Dr. Tony Bennett is the current Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction. He was sworn in on January 12, 2009.[1] Dr. Bennett, a Republican, was elected to his first term in 2008 defeating his Democratic opponent, Dr. Richard Wood with over 51% of the vote.[2]
Dr. Bennett has spent more than 20 years in the field of education in Indiana, serving as a teacher, coach and administrator.[1] Dr. Bennett received his Ed.D. and Indiana Superintendent's License from Spalding University.[1] He received his Certification in Secondary Administration and Supervision, a Master of Science in Secondary Education, and a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education from Indiana University Southeast.[1]
During his tenure as principal of Scottsburg Senior High School, he also served as head boy's basketball coach in the mid-1990s. Some of the team members were suspected of drinking alcohol at a party. The accusations were never proven, but Bennett suspended himself as a result of the allegations.
Bennett is perhaps best known for his unapologetic push for dramatic education reform and his termination of over one third of the department staff upon assuming his post. Upon taking office in 2009, Bennett realigned the office around reform priorities and reduced by roughly 25% the size of the department's workforce.
Bennett is married to Tina and is the father of four and grandfather of three.
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