WITZ Banner ad 2020 2_18_2020.jpg
WITZ Banner ad 2020 2_18_2020.jpg
SW Dubois Raiders Have a New Coach at the Helm
It was a decidedly different tone at the Southwest Dubois School Corporation board meeting on
Thursday night, where a full audience met an incoming coach, celebrated significant student
achievements, and heard updates to questions about the Teen Outback.
In their normal fashion, the board approved various field trip and personnel requests, a
purchase order update, and 2025 Summer School course offerings. They also approved the
2025-26 Non-Certified Handbook and several Treasurers’ bonds.
They then announced the new Head Varsity Girls’ Basketball Coach, Matt Hiter, who was in
attendance and spoke to WITZ afterwards. Asked about his goals for the season, Hiter said, “I’m
following a guy, Greg Werner, who’s had many, many wins, right? So it kind of makes it easier
on me. There’s no way I’m going to achieve what he achieved right away, so I can come in there
and we can do things the right way. We can work hard, play hard, and do it the Raider way.” As
for teaching players off the field, the coach said his priority is always “We’re good people first.
That’s what it comes down to. Be a good person, and the rest will follow.”
In the Southwest Dubois Highlight of the Month, the board recognized the inaugural selection
of the Teachers of the Year. Kyle Baseden was selected as the 2025 Secondary Teacher of the
Year, while Lindsey Riehle was named 2025 Elementary Teacher of the Year.
Fifth graders at Holland Elementary raised funds and planned a memorable trip to King’s Island,
which they visited last week. At Huntingburg Elementary, students took part in the Noetic
Learning Math Contest with over 40,000 other participants. Details on their amazing
achievements will be announced in the coming days, as some winners have not yet been
notified.
Southridge High School has been busy as well, earning multiple accolades. Erin Rauscher was
named Ivy Tech Dual Credit Instructor of the Year in the Region, and numerous individual
student accomplishments were also highlighted. Specific names and achievements can be
found in the meeting minutes once they are posted to the district website. Southridge hosted
the Regional Academic Bowl, taking home the title of Fine Arts State Champions. They placed
second in Math, Social Studies, and English, and third in Science.
At the end of the meeting, the board addressed the rumors circulating about the Teen Outback
center. Public comments were opened and one person voiced how important it was to
prioritize a building that has such a deep connection to the history of Huntingburg. The board
wholeheartedly agreed and made it clear that no plan had been adopted to remove the
building. They expressed their shared admiration not only for the facility itself but also the great
work done by the Teen Outback. Board Vice President John Schroeder replied to the public
comment on the board’s behalf, expressing disappointment that social media had fueled
rumors, accusations, and rhetoric. In the process, it served as a stumbling block to open
conversations and a shared commitment to the community’s youth.
Of the unprecedented response, Schroeder said, “We understand and respect the fact that
people are very passionate about it. That’s part of the blessing of living in a small community,
right? We’ve all got memories there.”
For more information on these and other updates, visit www.swdubois.k12.in.us
- By Drew Hasselbring