Former IPS Superintendent Eugene White named interim North Central High School principal

Caroline Beck, Indianapolis Star
·2 min read
Martin University president Dr. Eugene White poses for a photo at Martin University, Monday, May 18, 2015.
Martin University president Dr. Eugene White poses for a photo at Martin University, Monday, May 18, 2015.

The Washington Township school board Wednesday approved former superintendent of Washington Township and Indianapolis Public Schools districts Eugene White to be North Central High School’s interim principal.

White was chosen to lead the district’s only high school after longtime principal Evans Branigan III was placed on leave earlier this week following allegations of “involving verbal misconduct and failure to implement District protocols regarding a student discipline matter,” according to a statement released to staff and families.

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Branigan announced earlier this year that he would retire at the end of this school year but is now on paid administrative leave pending an investigation with outside counsel, the district said.

White served as principal for North Central High School from 1990-1992 and was the district’s superintendent from 1994-2005 before becoming superintendent of the Indianapolis Public Schools district from 2005-2013. In 2013 he became president of Martin University, a post he held until 2019.

“One of the best professional experiences I have had was being principal of North Central High School,” White said in a statement. “…I return with a focus on ensuring a strong finish for the school year.”

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White was recently appointed to serve on the Indianapolis Public Library Board following a tumultuous period for the board over significant internal division over choosing the library’s next CEO.

White will begin his position at North Central Thursday as the district continues its search for a permanent principal. The district said they hope to announce a new leader before the end of the school year.

"We understand that during a process such as this, staff and families may feel in the dark, but please know that we are following proper procedures and protocols to protect the integrity of the investigative process,” the district said. “Although perhaps frustrating, we must honor the investigative process and adhere to legal requirements.”

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Contact IndyStar reporter Caroline Beck at 317-618-5807 or CBeck@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter: @CarolineB_Indy. 

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This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: North Central High School's new interim principal is Eugene White