Blackford County Schools Hires New Assistant Principal, Faces JROTC Vacancy With School Starting August 5

From the Blackford County Schools Board meeting on July 21, 2026

The Blackford County Schools board approved the hiring of Amber Yayton as assistant principal at Blackford Junior Senior High School, filling the vacancy left by a wave of personnel changes heading into a school year that starts in roughly two weeks.

Yayton, described as "homegrown" by the superintendent, has prior administrative experience in Jay County and Muncie schools, handling discipline, attendance, and teacher evaluations. More than 15 candidates applied for the position. The board approved her hiring 4-0.

The district is also navigating two notable resignations. Karen Mealy, an eight-year administrator who previously worked in probation before becoming a guidance counselor at BCS, resigned to become principal at Southern Wells Junior Senior High School. Tony Ugin, a groundskeeper, resigned to become athletic director at Northfield, where he previously taught and coached.

Most urgently, a replacement JROTC instructor who was hired to succeed Master Sergeant Kaufman has backed out of his commitment. That leaves Major Granger — hired last month — as the only JROTC instructor as BCS searches for a second with school starting approximately August 5.

The board also approved several other appointments: Katie Bachy as assistant varsity volleyball coach, Carly Coons as JV volleyball coach, Mercedes Clark and Pam Irwin in food service, and Mallory Harris as corporation nurse. The Blackford Federation of Teachers announced new leadership, with Julia Hyatt as president and Rachel Shadio as elementary vice president.

Source: YouTube transcript — Blackford County - School Board Meeting - July 21, 2026

Some information may be inaccurate due to video audio quality.