Principal

Assistant Principal

A 2001 Salem High School graduate, Luke Dean is returning home to lead the pack at SHS as the new principal.

Dean has been in education for 17 years; 13 as a teacher and four as an administrator. 

“In my years of teaching I taught 8th grade science and health, chemistry, honors chemistry, ICP, P.E. and Advanced PE (weight lifting),” he said. “I have coached football for 21 years; 15 as a head coach. I have coached MS track and youth baseball, basketball, wrestling and football.”

After graduation from SHS, he attended Indiana University in Bloomington for his undergraduate degree and Western Governors University for his masters. 

He started his career at Edgewood High School as assistant football coach and a special education instructional aide. He also taught and coached at Eastern Greene Schools, Charlestown High School and most recently Eastern (Pekin) High School. 

Dean said he chose the education field because while in college, he started coaching 

high school football and really enjoyed it. 

“I loved working with kids, it was very rewarding,” he said. “I decided to get into administration because I felt like I could have a positive impact on more students within the school. I also enjoy working with teachers and staff and this was an opportunity for me to expand my knowledge and role. 

Dean said his favorite part of the job is “working the administrative side of things, making sure the school is running efficiently and effectively. My goal is to make the school a great place for both students and staff.”

He added that he wants SHS to be the best school possible and to create an environment where every student has meaningful experiences which help prepare them for college, the work force or military service.”

Dean enjoys spending time with his family: wife, Amy, and sons L.J. (8th grade) and Aaron (5th grade). He also enjoys golfing, fishing and time on the lake. 

“I’m looking forward to getting started! I’m excited to meet all the staff and students.”