The Indian Hill School District is pleased to announce Andy Gruber will serve as the new principal of Indian Hill High School for the 2024-2025 school year. Gruber, who was named a "Rising Leader" in 2022-2023 by the national education publication K-12 DIVE, joined the Indian Hill Leadership Team in 2020 from St. Xavier High School where he served as the director of enrollment management. The announcement of his selection follows a national search conducted by JG Consulting.
“We looked for the best of the best across the country to lead Indian Hill High School, and Mr. Gruber proved to be the strongest applicant,” said Indian Hill CEO/Superintendent Kirk Koennecke. “Mr. Gruber came to our team with excellent director-level management skills and a deep knowledge of best educational practices having spent several years in classroom education leadership roles. We are thrilled to see him lead in this new role, working alongside the best high school students and staff in the nation.”
“We took this search extremely seriously,” said Indian Hill Board of Education Member Niki Singh, who served on the selection committee. “Our top candidates met with our students, our staff, our parents, and our community.”
“We took feedback from all of these groups before making our decision,” added Indian Hill Board of Education Member Bear Tullis, who also served on the selection committee. “We know we have made the correct choice, and we look forward to a very bright future for Indian Hill High School under the leadership of Mr. Gruber.”
Ranked as the Niche Best in Ohio, Indian Hill High School has a singular focus – creating an unparalleled student experience. At Indian Hill High School, Braves acquire skills that transcend the typical school experience, seen through the IH Experienceships program and The BIG Pitch, a “Shark Tank” competition for students to earn a chance to fund ideas to improve Indian Hill High School. Innovative learning plus 30 AP classes, an ACT composite score seven points above the national average, and unparalleled experiences in the arts and athletics create an atmosphere of excellence.
“I am humbled and honored to have the privilege of working alongside the world-class educators who year-over-year push themselves to create opportunities that help our amazing students grow and learn,” said Gruber. “This is a dream come true for me professionally, and I will work tirelessly to ensure we continue to cultivate a culture where our students are the center of each decision we make, and educators are provided the resources to make the dreams of our students come to life. Additionally, I am grateful to this incredible community – the support and leadership our parents and partners provide is truly what makes us so uniquely Indian Hill.”
As the assistant principal at Indian Hill Primary School, Gruber was integral to the work leading to the building’s designation as the first K-2 primary school in Ohio to receive Ohio Department of Education and Ohio STEM Learning Network STEM Designation; he helped manage transition for both students and staff during the renovation of Indian Hill Primary School; and, he helped lead the building through a transition to digital learning during the global pandemic. Prior to his tenure in administration at St. Xavier High School, Gruber served from 2010-2019 as a teacher with Sycamore Community Schools. He helped lead science, technology, engineering, and math work within Sycamore and was an integral part of the Sycamore Advisory Commission.
Gruber earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Middle Childhood Education from Xavier University in 2010; he earned his Masters of Education in Educational Administration from Xavier in 2013. Gruber replaces Jeff Damadeo, who was recently named the new director of K-12 leadership and career development. The Indian Hill Board of Education is anticipated to approve Gruber’s new contract during the March 19 regularly scheduled meeting.
Photo caption: Andy Gruber will serve as the new principal of Indian Hill High School beginning in the 2024-2025 school year.