Evansville Vanderburgh County School Board District 3 Choose 2
The School Board exists for the purpose of a governing system for providing a free, public education in grades preschool – grade 12 for children attending school in the Evansville-Vanderburgh School Corporation. The public education system was created by, and is governed by, State statutes. The School Board has the dual responsibility for implementing legal requirements pertaining to public education and for meeting the desires of the citizens.
Biographical Information
Why are you running for a seat on the school board?
Candidate has not yet responded.
What in your background leads you to believe that you would be an effective school board member?
Candidate has not yet responded.
What issues do you believe the district needs to address in its academic program and offerings? What changes would you recommend?
Candidate has not yet responded.
There has been criticism that school governance is not transparent. Do you agree? If so, what would you do to increase transparency? If you disagree, what current actions does the School Board take that support your answer?
Candidate has not yet responded.
What are your thoughts on the current and proposed budget for the school district?
Candidate has not yet responded.
Biographical Information
Why are you running for a seat on the school board?
I believe it is important to look out for our neighbors, help when we can, and equip and empower the vulnerable to advocate for themselves and their families. I spent nine years organizing residents to push for systemic change. I have carefully examined the Indiana School Board Association (ISBA) website. That is what convinced me that I can make a difference. After I attended ISBA webinars and read informative articles that are provided, I decided it was time to work for the community in a different way - via the school board.
I believe my 33 years as a parent, 10 years as an in-home daycare operator, and nearly a decade of community organizing experience has provided me with the skill set to be a liaison between EVSC and the community.
What in your background leads you to believe that you would be an effective school board member?
I am well-versed in practical ways of engaging the community and building relationships across racial, cultural, political, and economic divides. I volunteered with my church at Daniel Wertz’s 2024 year-end event. I saw a stark difference between that elementary school and Tekoppel. There must be equitable access to resources for all EVSC schools. If elected, I will use my skills as a freelance Grant Specialist to look for funding for under resource schools.
Furthermore, as a community organizer and a parent of a student who required a 504 plan, I did much research on required accommodations and area resources. The knowledge I gained leads me to believe that I am equipped to be a productive and participatory member of the school board.
What issues do you believe the district needs to address in its academic program and offerings? What changes would you recommend?
The district must address the lack or transparency and accountability."Executive Sessions" are held prior to each school board meeting. It is my understanding that this is an illegal practice. Public education matters should be discussed publicly and members of the community given ample opportunity to publicly voice questions and concerns. The current method of signing up to speak with a school board member during a 'town hall" is a barrier for some community members.
Since phones are no longer permitted in EVSC classrooms, I believe the school corporation should take immediate steps to secure translators for non-English speaking students & families. Historically, many of these students relied on the Google Translator phone app.
There has been criticism that school governance is not transparent. Do you agree? If so, what would you do to increase transparency? If you disagree, what current actions does the School Board take that support your answer?
I agree that the governance is not transparent. One glaring example is the "town hall" communication method that was instituted a few a years ago. The link to the sign up page is ableist & exclusive! Furthermore, the link is available for just 48 hours prior to the meeting. The link should be eliminated and/or another way for the public to sign up for the town hall (which is an attempt to keep things quiet) should be created. In addition, school board members should be required to report those concerns (without identifiers) during the public meeting.
If a resident wants to speak during the public comment portion, they must only speak on topics on the agenda, AND school board members cannot respond in real time to the concern/comment. Why?
What are your thoughts on the current and proposed budget for the school district?
The proposed 2025 budget has a few concerning items.
1. There is approximately $375,000 allocated for the arts. This is clearly not enough.
2. There is approximately $11 million in the 'rainy day' fund with no plans to dip into it (see above and below).
3. There is no plan of funding set aside to assist non-English speaking students with translations needs/requests.
4. There is no plan to add video cameras in all the classrooms where our most vulnerable students are are seated day after day.
Biographical Information
Why are you running for a seat on the school board?
I have been blessed to be involved with school and with children for many years. My extensive experience serving on the Board of School Trustees has been invaluable, providing me with insights and understanding. Having worked with and supporting our teachers, students, and our families has provided me such valuable experience. I am encouraged by the support I have received and would be honored to continue to do so.
What in your background leads you to believe that you would be an effective school board member?
I believe that my experience being on the Board of School Trustee over these many years has given me many opportunities, working with all schools, many different groups and organizations that we are blessed to come in contact with. I try to keep an open mind, open door, and open ear for all to come to. I feel I am a good listener, and I do everything I can to help. My wife was a former teacher and that has helped me tremendously. Being a Pastor and very active in the community has been a wonderful help as well.
What issues do you believe the district needs to address in its academic program and offerings? What changes would you recommend?
I know we (EVSC staff) are working very hard and continue to look for ways to better serve our under-resourced children. Right now, Indiana is working to redo the high diploma, and we want to keep our eye on that as they move to incorporate more work-based learning. I do feel we (EVSC) are ahead of this issue with our OptIN program that was put in the place almost 7 years ago. We also have our innovative models that have been up and running for more than a dozen years. We are also seeing a significant increase in our multi-language families. I know we are deepening our outreach to better support these students and thier families.
There has been criticism that school governance is not transparent. Do you agree? If so, what would you do to increase transparency? If you disagree, what current actions does the School Board take that support your answer?
I don't really agree with that. I think this has been a buzz word many, many years.
We have always been available to Vanderburgh County residents by having our contact information published. The agendas for our Board meetings are always published for public viewing a few days prior to the scheduled meeting to allow for members of the public to preview and come to us with any questions/concerns. There is a public comment portion of each Board meeting where folks can register to speak to the Board regarding current agenda items prior voting on them. In recent years, we also started holding a Town hall prior to every school board meeting where individuals can register to speak one-on-one with the Board members.
What are your thoughts on the current and proposed budget for the school district?
I think most people know that school funding comes from the state. We are provided a set amount of funding for our Education Fund. Sadly, the State of Indiana ranks 41st in teacher pay. That being said, the EVSC spends 98% of its education funding on our staff. I wish it were more, but I do feel like our staff does a really good job of planning and implementing our budget each year.