INDIANAPOLIS, IN (March 27, 2025) At last night’s meeting of the WT Board of Education, the Board approved Dr. Sean Taylor’s recommendation to name Dr. Nataki Pettigrew as Assistant Superintendent of Academic Services and Dr. Matt Kaiser as Assistant Superintendent of Operational Services, starting July 1, 2025. As a result, the district plans to hire a new Director of Human Resources, with the goal of filling the position by the end of this school year.
Dr. Pettigrew
Assistant Superintendent of Academic Services
Dr. Pettigrew brings twenty-eight years of transformative educational leadership to this new role, having most recently served as Washington Township Schools’ Chief Academic Officer. In this capacity, she has successfully led the Teaching and Learning and Student Services Departments, demonstrating her commitment to educational excellence and equity.
Dr. Kaiser
Assistant Superintendent of Operational Services
Dr. Matt Kaiser brings twenty-five years in education to this new role, most recently serving Washington Township as Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources since 2019.
He began his career in education as a middle school American history teacher in Hamilton Local Schools in Columbus, Ohio.
Dr. Pettigrew has dedicated over two decades of her career to serving students in Indiana through her work with Indianapolis Public Schools, MSD of Pike Township, and Hamilton Southeastern Schools. Her extensive experiences include roles as Chief Equity & Inclusion Officer, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Director of Student Services, Principal, ELA Teacher, and Academic Team Lead, providing her with a comprehensive understanding of educational systems at all levels.
Dr. Pettigrew earned her Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from DePauw University, and her Master of Education, Administration Certification, Educational Specialist (EdS) Degree in District Leadership, and Doctor of Education (EdD) in Educational Leadership from Indiana Wesleyan University.
Dr. Pettigrew earned her Six Sigma Green Belt (CSSGB) certification from Indiana University Columbus.
Dr. Pettigrew actively contributes to education and community through her involvement with several organizations, including Indiana Connected Educators where she serves as board member. Throughout her career, Dr. Pettigrew has earned recognition from the Center for Leadership Development (CLD) and has received various commendations for her community impact. Dr. Pettigrew’s dedication to educational excellence was further acknowledged when she was recently honored with the prestigious CLD K-12 Achievement in Education Award, which recognizes outstanding educators who demonstrate exceptional commitment to student success, innovative teaching practices, and leadership within diverse learning environments.
“I am deeply honored and energized to step into this new leadership role with the Metropolitan School District of Washington Township. My commitment is to cultivate academic excellence while building learning environments where every student experiences genuine belonging and embraces the spirit of Panther Pride. I look forward to continuing to work alongside our families and students as well as the talented administrators and staff of MSDWT.”
He then moved to the Indianapolis area where he served as a teacher, athletic director, and assistant principal in Brownsburg Community Schools.
Dr. Kaiser was then selected to lead Center Grove Middle School North as principal in Center Grove Community School Corporation. Dr. Kaiser continued in the role of principal at Eastwood Middle School and Northview Middle School in the Metropolitan School District of Washington Township.
He received his Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Miami University. He holds a Master of Science in Educational Leadership from the University of Dayton and a Master of Science in Strategic Management from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University. Dr. Kaiser was awarded his Doctoral Degree in Education with a minor in curriculum from Indiana University in 2022.
Dr. Kaiser has served as President of the Indiana Curriculum and Instruction Association, President of District Seven of the Indiana Association of School Principals, and President of the Marion County Principals Association. He was awarded the Paula Silver Award from the University Council for Educational Administration in 2014, the Washington Township Administrator of the Year Award in 2016, and the Indiana Association of School Principals District Seven Principal of the Year Award in 2019.
Dr. Kaiser’s two children both attended Washington Township Schools. His son Will graduated from North Central High School in 2023 and his daughter Lucy is currently a Junior. Dr. Kaiser’s wife, Emily, is the Executive Director of the Washington Township Schools Foundation.
“I want to thank both Dr. Taylor and the board of education for providing me with the opportunity to continue serving the Washington Township community in this new role. I am incredibly grateful to be able to give back to schools that are so special to me and my entire family.”
