Candidates for Tippecanoe County school boards detail priorities

LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Across the three school districts within Tippecanoe County, 17 candidates eye a seat in their respective district.

Tippecanoe County has 10 seats up for re-election for the Nov. 8 election, three of which are for the Tippecanoe School Corporation board, three for the West Lafayette Community School Corporation board and four for the Lafayette School Corporation board.

The Journal & Courier asked the 17 candidates a series of questions, including topics about what compelled them to run, why they believe their best candidate for the job, their top priorities if elected, if there were any topics within the current educational curriculum that they would like to see changed, and how would they address parent’s concern about school safety.

Lafayette School Corporation

This year’s Lafayette School Corporation school board election currently has four seats up for grabs.

Those seats are currently held by Robert M. Stwalley III – District 7; Brent Clemenz – District 3; Allison McKay – District 6; and Stephen J. Bultinck – District 2.

The current candidates are:

Stephen Bultinck – District 2

Brent Clemenz - District 3

Matthew Morris – District 3 – Did not respond to email from the J&C

Allison McKay – District 6 – Did not file correctly and is ineligible to run

Robert M. Stwalley III – District 7 – Did not respond to email from the J&C

Chuck Hockema – District 7 – Did not provide responses to the questions but did provide a quick bio which will be available online

Q&A:

Why are you running?

Bultinck: "To continue to work on the development and strengthening of the educational opportunities for LSC students to inspire, nurture and empower each student. Simultaneously, I will continue to work on strengthening LSC’s social programs centered on diversity, inclusion and equity and continue to grow the programs at the Career Academy to support students in development of skills and trades needed within our business community."

Clemenz: "I feel strongly that parent involvement at all levels of public education is essential for an effective, quality-driven educational system. Also, being part of the board is a way that I serve my community. My wife, Suzanne, and I have raised our sons in the LSC system and have been grateful for the education and extracurricular activities and opportunities that have been offered to them."

Morris: Did not respond to email from the J&C

Stwalley: Did not respond to email from the J&C

Chuck Hockema: Did not provide responses to the questions

What is your connection to the district? Do you have children or grandchildren who attend school in your district?

Bultinck: "Currently I have no children or grandchildren in school in my district. My connection to District VII is having lived in District VII since 2002 with my youngest son attending Glen Acres, Sunnyside, Tecumseh and Jefferson High School. I have a deep devotion to the continual improvement in both LSC’s educational opportunities and school facilities to support future growth."

Clemenz: "My wife and I have been married for 23 years and have lived in District 3 since June of 2001. We have three sons: Quinn, age 21, who graduated from Jefferson High School in 2020 and is currently at Purdue studying biology; Lucas, age 19, who graduated from Jeff in 2021 and is currently at Purdue studying physics education; and Aidan, age 17, who will graduate in 2023 and plans to study musical theatre."

Morris: Did not respond to email from the J&C.

Stwalley: Did not respond to email from the J&C.

Chuck Hockema: Did not provide responses to the questions

Why do you think you’re the best candidate for this position?

Bultinck: "I believe that I am the best candidate based on my record of always keeping decisions for improving educational opportunities and facilities with a total focus on what is best for students and staff. I have demonstrated an openness to input from parents, community leaders, staff, and students in developing the basis for my decisions and have at all times kept political opinions out of my decision making. Being a school board member should always be a non-political position with decisions and actions based purely on what is best for students and staff."

Clemenz: "I have served on the LSC Board of Trustees since June of 2015. I bring a unique perspective as a mental health professional of over thirty years. With the challenges our students and community have had with losses related to COVID, I bring a level of expertise to support the corporation in this regard."

Morris: Did not respond to email from J&C.

Stwalley: Did not respond to email from the J&C.

Chuck Hockema: Did not provide responses to the questions

What do you think is the most important issue facing the school corporation for which you are running? If elected, how would go about addressing that issue?

Bultinck: "The most important issue is to develop programs that will allow students to recapture the lost educational opportunities brought on by COVID and to simultaneously embrace LSC’s diversity in developing new programs both educational and social. In this regard, LSC is developing a new strategic plan beginning with the input of parents derived from the Listening Posts being held at each school."

Clemenz: "Declining enrollment is a significant concern that will affect future funding for the LSC. The new charter school opening in Lafayette in the fall of 2023 will have a direct impact on LSC enrollment. While this will present some challenges, the board will work directly with our Administration to find creative ways to ensure the continuity and quality of education LSC provides."

Morris: Did not respond to email from J&C.

Stwalley: Did not respond to email from the J&C.

Regarding school safety, how would try to address parents’ concerns for their child’s safety?

Bultinck: "School safety is paramount, and parents must feel at ease when their children attend LSC schools. Parental input is critical in developing the infrastructure needed to ensure safety. Safety has been discussed frequently at the Listening Posts and it is assuring that parents feel comfortable having their children attend LSC due to the protocols that are in place. More importantly, I feel the parents are comfortable in knowing that I listen to their suggestions and input and that from this input, security is constantly being reviewed to ensure it remains effective and strong."

