South Bend, IN February 4, 2019 – The South Bend Community School Board has announced Dr. C. Todd Cummings as the next Superintendent of South Bend Schools. Dr. Cummings will assume his leadership duties beginning July 1, 2019.
Dr. Cummings brings 17 years of experience and broad leadership skills gained from serving in public education, including the past two school years with South Bend Schools. As the district’s HR director, Dr. Cummings oversaw two successful teacher-contract negotiations, implemented an aspiring leaders program to develop prospective principal candidates, implemented a more effective hiring process district-wide, and adjusted principal compensation structures. He has also assumed responsibility for directing the transportation department, the adult ed and CTE departments, and the budget-examination team at the superintendent’s direction. Based on work for the district and these additional responsibilities, the Board of Trustees named Dr. Cummings Deputy Superintendent in December 2018.
Dr. Cummings began his public education as an eighth-grade language arts and humanities teacher. He has held various positions spanning: K-8 building manager, coordinator of academic services, and director of human resources in school districts including Western, Fort Wayne, and South Bend. Dr. Cummings has a strong personnel background with extensive experience in employee relations and contract negotiations, and the creation and implementation of comprehensive professional development and leadership programs for teachers, classified support staff and management.
Dr. Cummings has a bachelor’s degree in political science from Liberty University, a master’s degree in educational administration from Indiana University, and he received his doctorate in education leadership, administration, & foundations from Indiana State University in 2015.
“I am excited and honored to have been chosen as the new superintendent of South Bend Schools and look forward to working collaboratively with the school board, staff, students, parents and community,” Dr. Cummings said. “I appreciate the diversity of the South Bend community and I’m committed to providing all of our students with an enriching educational experience to help them build successful futures.” South Bend School Board President John Anella offered the following statement on behalf of the board: “We believe that Dr. Cummings will be a visionary leader and a great fit for our staff, students and community. The Board is confident that we have found an innovative and progressive leader who will guide our District into the future.”