Q&A: 2022 West Lafayette Community School Corporation school board candidates
LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Across the three-school district within Tippecanoe County, they are 17 candidates eyeing a seat in their perspective district.
Tippecanoe County has 10 seats up for re-election in 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
West Lafayette Community School Corporation:
This year’s West Lafayette Community School Corporation school board election currently has three seats up for grabs.
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
Candidates
Angie Janes
Bio:
Editor
West Lafayette
Q&A:
Why are you running?
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.
What is your connection to the district? Do you have children or grandchildren that attend school in your district?
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.
Why do you think you’re the best candidate for this position?
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.
What do you think is the most important issue facing the school corporation that you are running for? If elected, how would go about addressing that issue?
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.
Regarding school safety, how would try to address parents’ concerns for their child’s safety?
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.
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?
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.
George Lyle IV
Bio:
Not Provided
Q&A:
Why are you running?
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.
What is your connection to the district? Do you have children or grandchildren that attend school in your district?
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.
Why do you think you’re the best candidate for this position?
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.
What do you think is the most important issue facing the school corporation that you are running for? If elected, how would go about addressing that issue?
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.
Regarding school safety, how would try to address parents’ concerns for their child’s safety?
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.
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?
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.
Dacia Mumford
Bio:
Occupation: Graduate Student (earning a master’s degree in Social Work)
City of residence: West Lafayette
Q&A:
Why are you running?
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.
What is your connection to the district? Do you have children or grandchildren that attend school in your district?
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.
Why do you think you’re the best candidate for this position?
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.
What do you think is the most important issue facing the school corporation that you are running for? If elected, how would go about addressing that issue?
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.
Regarding school safety, how would try to address parents’ concerns for their child’s safety?
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.
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?
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.
Karen Springer
Bio:
Occupation: I own a Jacki Sorensen’s Aerobic Dancing Franchise and have taught classes in Lafayette/West Lafayette for 43 years.
City of Residence: West Lafayette
Q&A:
Why are you running?
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.
What is your connection to the district? Do you have children or grandchildren that attend school in your district?
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.
Why do you think you’re the best candidate for this position?
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.
What do you think is the most important issue facing the school corporation that you are running for? If elected, how would go about addressing that issue?
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.
Regarding school safety, how would try to address parents’ concerns for their child’s safety?
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.
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?
Answered in question 4.
Laurence Wang
Bio:
I am Laurence Wang. I used to be a business analyst and I have worked in various industries. My wife and I have two children, and we are West Lafayette residents for over 10 years.
Q&A:
Why are you running?
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.
What is your connection to the district? Do you have children or grandchildren that attend school in your district?
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.
Why do you think you’re the best candidate for this position?
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.
What do you think is the most important issue facing the school corporation that you are running for? If elected, how would go about addressing that issue?
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.
Regarding school safety, how would try to address parents’ concerns for their child’s safety?
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.
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?
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.
Rachel Witt
Bio:
I have served a partial term, and have been elected twice to the WLCSC School Board. I am serving my 9th year as a member and this year as board president.
Occupation: Artist, Art Programming Coordinator, Westminster Village, West Lafayette
Q&A:
Why are you running?
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 that attend school in your district?
Do you have children or grandchildren that attend school in your district? 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?
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 that you are running for? If elected, how would go about addressing that issue?
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?
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?
I do not. 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: Meet the 2022 West Lafayette Community School board candidates