Clemenz: "The safety of our schools will always be a top priority of mine. I consistently hear the concerns parents raise regarding their worries and need for reassurance that our schools are safe. Over the past several years, LSC has assessed areas in need of improvement and made changes. Jefferson High School is a good example. The entryway now requires visitors to go through the vestibule that leads directly into the office rather than the common area in front of the Jaeger Theatre. All our schools have a security plan in place to ensure no one can enter the building unannounced. Assessment of school safety is an ongoing process, and the Board will receive updates regarding any needed changes."

Morris: Did not respond to email from the J&C.

Stwalley: Did not respond to email from the J&C.

Chuck Hockema: Did not provide responses to the questions

Is there anything within the current educational curriculum that you would like to see changed? And if so, what is it and why? And if not, why?

Bultinck: "I am not concerned about changing anything within the current curriculum. LSC is inclusive when evaluating potential textbook changes that are only implemented upon review by committees that include members of the staff and community. The curriculum at LSC is focused on developing the reading, math, language arts and science skills needed for our students that upon graduation allows for them to become contributing and successful members of the community. A great example of this is the Career Academy where business and community input was critical in the decision to develop a program focused on careers and skills. Continuation of seeking ways to improve learning opportunities for our students will be key to their successful integration into our community."

Clemenz: "I have been happy with the education our three sons have received during their years attending LSC. During the seven years I’ve been on the Board, I don’t recall a single instance in which I’ve been contacted about concerns regarding curriculum. LSC’s process of curriculum adoption includes teacher, parent, and community review. We’ll continue to encourage parent and community participation in review of curriculum adoption."

Morris: Did not respond to email from the J&C.

Stwalley: Did not respond to email from the J&C.

Chuck Hockema: Did not provide responses to the questions.

Tippecanoe School Corporation candidates

This year’s Tippecanoe School Corporation school board election currently has three seats in contention.

Those seats are currently held by Joshua Loggins - District 2; Patrick Hein - District 1; and Linda Y. Day - District 3.

The current candidates are:

Holly Keckler – District 1

Carl Krieger – District 1

Daine Kelley – District 1

Joshua Loggins – District 2

Holden Mugford – District 2

William Sondgerath – District 3

Sara Bagsby – District 3

Q&A:

Why are you running?

Keckler: "As the parent of two children in the district, a 22-year resident, and a strong supporter of public education, I am invested in a commitment to quality education for all learners in our community."

Krieger: "The first reason I’m running for school board is my children. I ultimately want to, as the old adage says, leave it better than you found it. TSC has already done so much for my family, and I would like to make sure it continues to provide excellence for future families.

"The second is that, over the past two years, I’ve seen too many of our policies swing back and forth because there’s little to no conflict resolution but rather conflict amplification. I believe that my experience working with parents and students along with my education, focused on educational administration, will allow me to be a mediator. I want the school board to be a steady hand that is not just focused on the crisis of the moment but a group of people looking to better the future of TSC."

Loggins: "I was appointed 2 years ago and have found that I have enjoyed the position. It is rewarding to be involved with a school corporation that I feel always tries to put the interests of our youth first."

Mugford: "I am running for the Tippecanoe School Corporation's Board of Trustees because I feel a civic duty to help guide the school corporation in a way that I believe will ensure our children thrive within a safe, nurturing environment that fosters free thought.

"The birth of my son, my board experience at The Farm at Prophetstown, and Leadership Lafayette's mission of encouraging servant leaders to serve in community leadership roles inspired me to run. I hope to help improve our already-thriving local schools."

Sondgerath: "My interest in serving on the TSC School Board is rooted in my experience as a father of a son with autism. My son, Tommy, is a senior at Harrison High School. He has had several dedicated paraprofessionals and teachers who have had a huge impact on his education. However, we have experienced a woeful lack of coordination of systems that have led to inconsistent programming of his education. This is, unfortunately, a common experience for a significant number of the 2,200 TSC students who have some form of disability.

"While being a voice for disabled students is a primary motivator for my candidacy, I want to bring a voice to the TSC School Board inclusive for all students. Our corporation is home to multiple contrasting viewpoints. Isolating people because of their views does not serve us well. I believe in consensus building and will work to that end."

Bagsby: "I am running for TSC school board to give parents a voice in their children's education."

What is your connection to the district? Do you have children or grandchildren who attend school in your district?

Keckler: "I am the parent of two TSC children, by way of Klondike schools and Harrison. I also currently serve on the TSC Long Range Planning Committee which looks at a number of issues such as building updates, land acquisition, enrollment, and county growth. Serving on this committee has provided me first-hand experience of just a few of the issues TSC is facing. With this background knowledge, I feel prepared to take the next step with a leadership position with the school board."

