Education
BA in Psychology, University of Notre Dame
Campaign Email
dayspring89005@gmail.com
Occupation/Current Position
Retired Federal Mediator, President, Hawkins Family Foundation
Campaign Phone
7023666267
For the past 9 years, my wife Karen and I, along with our family and some committed friends have dedicated ourselves to serving the students on the westside through our nonprofit, The Hawkins Family Foundation, I share this to illustrate our love for and commitment to our community. I served for 22 years as a Federal Mediator, working to guide and support clients in managing conflict(s) in the workplace, as well as teaching and training groups and individuals conflict management skills, techniques, approaches and utilize technology in their efforts. I believe these skills and experiences bring a unique perspective which would serve the community well.
Rebuilding relationships and regaining the public trust. Small group facilitated listening sessions citywide involving all the stakeholder groups; students, parents, faculty members, support staff, school administrators, SBCSC administration, community leaders. Solicit for experiences people are having or had in the past which are positive and should continue, difficult past experiences which negatively effect the present, challenging current experiences which need to be addressed, and ideas for growth and development to improve communication, break down barriers and cultivate a cooperative atmosphere of trust, because all stakeholders have been heard and their experiences considered.
I believe all the stakeholders (the students, parents, community, teachers, support staff, school administrators, SBCSC staff and administration, and the community at large should be afforded the respect and opportunity to have their concerns, experiences and ideas heard. That input has value and should be considered in the decision-making process, and the stakeholders offering their input deserve feedback on what they present. Having said this, the responsibility for making final decisions resides with the people elected and appointed/hired to the board and leadership positions within the SBCSC. And having this responsibility, these people must accept accountability for the consequences (positive or negative) of those decisions
I don’t have a strong feeling about the state law. Being elected to serve on the school board is not about party affiliation. What’s important is the character and integrity of the individual, the ideas they have and their commitment to growing the next generations of students to be leaders and productive citizens. I listed myself as a democrat because I am a registered Democrat and I believe it’s important to be honest and transparent with my affiliation(s).
Stakeholders coming together to asses and set priorities/increased community partnerships/coordination of community partners/build relationships to encourage reasonable and significant long-term investment in community education by business entities/Lobbying at state and local level for a scrutinous examination and reconsideration of the short- and long-term effects of Senate enrolled Act 1 of 2025 to clearly understand who reaps the benefits and who pays the price for this approach. I see the SBCSC as a public service entity with our primary responsibilities being to serve the education and developmental needs of the children, reasonably support their families, and grow our youth to be productive citizens in the community – How money is spent should be examined in the light of this question; How does this investment benefit the educa
To begin, I need to learn more, understand in greater depth, and consider the actions that have been undertaken thus far to address segregation and educational inequities, as well as assessing their effectiveness in fulfilling the mandates of the consent decree. Only after that period of learning and assessment would I feel comfortable presenting ideas to ensure any segregation and educational inequities are eliminated. Having said this, from my perspective, it is the responsibility of the board is to ensure the best educational experience for all the students of the district, so any ideas, strategies and actions undertaken to do justice in these vital areas should clearly benefit all students, and not be confined to any specific segment(s) of the student population.
Education
BA in Psychology, Wheaton College, Wheaton, IL
Campaign Email
emilyforsb@gmail.com
Occupation/Current Position
Self-employed
Campaign Phone
574-309-4465
I am running because I believe South Bend schools can be schools that families actively choose for their children, and I want to work hard to help make that a reality. My four children have been part of South Bend schools for 15 years, with eight more years ahead of us in South Bend schools. Through volunteering in their classrooms and schools, I have seen the exceptional care and education our teachers provide every day. My fundraising experience with the South Bend Education Alliance gave me a broad understanding of the needs of our schools and the excellence that is possible when students and educators have the resources and support they need. I would bring a parent’s perspective, community experience, and a commitment to listening, learning, and working collaboratively to bring excellent education to every student in our community.
I believe our district’s most important challenge is declining enrollment. As a Board member, I would work to help South Bend schools reach their potential as schools that families actively choose for their students. I believe South Bend schools are, and can continue to become, excellent schools where every student has the opportunity, support, and high expectations to do their best, and that every part of the school experience is worthy of our students. As a parent with children in South Bend schools for 15 years, and a former South Bend Education Alliance employee, I have seen both the challenges our educators and schools face and the real impact that resources, support, and strong relationships can have on students, families, and our community, helping families feel confident in choosing South Bend schools.
Parents, students, and community members should be active partners in district decision-making. Authentic engagement is essential for building trust and creating schools families actively choose. Parents bring invaluable insight into their children’s daily experiences, while students can tell us how they feel best supported in their schools. Community members and taxpayers are important partners who invest in and help hold the district accountable.
As a Board member, I will prioritize proactive, two-way communication: listening before decisions are made, communicating openly, and creating accessible opportunities for meaningful dialogue. When families, students, and the community are genuinely heard, we can make better decisions and create excellent school experiences where students thrive and families want to choose South Bend schools.
I disagree with the new state law allowing school board candidates to list a party affiliation. I filed as an Independent because I do not believe partisan politics should play a role in our school board elections, or school board decisions or policy-making. School boards should be focused on what is best for students, educators, and the community as a whole, not on party platforms.
I can see how support from local party organizations could be helpful to candidates navigating the process of running for school board. However, parties can provide support without requiring candidates to attach a party label to a nonpartisan office. I believe school board elections are better served when voters evaluate candidates based on their experience, judgment, priorities, and commitment to our schools.
School funding and the district’s budget are challenges the Board and Administration must take seriously. We need to begin preparing now by providing greater financial transparency, carefully evaluating spending, and demonstrating excellence in how we steward district resources. Budget decisions should prioritize what most directly supports students: competitive compensation for strong teachers and staff, resources to provide opportunities both in and out of the classroom that create belonging, and experiences that make schools places families want to choose. At the same time, we must closely examine costs, identify efficiencies, and ensure every dollar is being used responsibly and effectively. Difficult decisions may be necessary, but my priority will always be maintaining excellence in the student experience.
Our district has both the responsibility and the opportunity to provide an excellent and equitable education for every student. We should build on the work that is already succeeding in our schools and make thoughtful, strategic decisions based on what our students and community need.
I believe the expertise to do this work well already exists within our corporation. Our educators, administrators, student service staff and support staff know our students and schools in ways outside consultants cannot. The Board and Administration should listen to, invest in, and empower those educators who are already doing this work well, while using data and measurable outcomes to identify where we can improve. Building trust with our educators and staff is essential to creating excellent schools where every student has the opportunity to thrive.
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