The Baker Era comes to a close at Bluffton HS
- farleyk2019
- 4 hours ago
- 3 min read
Steve Baker retires after 40 years with Bluffton schools
By Katelynn Farley
1985 was an iconic year for many reasons. Madonna released her album True Blue, the comic strip Calvin and Hobbes made its debut, and Back to the Future made its way to the silver screen. Most importantly - at least, for the community of Bluffton - Steve Baker joined the staff of Bluffton High School, beginning a 40-year-long career in the community. Now, at the end of the 24-’25 school year, Steve is walking into retirement after having a lasting impact on students of all ages.
Steve, originally of Fort Wayne, earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Bethel University in 1985. He and his wife Loni, originally of Michigan, were married in the summer of 1985 and then moved to Bluffton so Steve could start his teaching career at Bluffton High School in the fall. He was a math teacher and also acted as an assistant varsity football coach and an assistant varsity baseball coach.
His Administrative career began in 1996. From 1996 to 1999 he was the Assistant Principal at Bluffton Middle School, and he began his position as High School Principal in 1999 and carried on through this school year.
Throughout his years as a principal, Steve has served on several committees and boards which include, but are not limited to:
2003: Indiana Association of School Principals (IASP) Board of Directors
2008: IASP Executive Board
2010: Served as President of Executive Board for IASP
2014-2020: Served as Indiana State Coordinator to National Association of Secondary School Principals
2025: Speaker at National Foreign Exchange Conference
He was also named the IASP High School Principal of the Year in 2012. Honorees are named after being nominated by their local school district or state association and then go through a selection process that often includes an application, interviews and presentations. Some former students have shared their personal stories and well-wishes to honor Steve in his retirement.
Kevin Moser - Class of 2015 - Berne, Indiana
“Mr. Baker has always modeled what Bluffton, as a school, has always helped as their standard. Excellence is expected once you walk into those school doors, and hopefully once you, as a student, walk out of those doors for the final time.”
“One story that sticks out to me that shows what kind of man Steve Baker is was on my class’s graduation evening. All of the students were sitting in the cafeteria getting ready to move to the gym for our ceremony. We were informed that Steve’s dad had just passed away, but that Steve was still going to be participating in the procession and welcome speech. The composure and professionalism displayed by Mr. Baker that evening can be summed up in the phrase that all of us know: Excellence is expected here, regardless of the circumstance. From the energetic morning announcements to making difficult decisions for the betterment of our school, and all the fine details that make Mr. Baker who he is will be dearly missed within the school.”
Moser’s words of encouragement and well-wishes for Mr. Baker are simple - “Make it a great retirement or not, the choice is yours.”
Lora Huber-Frees - Class of 2002 - Bluffton, Indiana
“I loved coming to a school every day where you and Mr. Barker were greeting students and joking around with one another. It gave the school a warmer environment each morning.”
“I wish you a restful, enjoyable retirement, knowing there are hundreds of students you encouraged through their high school careers. As a Bluffton graduate, and about to be mom of another, your legacy will continue to live on throughout our community. Thank you for all you have done for Bluffton High School.”
Leah Huggins - Class of 2004 - Fort Wayne, Indiana
“I had the pleasure of having the “trifecta” of Mr. Baker. In middle school he was my principal, in high school he was my assistant principal and when he taught at Bluffton High School for 5 years. He was truly one of a kind, the best administrator and the most caring human. A true man of God. He molded me in ways I will never be able to thank him!”
“Best of luck in your new chapter, your new story is only beginning and I have zero doubt your incredible character will make this next chapter even better!”
The staff of Greenbear Digital Media and "The Den" wish Steve a happy retirement!