Krieger: "My daughter has attended a TSC school since she was in fourth grade and currently is a Junior at Harrison Highschool. My son has been in a TSC school since first grade and is now in Battle Ground Middle. They have both had amazing experiences with amazing teachers."

Loggins: "I attended Battle Ground Elementary and Middle School and graduated from Harrison. My wife is also a TSC graduate, having graduated from McCutcheon. I also have 2 boys, Hayes and Taggart, that are currently attending Battle Ground Middle and Burnett Creek Elementary."

Mugford: "I am a Lafayette native that was born, raised, and schooled entirely within the Tippecanoe School Corporation. I graduated from Harrison in 2005 after attending Hershey and East Tipp.

"My parents were both faculty members of TSC before my mom retired, and they have a combined 55 years of experience working in the district. Local, state, and national education issues were a regular topic of family conversations around the dinner table when I was growing up, and those discussions continue to this day.

"My son does not yet attend school but will attend Battle Ground and Harrison in the future."

Sondgerath: "My lifelong connections to TSC and to education began with my parents, Bill Sondgerath, Sr., and Barbara Sondgerath. My father taught in TSC for 36 years, most of them as a Chemistry teacher at Harrison HS. I even had Dad for two years of Chemistry! My mother spent 26 years teaching English at Tecumseh Middle School and Jefferson High School. My parents were incredibly dedicated teachers. Even now, years later, former students will remark about the impact of their teaching. I have a large extended family, many of whom have attended and taught in TSC Schools. I am a 1986 graduate of Harrison High School and I have two sons who have attended TSC schools. My older son, Bill, is a 2019 graduate of Harrison and now a senior at Ball State. As mentioned above, my younger son, Tommy, is currently a student at Harrison."

Bagsby: "I have two children that graduated from TSC, four that are currently in TSC, and one future TSC student."

Why do you think you’re the best candidate for this position?

Keckler: "Playing on my personal strengths, I excel at meeting people in the middle, consensus building, and providing representation from all angles. This campaign is not about fighting and polarization, but instead solving problems with conversations, evidence, and practicality. Civil discourse should be a foundational minimum when discussing school board issues.

"As I mentioned earlier, I am a member of the TSC Long Range Planning Committee. Through this, I have gotten to know and interact with TSC leadership. I work well with them and have been able to establish rapport, a level of trust, and teamwork with this group."

Krieger: "In public service it doesn’t always matter what a person’s academic background is. However, in this case, I believe that what I’ve learned about during my doctoral work in education administration will help me understand all the nuances of TSC administration.

"I have also run large organizations with large budgets and diverse constituents. I believe this will help me understand the scope and magnitude of the many people that the school board will serve."

Loggins: "I believe I'm the best candidate for this position because of my experience. I would like to think...what local schools have been through in the last two years, is not something we will see again in the near future. I was on the board that helped to navigate how to keep our schools open, how to educate our children, and how to keep our students, teachers and staff safe, during the pandemic. I am from Tippecanoe County. I am a TSC graduate. I have seen our school corporation grow. I have the best interest of our students and teachers at heart, as we navigate rapid growth in our corporation."

Mugford: "I believe my lifelong familiarity with TSC, board experience serving at The Farm at Prophetstown, and stances on policy issues make me the best candidate. I think school boards should focus most on three policy areas - protecting, transporting, and feeding our students. My goals regarding all three of these areas run counter to my opponent's voting record, so I believe I could make a positive difference if given the chance."

Sondgerath: "I have proven myself as a leader throughout my 30-year professional career. One attribute that has worked well for me is my ability to build consensus with large diverse groups of individuals. Whether it has been as a Human Resources leader working to combine two large companies with two distinct corporate cultures, or finding a way to effectively recruit a diverse staff at Purdue, I have a proven history of navigating organizations through complex situations. Second, it is important for board members to be critical thinkers who advocate for students and their families. I am not supported by PAC funding, nor am I beholden to outside parties."

Bagsby: "I think I am the best candidate for this position because I represent a majority of parents that have lost their confidence and trust in the school board over the last few years and I believe I can help rebuild that relationship."

What do you think is the most important issue facing the school corporation for which you are running? If elected, how would go about addressing that issue?

Keckler: "I believe meeting the growth demands of the county is a huge challenge for TSC. This means intentional communication and sharing information between county leaders and TSC. Further, TSC needs to continually look to the future, problem solve, and partner with key constituents in order to make thoughtful, responsible decisions."

Krieger: "I believe that the biggest challenge in the district is growth. We are a growing and thriving community. Between the opportunities in manufacturing and the continued growth of Purdue, more people are coming to our community. This allows for our community to flourish economically but there are often strains on our infrastructure. We see this is the constant need to find and build space for our school children. There’s no magic wand that will solve this problem. It will take proactive planning and constant revisiting. We need to be nimble visionaries as we deal with the constant change that’s inevitable while keeping our eye on the goal, to provide school spaces that create the best educational experience in TSC for ALL students."

