement: Dr. Hanna encouraged districts to “get the board’s message out” through transparency and storytelling. He showcased Rossville’s use of press releases, media engagement, and digital tools to highlight academic success, career readiness, and student achievements across academics, arts, athletics, and agriculture
Creative Funding Strategies: Stressing the importance of persistence and research in grant writing, Hanna advised leaders to “focus on what you can actually obtain, not just what you ideally want.” His experience securing over $960,000 in grants and federal funding served as a practical guide for peers navigating limited fiscal resources
A Message of Adaptability
“Adaptability isn’t just a skill,” Dr. Hanna told attendees. “It’s a mindset, one that allows us to lead with confidence through uncertainty.” He urged superintendents to evolve their “leadership toolbox continuously,” ensuring they are prepared for whatever challenges tomorrow’s education landscape presents
The session concluded with an invitation for participants to reflect on their own professional growth and identify areas to strengthen their adaptability. True to his theme, Dr. Hanna demonstrated how strategic innovation and community partnerships can keep schools both resilient and forward-focused.
For more information about Dr. Hanna’s presentation or the Rossville Consolidated
School District, contact:
Dr. Jim Hanna
Superintendent, Rossville Consolidated School District
(765) 349-4490 | jhanna@rcsd.k12.in.us