The 5 Biggest Changes Rocking Garrett-Keyser-Butler Schools In 2025-2026

The Garrett-Keyser-Butler Community School District (GKB CSD) is undergoing a period of significant transformation and growth as of December 2025. This wave of change is impacting everything from top-level administration to facility planning and academic programming, setting a fresh course for the district's future. The GKB CSD, which serves the areas of Garrett City, Keyser Township, and Butler Township in DeKalb County, Indiana, is leveraging new leadership and major infrastructure projects to enhance its educational offerings and accommodate a growing student body. The focus for the 2025-2026 school year is clearly on strategic continuity and ambitious development, highlighted by a new superintendent's arrival and the planning for a state-of-the-art elementary school. These updates demonstrate a strong commitment from the School Board and the community to investing in the next generation of students across Garrett High School (GHS), Garrett Middle School (GMS), and J.E. Ober Elementary.

The New Era of Leadership: Superintendent and High School Principals

The most immediate and impactful change within the GKB CSD is the transition in top-tier administrative roles, signaling a fresh perspective for the district.

Superintendent Daniel Durrwachter Takes the Helm

The district officially welcomed Daniel Durrwachter as its new Superintendent, beginning his tenure in July. Durrwachter brings a wealth of experience, having previously served in roles as a teacher, principal, and Chief Financial Officer (CFO). His background, which includes growing up in Huntington, Indiana, positions him as a leader with deep roots in the regional educational landscape.

Garrett High School Sees a Principal Transition

Garrett High School is also navigating a significant leadership change. Long-time Principal Matt Smith announced his retirement, effective on November 25, 2025. The district has appointed Sam Watkins as the Interim Principal of GHS to ensure a smooth transition and maintain stability during the search for a permanent replacement. This shift is critical as the high school continues to manage its academic and vocational programs.

Massive Infrastructure Investment: The Future J.E. Ober Elementary

One of the most exciting developments is the planned construction of a new J.E. Ober Elementary School, a project that speaks directly to the district’s long-term vision for growth and modern education.

A State-of-the-Art Facility for 900 Students

The new elementary school is not just a replacement building; it is a major infrastructure investment designed to accommodate the community's future needs. The plan is to build a facility capable of housing up to 900 students by 2032. This forward-thinking design ensures the school can grow alongside the population of DeKalb County. The GKB CSD has already begun unveiling conceptual artwork for the future J.E. Ober Elementary, generating excitement among parents and staff.

Focus on Early Childhood Readiness

The importance of early education is underscored by the continued success of the K.A.R.E. Program (Kindergarten Academic Readiness Experiences) at J.E. Ober Elementary. This program focuses on engaging both children and parents in fun activities that build foundational skills, ensuring students are academically and socially prepared for kindergarten.

Academic Excellence and Program Highlights in 2025

Beyond administrative and facility changes, the GKB CSD continues to foster a strong academic environment, with the Class of 2025 leaving a notable legacy.

The Triumphs of the Class of 2025

The graduating class of 2025 at Garrett High School achieved remarkable success, highlighting the strength of the district’s programs.

• Top Scholars: The Class of 2025's top ten seniors were recognized, with Adam Burns named Valedictorian and Camdyn Woods named Salutatorian.
• Academic Super Bowl State Finals: The GHS English Academic Team qualified for the State Finals in the prestigious Indiana Academic Super Bowl, demonstrating their mastery of complex subjects and critical thinking. The team is set to compete at Purdue University.
• Early College Success: GHS students were also recognized at Ivy Tech's Early College awards, a testament to the success of programs that allow students to earn college credit while still in high school.

Key Academic and Community Initiatives

The district’s commitment to student success is also evident in ongoing programs and community partnerships:

• Literacy Focus: The GKB CSD continues to monitor and report on critical literacy benchmarks, including an update on the IREAD-3 scores, a key metric for reading proficiency in third grade.
• Vocational Opportunities: Garrett High School provides robust vocational programs for juniors and seniors, ensuring students have practical skills and career readiness alongside a solid core of academic courses.
• Community Support: Superintendent Durrwachter publicly acknowledged the Church of Garrett for their generous support, which included providing free school supplies to students, showcasing the strong community ties that bolster the school district.

The Origin of the Name: Garrett, Keyser, and Butler

The name Garrett-Keyser-Butler Community School District is not a reference to three individuals, but rather a geographical designation that reflects the consolidation of various smaller districts into a unified entity. This structure is common in Indiana and ensures representation across the service area.

A Consolidation of Communities

The district's name is a direct acknowledgment of the primary communities it serves in DeKalb County, Indiana:

• Garrett: The largest municipality and home to the main high school and middle school. The district’s main office is located on East Houston Street in Garrett.
• Keyser: Specifically Keyser Township, which is represented on the School Board by a dedicated member.
• Butler: Referring to Butler Township, which also has representation on the GKB CSD School Board.

This structure, overseen by the GKB School Board (including President Jerry Weller, Vice-President Dr. Danny Weimer, Secretary Mark Thrush, and members Matt Freeze, Luke Ice, Dottie Fuentes, and Brent Weller), ensures that the educational needs of all constituent areas—Garrett City, Keyser Township, and Butler Township—are addressed.

The Athletic Landscape at GKB CSD

Athletics remain a vital component of the student experience at GKB CSD, fostering teamwork, discipline, and community pride. Garrett High School and Garrett Middle School offer a wide range of sports programs for student-athletes.

Diverse Sports Programs

The district supports a comprehensive athletic department that encourages participation at both the middle and high school levels. Programs at GHS and GMS include:

• Baseball
• Basketball (Girls V, Boys V, etc.)
• Cross Country
• Flag Football
• Football
• Golf
• Soccer
• Softball
• Swimming
• Tennis
• Cheerleading (Girls MS)

The dedication of the athletes and the support of the Athletic Department underscore the district’s commitment to a well-rounded educational experience. The GHS Spell Team and Academic Super Bowl team have even left their legacy with championship banners, demonstrating that academic competitions are treated with the same pride as athletic achievements. The 2025-2026 school year is poised to be a landmark period for the Garrett-Keyser-Butler Community School District. With new leadership in place, an ambitious plan for a modern J.E. Ober Elementary School, and a consistent track record of academic success, the GKB CSD is clearly focused on building a strong, sustainable future for its students and the wider DeKalb County community.

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