Loggins: "Our biggest challenge is our pace of growth. We are a district that is comprised of a vast range of property, and with that comes the challenges of making sure we accommodate everyone that is in our school district. That growth also presents challenges with the numerous different backgrounds of those that attend our schools. It is important to attempt to accommodate all of those unique backgrounds with compassion for what makes us all unique. I believe that is one of the benefits of the public school system. The exposure to situations that are different than what many may be around in their own personal lives."

Mugford: "While knocking on doors and speaking with parents in the community, I have repeatedly heard that the altered school starting times are placing an enormous strain on their finances and reducing the amount of time they spend together as a family. I believe that this is a crisis for our community that officials are seemingly treating as an inconvenience.

"TSC has a rainy-day fund that should be utilized in crises. I would propose that the administration use this fund, or other available resources as recommended by the financial committee, to incentivize more bus drivers to apply for positions and help alleviate this community burden."

Sondgerath: "In addition to school safety, I believe the district is at a crossroads with the population growth in the district. For over five years, I have served as a parent representative on the TSC Long-Range Facilities Working Group. Members meet throughout the year to discuss the numerous building projects that are at the various stages of development. This has afforded me the opportunity to see the planning process, as well as the critical decisions that need to be made in order to make these projects happen. Decisions that are made today will impact the community decades from now. I understand the importance of these crucial decisions, and will work to help find the best solutions."

Bagsby: I think the most important issue facing TSC would be curriculum transparency. How we handle that, is to abide by the Indiana code pertaining to the school curriculum and encourage parents to attend the school board meetings."

Regarding school safety, how would try to address parents’ concerns for their child’s safety?

Keckler: "School safety is another key issue our leaders need to be constantly reviewing, updating, and looking at the most current measures. Our teachers are professional educators, not trained law enforcement. School safety begins with gun violence prevention and education at home, at school, and in the community. We should be looking at solutions to keep guns away from people who should not have them."

Krieger: "Our student’s mental and physical safety is imperative. I would push for us to be as proactive as possible with balancing the physical safety of our schools with our student’s mental safety. We need to make sure that we have community experts proactively tell us what is needed to keep our spaces safe. But we don’t need the schools to feel more like a jail than a school. This is a fine line and a balance that should be undertaken. Once we’ve made decisions, we need to then be proactive about making sure the policies are followed."

Loggins: "As a parent of two children in TSC, I take the safety of our schools extremely seriously. I feel that when a parent sends a child to school, the safety of that child should be the least of their concerns. It is easy to think that many of the instances we have heard about in the news would not happen here in our community, but to think that way would be demonstrating a careless approach to keeping our schools safe. This is a topic that has been discussed, and is continuously being addressed, at our current meetings. Everything from the design of a new or remodeled school, to employing people to fill positions where their sole purpose is to provide safety for our students. It is important to hear the concerns and ideas of the parents of our school corporation, and to use any information that can help in achieving the goal of school safety. There is no one person on the school board, or in our corporation, that can provide all the answers. The saying, "it takes a community", could not be any more true than with this topic. Every person in our community can play a part in keeping our kids safe. From the ideas that one may present, to making a physical threat known, there is no part that is too small to address."

Mugford: "I believe the advice of experts that utilize evidence-based research to formulate their recommendations should carry a lot of weight when making policy decisions regarding safety. Overwhelming (a super-majority) public support among parents to override recommendations from local experts would sway my opinion, but I would defer to expert opinion on closely divided issues.

"In August 2021, Board Member Linda Day moved to modify the school reopening plan to follow the Tippecanoe County Public Health Department and CDC guidelines. The motion failed with a split vote of 3 'yeas' to 4 "nays." My opponent voted 'nay.' I would have voted 'yea' in support of Mrs. Day's motion to provide more protection to our students, teachers, staff, and the broader community during a health emergency."

Sondgerath: "There are two essential components to school safety and security--prevention and response. This past summer, TSC hired its first Safety and Security Manager, who now oversees the district's school resource officers and coordinates all campus safety initiatives. While this is a very good addition, there is now one resource officer at each of our high schools and 3 SROs who rotate among the other 18 schools. This poses a significant challenge for TSC, as this district covers the second largest geographic area in the state. The board will have important decisions to make regarding additional investments in technology and staff. Funding these investments will be a careful consideration that the board will have to make."

Bagsby: "I would address parents' concerns for their child's safety by supporting the addition of resource officers to every school and the implementation of active shooter drills."

Is there anything within the current educational curriculum that you would like to see changed? And if so, what is it and why? And if not, why?

Keckler: "I believe education should be a shared partnership between the educator plus the learner plus caregivers. Learning does not stop just because the school day is over. Our educators are some of our most valuable assets; we should be building them up, not de-professionalizing them."

