DSC announces new Assistant Superintendent for the 2026-2027 school year

The Duneland School Corporation is excited to welcome Dr. Benjamin Tonagel as its new Assistant Superintendent for the 2026-27 school year.

Dr. Benjamin Tonagel brings more than two decades of educational leadership experience to his new role, having served students and families across northwest Indiana in various capacities which include third grade teacher, middle and high school assistant principal, high school principal, and assistant superintendent. He earned his Doctor of Philosophy from Indiana State University in 2021.

Dr. Tonagel spent the past 13 years with La Porte Community School Corporation, most recently as Assistant Superintendent, where he oversaw K-12 schools and their principals, directed the district’s strategic plan and teaching and learning initiatives, managed federal and competitive grant programs, and launched the district’s first online school. Prior to that role, he served seven years as Principal of La Porte High School, during which he expanded the Advanced Placement program, earned the College Board AP Honor Roll multiple times, grew career and technical education pathways, and launched a community mentoring program for students. 

A recognized leader in Indiana education, Dr. Tonagel is a 2017 Indiana Association of School Principals District 2 Principal of the Year and a 2017-2018 Indiana American Legion 3rd District Educator of the Year. He has served on the Northwest Health La Porte Board of Trustees, the Ivy Tech Michigan City Campus Board of Trustees, and the IASP Legislative Committee, among other civic and professional roles.

“I am excited for the opportunity to join the Duneland community,” said Dr. Tonagel. “I look forward to working alongside an outstanding team of educators and staff to support ongoing student success and build on the strong foundation already in place.”

He will begin the transition into his new leadership role with an official start date of July 1.