Indian Hill Names Whitney Buell as Assistant Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer for 2026-27 School Year.

Search begins for the next principal of Indian Hill Elementary School

The Indian Hill School District recently announced that current Indian Hill Elementary School Principal Whitney Buell has been selected to serve as Assistant Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer for the 2026–2027 school year, pending approval by the Board of Education at its April meeting. Buell brings a wealth of instructional leadership experience and a deep understanding of the district’s commitment to academic excellence. She previously served in this role on an interim basis during the 2024–2025 school year, where she provided steady leadership and continuity in advancing the district’s core academic priorities.

“Mrs. Buell’s expertise, leadership, and unwavering focus on student achievement make her a perfect match for this position,” said Superintendent Dr. Melissa Stewart. “She has already demonstrated her ability to lead our core business of academics at the highest level through her service as interim Assistant Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer. Her deep knowledge of our district and commitment to continuous improvement will ensure we continue to provide exceptional learning experiences for all students.”

“I am incredibly honored and excited to serve in this role,” said Buell. “Indian Hill is a special place, and I look forward to supporting students and staff across all grade levels in new and meaningful ways. The opportunity to collaborate K–12 and help strengthen our already outstanding academic program is truly inspiring.”

Buell has served the Indian Hill School District since 2017, most recently as principal of Indian Hill Elementary School. Prior to joining Indian Hill, she served as principal of Springdale Elementary in the Princeton School District and held roles as a curriculum resource coordinator and classroom teacher in Kentucky and Florida. She began her career in education in 2004 as a teacher at St. Joseph School in Crescent Springs, Kentucky, and went on to teach at Beechwood Elementary in Ft. Mitchell, Kentucky, and WD Hartley Elementary in St. Augustine, Florida. She later served as a Curriculum Resource Coordinator for PVPV/Rawlings Elementary in St. Augustine before transitioning into school leadership.

Buell holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Kentucky, a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Northern Kentucky University, and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Xavier University. She also earned her superintendent license from Xavier University in 2019.

The district will begin the search for the next principal of Indian Hill Elementary School immediately, with a focus on identifying a leader who will continue the school’s strong tradition of excellence.

Pictured: Whitney Buell Photo provided.