Krieger: "Teachers and administrators are doing a phenomenal job in TSC. With the input of parents, they offer an amazing curriculum that guides our students to becoming amazing citizens. Some students will graduate and immediately enter the workforce and TSC supports them. Other students will enter the military and administrators provide that opportunity. Another group of students will enter higher education and teachers are excellent at creating a curriculum that elevates their minds.

"There’s been a lot in the national media whipping people into a frenzy about K-12 curriculum, seeking to divide and anger. None of the divisive stories in the news are reflective of what is happening at TSC. Any candidates who are talking about those issues are wasting time instead of focusing on a real issues like helping ALL of our students feel like they belong in our TSC community and making sure they are safe."

Loggins: "I think I can best answer this question like this.... Part of the job of our administrative team is to review materials that are able to be taught to our students. There is a process by which a person can challenge any curriculum that is in our classrooms, and I would encourage those with concerns to take the appropriate channels and ask the necessary questions. That being said, I would not want our teachers to not have the ability to teach, and be able to make adjustments to their day to day dealing with the kids in their class. My father was an English Professor, and my mother was an Elementary School teacher. I know first hand the passion that goes into being a teacher, and the reward those that are in education feel when they "reach" a kid. I wouldn't want there to be things in place that limit the abilities of our teachers to find the avenue to "reach" that developing mind."

Mugford: "I believe specific curriculum decisions should be made by experts in the field. More generally, as an advocate for more art/music funding in schools, I have been glad to see a societal shift in focus from STEM to STEAM learning. I also support expanding physical and mental health education, work experience programs, and practical life skills training.

"However, I do not support proposals advocating for the censorship of ideas or banning books in the classroom. Teaching "divisive concepts" in the classroom is not an inherent endorsement of those concepts. We teach books like To Kill a Mockingbird, including its uncomfortable themes, to teach students what these concepts are while providing context.

"Pushing these concepts out of the classroom, especially in the age of the internet, won't prevent children from encountering these concepts. Keeping these concepts in the classroom will allow responsible teachers to provide context to students when they need it the most."

Sondgerath: "First, I place my trust in the educator who has spent their career developing lesson plans for our children. Second, there is a mechanism in place to address situations when parents have questions regarding material being taught in the classroom. The TSC Board Policies and Guidelines outlines the process for adoption of curricular materials. I experienced this first-hand as a high school student at Harrison in the 1980s, when I served as a student representative on a TSC curriculum committee to consider how Human Growth and Development would be taught in the schools. The TSC School Board held public forums to gather input. The result was the approval of a curriculum that taught students these important topics, while still reflecting the community's standards. The experience taught me that consensus decision-making can work. There’s room to hear everyone’s perspective. If elected, I would work to ensure that all voices are heard."

Bagsby: "I would like to see the sexual education portion of the curriculum changed to follow Indiana code IC 20-30-5-13 like it's supposed to."

West Lafayette Community School Corporation:

This year’s West Lafayette Community School Corporation school board election has three seats open on the ballot.

Those seats are currently held by Alan Karpick, Karen Springer, and Rachel Witt.

The current candidates are:

Angie Janes

George Lyle IV

Dacia Mumford

Karen Springer

Laurence Wang

Rachel Witt

Q&A:

Why are you running?

Janes: "I want to see marked progress in the board’s oversight and transparency. I ran in 2020 with a hope for improving transparency. Though I didn’t win a seat, I continued to work on this issue as a member of the community. In the process, I took a deep dive into the financials of the school corporation and was alarmed to learn that it had borrowed $95 million for what had been pitched as a $50 million project. I also saw that the board had not been forthcoming about that amount to the community. In addition, I learned that their internal controls over how the cash was spent were insufficient, and the SBOA agrees. I am running for a seat on the board so I can influence future financial decisions in the best interest of the community and make faster progress in sharing public information with the public."

Lyle IV: "I'm running because I'd like to repay the community that's welcomed me since I moved here, and to maintain the standard of excellence that WLCSC has fostered over the years."

Mumford: "I’m running to increase community engagement in our schools, provide public access to information, ensure financial oversight, and to better support our teachers. I want the relevant information to be publicly available before the school board votes on important issues and I want the school board to actively seek community input prior to votes. We need to do a better job supporting our teachers and improving their work environment (the learning environment for our students). The people who live in our school district care a great deal about education. By being more inviting of community input and involvement, our schools will do an even better job serving all students."

Springer: "I am running for a 7th term on the WL Board of School Trustees because I am just as passionate now about public education as I was in 1996. I want to continue providing the highest quality RDP education to our present and future students. This includes academic, co-curricular, ECA opportunities, and social-emotional growth so ALL students reach their full potential. I think my 24 years of Board experience, analytical decision making skills, and leadership abilities will continue to be an asset."

Wang: "The WLCSC school board represents our community’s voice and interests in public education. I am running for the school board because I believe the school board should represent and serve our community in an accountable and transparent manner. As a complex corporation, WLCSC requires a governing board that collectively have a full range of skills and experiences. I believe my educational and professional experience in finance is a plus for the board. Together with other board members and stakeholders, we will improve our schools and enhance education quality for our children."

