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Indianapolis MSD of Decatur Township At Large

In Indiana, a school board member helps oversee the local school district. Their main responsibilities include:Setting school policies and goalsApproving the district’s budget and spendingHiring and evaluating the superintendentMaking decisions about curriculum, facilities, and school programsRepresenting the interests of students, families, and the communitySchool board members work together to ensure the district provides a quality education and follows state and federal laws. They serve as leaders and advocates for public education in their community.Citations:Indiana State Board of Education – About the BoardIndiana School for the Blind and Visually Impaired – School Board

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  • Candidate picture

    Randi Berryman
    (NP)

  • Candidate picture

    Teresa A. Burns
    (NP)

  • Candidate picture

    Judith Collins
    (REP)

  • Candidate picture

    Dale Henson
    (REP)

  • Candidate picture

    Steve Jacobi
    (NP)

  • Candidate picture

    Patrice Johnson
    (NP)

  • Candidate picture

    Chase Lyday
    (REP)

  • Candidate picture

    Kristyn D. Stoddard
    (IND)

Biographical Information

What motivated you to seek this position, and what education, training, and/or experiences make you a qualified candidate?

How do you plan to recruit and retain quality teachers?

What efforts can be taken to ensure student safety and well-being in school environments?

What is your approach to balancing budget constraints with the need for educational improvements and how would you prioritize funding allocations?

What is your perspective on the role of charter schools within the public education system, and what policies would you support regarding the relationship between charter schools and traditional public schools?

Do you or any member of your immediate family have a professional, financial, organizational, or other significant connection to a charter school or charter school organization? If yes, please describe the connection.

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Secondary Phone 3176431351
Campaign Mailing Address NA
Indianapolis, IN 46221
I am running because our community deserves leadership that listens, asks tough questions, and prioritizes students and teachers. Working inside MSD Decatur as a long-term substitute gave me firsthand insight into our schools and the challenges educators face. My background in public health education, financial services, youth services, and community advocacy has strengthened my ability to analyze information, advocate for families, and promote accountability and transparency.
Recruiting quality teachers starts with making Decatur a place where great educators want to stay. Competitive pay matters, but so do manageable workloads, strong classroom support, consistent discipline, and feeling heard. I would prioritize teacher feedback, examine unnecessary administrative burdens, support professional growth, and ensure resources reach classrooms. Our teachers should feel valued not only when we hire them, but throughout their careers.
Student safety requires prevention, communication, and accountability. We must consistently enforce existing safety and bullying policies, properly document and report incidents, and ensure families receive timely communication. I support evaluating security measures based on evidence while also strengthening mental health resources, student support, and staff training. Students should feel physically safe, supported, and heard in every school.
Educational improvement starts with responsible stewardship. I would prioritize classroom instruction, teacher support, student safety, and resources that directly improve student outcomes. Before asking taxpayers for more, we should examine spending line by line, identify inefficiencies, and plan for predictable cost increases. Budget decisions should be transparent, sustainable, and tied to measurable educational goals.
Charter schools can provide families additional educational options, but expansion should not come at the expense of strong traditional public schools. I support transparency, equal accountability, and careful review of the financial and academic impact of charter partnerships. Any relationship involving district resources, facilities, or students should have clear expectations, measurable outcomes, and ultimately serve our community’s students.
No. Neither I nor any member of my immediate family has a professional, financial, organizational, or other significant connection to a charter school or charter school organization.
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