Pictured is Washington STEM Academy Principal Cheri Sleighter with her family. Photo provided.

Press Release

WARSAW — Warsaw Community Schools’ administration has selected Cheri Sleighter as the principal of Washington STEM Academy pending school board approval in April.

“I feel blessed to continue to serve with the teachers and staff at Washington to make a difference in the lives of our Hornets,” said Sleighter. “I look forward to connecting with the community and parents throughout the years as we continue to learn and grow together.”

She and her husband, Cory, have a son that is a junior at Warsaw Community High School, as well as a fourth-grade daughter who attends Washington.

Sleighter graduated from Whitko High School and went on to earn her undergraduate degree from Indiana Purdue University Fort Wayne and her Masters in Educational Leadership and Supervision from Indiana State University.

Serving at WCS since 2006, Sleighter began her teaching career at Leesburg Elementary School. During her time teaching, she taught all elementary grade levels in some capacity. From there, Sleighter traveled to China to teach STEM education during the summer of 2018. Upon returning, she became Warsaw’s district math coach for all elementary buildings along with teaching STEM on the Warsaw Inquiry Learning Lab bus that traveled to all Warsaw elementary buildings. During the 2020-21 school year, all WCS coaches began a building-based model; at that time, Sleighter transitioned to Lincoln Elementary’s instructional coach.

Sleighter has served as the interim principal at Washington STEM Academy since October 2022. During that time, she has completed the coursework for her master’s degree as well as certification for School Safety Specialist.

“I have had the privilege of getting to know Cheri well over the last half year and watched as she excelled in the interim principal role at Washington STEM Academy,” said Tom Westerhof, WCS board member and Washington parent. “After many conversations with staff, students and families of Washington, it is obvious that they are as impressed as I am. Cheri is an asset to Warsaw Community Schools and I am thrilled that she will continue leading that building and molding students in the ‘Washington Way.'”

The faculty and staff at Washington, along with a focus group of parents, gave feedback to the selection committee prior to the search process. Sleighter was chosen from a group of highly qualified applicants.

“Cheri took part in the Warsaw Experience Indiana State University cohort for her master’s degree in administration,” said Deputy Superintendent Dr. Dani Barkey. “This innovative partnership has allowed us to build capacity in our teacher leaders and has directly served as a pipeline to fill critical leadership roles.”

“We are excited to officially announce Mrs. Sleighter as the principal of Washington STEM Academy,” said WCS Superintendent Dr. David Hoffert. “The interview committee, consisting of parents, teachers and administration, was highly impressed by her interim work over the 2022-23 school year. Her background knowledge as a parent, teacher, instructional coach and a member of the WCS master’s cohort provided a wealth of experiences leading into this leadership role. It is easy to see and hear her commitment to students, parents and staff. WCS thanks all involved in the selection and interview process and welcomes Cheri Sleighter as the new principal of Washington STEM Academy.”