Witt: "Our schools, and public education, face increasingly complex challenges. From funding, to a statewide teacher shortage, to curriculum, to safety, it is more important than ever to keep student success as our focus regardless of the nature of the challenge. School boards must leverage their personal strengths and work together collaboratively no matter what issues arise. A mix of personal and professional perspectives and experiences result in the best decisions. My perspective is not otherwise represented on the board. As an artist and a middle class, single working mom of six, I believe I bring unique, and necessary insight to the work of our school board."

What is your connection to the district? Do you have children or grandchildren who attend school in your district?

Janes: "I am a mother of three children, two WLHS graduates and one sophomore. I have been an active and involved parent for a decade. Among other volunteering opportunities, I have participated in Parent Council in a variety of roles, including committee chair, executive board member, and president. This year I served on a committee of the JR/SR High parent council tasked with streamlining the PC teacher grant process, reducing the steps and time needed for teachers to receive funds."

Lyle IV: "I have one child at the elementary school now, and two more will be joining the schools in a few years. I served on the district's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion committee in 2021."

Mumford: "All four of my children have attended school in our school district since kindergarten. Two have now graduated from West Lafayette High School and my younger two are still in school: one in 10th grade and one in 7th grade. I was a teacher in our school district from 2016 to 2019 and taught kindergarten and 1st grade at West Lafayette Elementary School.

I have also done a lot of volunteering in our schools, serving as: Parent Council President, Vice President, and Treasurer; Book Fair Chair; Lego Robotics Coach; Articipate Instructor; Teacher Appreciation Chair; and Room Parent. I also worked as a Student Teacher Supervisor for Purdue in several area schools (including in our district). When I wasn’t teaching or volunteering in our schools, I focused on serving children in our community as a little league softball coach, in my church’s children’s organization, and organizing events for my neighborhood association."

Springer: "Both my children attended WL schools K-12; Douglas graduated in 2004 and Laurel in 2013.

I have been an active volunteer in West Lafayette schools K-12 for 31 years and served on the school board for 24 years. My past involvement in the schools has been through parent council offices and chair of events K-6. I also volunteered as Dance choreographer/Dance teacher/Assistant Producer for Mr. Valentine’s elementary school musicals for 13 years and Charleston & Cotillion Dance choreographer/teacher for the Grade 5 “Along the Heritage Trail” Musical production for 9 years. I continue to volunteer with the WL Music Boosters: Treasurer, 23 years; Ice Cream Social Chair, 22 years; Spirit Bag Chair, 21 years; and Carnation Sale Chair, 16 years."

Wang: "We have been living in this community for over ten years. Both of my children currently attend West Lafayette Jr./Sr. high school, one is in 7th grade, another one is in 8th grade."

Witt: "I am an alumna (Class of ‘88) and returned to West Lafayette 18 years ago. My youngest four children are WL alumni/students. Mitch 2016, Eleanor 2022, Lillian 11th grade, John 9th grade. I have, and continue, to work actively as a volunteer in our schools in addition to my role on the school board."

Why do you think you’re the best candidate for this position?

Janes: "I will do the work. For three years, I have been attending monthly school board meetings, making public comments, asking questions and sharing perspectives with the board. My efforts, in conjunction with others’, have already yielded progress. We no longer overpay for legal counsel to fight public access to information. The board’s packet and accounts payable report are now posted on the corporation website. Board meetings involve some discussion now, allowing the public to have some exposure to the issues being voted on. We have made slow, painstaking progress, but if I am elected, the momentum will pick up. I have shown that I am motivated to make it happen."

Lyle IV: "I have training and experience that have prepared me well for this position. I have a law degree and experience as a journalist, a nonprofit manager and technology specialist. Particularly on the technology aspect, our schools need people to help fortify them against emerging digital threats. Ransomware gangs are starting to attack K-12 districts, and we need to make sure our technologies that protect our records and information are state-of-the-art."

Mumford: "As a teacher, a leader, and a parent, I have consistently advocated for increased community involvement and for improvements that make our schools work better for all students. As a former teacher in our school district, I know what is going on behind the scenes and recognize many of the challenges that teachers face here. I also attend all the school board meetings and each month I write a summary of the meeting and post it to my website (daciamumford.com). My desire is for the community to know what our school board is doing and to have full access to public information. Having a more informed community has already produced several important improvements and it will help our schools get even better."

Springer: "I have served on the West Lafayette School Board for 24 years and volunteered in our schools for 31 years. I know my role as a school board member is the 10,000-foot aerial view overseeing the school corporation. I am experienced in all facets of board work and have dealt with many issues over the years. I was just awarded the 2022 (ISBA) Indiana School Board Association Outstanding Boardmanship Award.

I have lived in West Lafayette for 45 years. I understand how much the WL community values education. I have experienced the school board role as a parent and now as one of the 70% taxpayers with no children in the corporation. I think my objectivity in decision making is enhanced."

Wang: "As a complex corporation with $30+ million annual budget and over two thousand full time students, WLCSC requires a governing board that collectively have a full range of skills and experiences. My formal education in finance as well as professional experience in various industries can contribute well to the school board."

Witt: "In addition to my unique perspective, I am also an experienced, knowledgeable and collaborative leader. With nine years on the board, I know our schools and the work of a school board. As board president this year, I have been uniquely positioned to lead through a review of our core processes with the board and our new superintendent. I am invested in and proud of our schools. That pride goes beyond our top rankings; It is founded in a responsibility to our students for continual improvement. The West Lafayette community has a legacy of prioritizing our students and schools. I understand the role of a board in that legacy and have the knowledge and experience to do the job."

What do you think is the most important issue facing the school corporation for which you are running? If elected, how would go about addressing that issue?

Janes: "The debt. We are in a precarious position with no borrowing capacity should unforeseen needs arise. Protecting teacher jobs and keeping class sizes down in spite of financial constraints is my priority. My first goal is to prevent additional unnecessary capital project spending. I will work hard to find cost-saving options that do not jeopardize educational quality or teacher pay. I will advocate for more robust measures to ensure referendum money is used for education, not operations."

Lyle IV: "There are several issues facing not just WLCSC, but all schools in Indiana. The state legislature has toyed with the idea of letting individual parents dictate what can go onto a teacher's syllabus. School districts are partly dependent on local property taxes for revenue, but high home prices mean some families can't afford to move here, which then decreases per-student funding from the state. Variances in federal funding also mean that some programs can come and go, depending upon whether we have the money. The free food program that was funded during the early part of the pandemic is one such program I was sad to see disappear."

Mumford: "We desperately need an increase in financial oversight and transparency. The school board publicly announced $50 million in construction projects, but then quietly borrowed $95 million, leaving our district with the 2nd highest level of debt per student in the state and without any additional ability to borrow. The recent audit found millions of dollars in accounting errors. My biggest concern is that our community may vote against the referendum when it is up for renewal in 2024. That would be disastrous for our schools. Without the $8 million in annual referendum funding (about a quarter of the budget), the schools would be forced to make deep cuts. The school board needs to work to regain the community’s trust by acknowledging that they made some poor financial decisions, clearly showing how they have been spending money, and then demonstrating that they will provide better financial oversight in the future."

Springer: "The most important issue facing our school corporation is relevant and meaningful curriculum for all students. All of the corporation strategic plans past and present address academic achievement and growth for all students. A goal for this school year is to complete a curriculum audit and use the results to align with state standards and local priorities to maintain and enhance our programs to meet the needs of ALL students. Our recent $250,000 grant from the IDOE will be used to sustain and expand STEM education K-12. Specific funding details are being worked on now. We are also working on new state mandated curriculum. Beginning with the 2023-24 school year a civics education course must be taught the second semester of sixth grade. The state has set the academic standards and the schools will develop curriculum to teach those standards with local enhancements. All corporation stakeholders, including the school board, have input into the long-range strategic plan and the yearly goals. The administrators, teachers, and staff then develop the specifics and bring to the board for final approval."

Wang: "I think 'Deficiencies in the internal control system' identified by state examiner (SBOA) in their biennial auditing report is the most important issue WLCSC should fix in near future. If elected, I would promote a well-designed and effectively implemented internal control system, which ensures clear and reliable financial reporting, enhances transparency, and protects values of tangible assets as well as intangible assets such as school reputation and community confidence."

Witt: "There is never a shortage of challenges in public education. It is important to continue to build board knowledge and experience so whatever challenges arise, we have an exemplary board response. We have decisions coming up about the Happy Hollow building and will review and likely pursue a renewal of our operating referendum. We are working through both a ten year feasibility study and demographic study to provide necessary information for those decisions. We will also need to continue work to maintain our desirability as an employer to maintain excellence in teachers and support personnel."

Regarding school safety, how would try to address parents’ concerns for their child’s safety?

Janes: "Student safety is a high priority, and improved safety measures should be continually studied and implemented. I have appreciated many of the safety measures that have been implemented over the last few years. Restricted entrance, emergency drills, visibility screens have all contributed to a safer environment for our kids. I have been aware, on occasion, of confrontational interactions among students, and I believe increased mental health services within the schools is needed to provide training and resources to students and faculty to reduce and respond to these incidents."

Lyle IV: "WLCSC recently placed a WLPD officer in each school building, and each school also has strict visitor entry procedures. I would keep these efforts in place, and study any needs for further measures."

Mumford: "I’m concerned about bullying in our schools and students not feeling accepted and included. Some children do not feel safe at school. As a teacher, I’ve seen this first hand. Our school leaders need to do a better job of listening and trying addressing these concerns. I want to see more community dialogue and more community involvement in the schools. Our school district should be a leader in addressing student safety issues and helping students and their families feel included. Our schools had a strong volunteer tradition with many parents and other community members helping in the classroom. The increase in security measures and particularly the background check process has caused a large decrease in volunteers. There are alternative ways to run the background check process that are equally effective and would result in more volunteers in the schools."

Springer: "First I would educate the parent about the safety procedures in place at each school:

The WLCSC is intentional about the safety and security of all students and staff in our schools. Within the past 10 years all school buildings were remodeled to have a secure 2-door entrance where each visitor is screened. All school doors are locked once the school day begins. Each school has cameras and a proprietary security system all staff are trained on. Each school has a dedicated off duty WL Police Officer serving as a SRO. The HS Cafeteria remodel allowed for a closed campus at lunch. The IDOE (Indiana Department of Education) mandates public safety drills – fire, tornado, and lock out drills on a regular basis. The Corporation Safety Committee members attend yearly trainings and meets regularly to recommend additional safety measures to the Administration.

Second, I would ask the parent if they had any additional questions or concerns and refer them to the appropriate source-most likely building principal, a member of the corporation safety committee, or the Superintendent."

Wang: "Here are top three things the school could do to address the safety concerns of parents: 1) Make safety related policies according to state codes, increase awareness of safety and provide necessary training and professional development for teachers and staff 2) Allocate necessary funds for security and safety related equipment (e.g. Security camera) and staff (e.g. School Resource Officer). 3) Frequent internal and external safety reviews and risk assessments to make sure school safety policies are implemented effectively. I think these could create a safer learning environment for our children and give a peace of mind to their parents."

Witt: "Students who feel safe are best able to learn. If a parent contacts me with safety or any concern about their child, my first responsibility is to listen carefully and guide them to the best help that fits their situation. Once any immediate threat has been resolved, it becomes the role of the board to expect corrective action, ensure a reliable student focused system is in place, and identify any gaps in resources for student safety. In my time on the board, our schools have worked through the Safety Committee to increase student safety including secure entrances and improved sight lines, universal background checks, alert systems, bullying education, partnership with WLPD on safest school practices, and expanded online and in person training for staff. ‘Safety’ is a very broad term that appropriately should also include, physical health and wellness, respect for teachers and learners as unique and valuable persons as well as the emotional health of our staff and students. There is no point at which we can determine our schools to be “safe enough”; The work of school safety must remain an ongoing priority for all of us."

Is there anything within the current educational curriculum that you would like to see changed? And if so, what is it and why? And if not, why?

Janes: "Curriculum should be continually adjusting to new and developing information and procedures so, in effect, I guess I would like to see ALL curriculum changing regularly. Specific changes, however, are best left to the experts. While I have opinions about humanities subjects (and a desire to see a more diverse offering of humanities courses) I am not the person we want making decisions about Calculus curriculum. For all curriculum decisions, I would expect experts, including teachers, administrators, and community members to work together to make recommendations. I appreciate that the administration intends to conduct a curriculum audit and am hopeful that it will identify gaps and offer insights for development."

Lyle IV: "I don't believe it's a school board's job to interject too much into the curricula that schools use. If there are concerns from parents a board should address them, and if there are gaps in curricula that place students in danger of falling behind their peers in other districts, a board should remedy that as well. If a school board is devoting its time to critiquing curricula, that means two things - one, that the board doesn't trust the teachers and administrators to do their jobs, and two, that the board is not devoting its time to stewarding the district's resources to build for the future."

Mumford: "I do not support policies that require community review of teachers’ lesson plans or classroom libraries. Teachers already have a hard enough job without being told to first submit everything to a committee for review. Our schools already have a good process in place. If there is a problem with a specific teacher’s curriculum, the students or parents should talk with that teacher and explain the issue. If needed, the principal can intervene. Where our schools could do a better job is getting broad parent participation on curriculum committees. The people who choose to live here value education and have diverse backgrounds and perspectives. Rather than holding the regular school curriculum reviews quietly, I want them to be advertised and invite community participation. Let’s take advantage of this opportunity to improve our schools."

Springer: "Answered in question 4."

Wang: "Parents suggest WLCSC should work with Purdue University and offer dual credit courses for gifted and high-achieving high-school students, so that students could have the opportunity to earn both high school and college credits (from Purdue University) simultaneously. I think such dual credit programs should be included into our school curricula."

Witt: "I support educators as professionals and students as learners. We have curriculum review committees in place in our schools connected to textbook adoption, that include parents. Further, parents are always invited to contact our schools with any curriculum concerns or improvements. We also have teachers who know their content area, know their students and are motivated to teach and adapt to student needs. Additionally, we have recently begun a K-12 curriculum audit to ensure excellent alignment and outcomes. If questions arise about curriculum, teaching tools or age appropriateness of content, I believe that conversation belongs primarily between the parents and teacher, all of whom know and are invested in the best decision for the individual student."

This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: Candidates for Tippecanoe County school boards detail priorities