From: Kathy Oren
Columbus
The Nov. 5 election is an extremely important election for our kids, our schools and our community. There are three open Bartholomew Consolidated School Corp. (BCSC) school board seats on the ballot, out of seven seats. These three open seats will be very important for the future of our largest school district, BCSC, serving about 12,000 students. Providing high quality education so that ALL kids can reach their full potential is the most important thing a community can do to ensure a strong future. This school board election will be critical for the future of our kids, our community and our economy.
Strong public schools and a strong economy are inextricably connected. Local employers recognize that an excellent public school system ensures academic success leading to college, career and life readiness for local students who want to stay and work in Columbus. Excellent schools are vital for attracting and retaining great people and families to live and work in our community. A strong education system is vital to the sustainability of businesses providing high quality, well-paying jobs in our community long into the future.
This year there are three open seats, with two candidates on the ballot for each open seat. If you live in one of the 10 BCSC townships you can vote for all three open seats.
The candidates are as follows: District 3: Whitney Loyd vs. David Theile; District 5: Leigh Britt vs Tom Glick; District 7: Samantha Ison vs. Nicole Wheeldon. There are significant distinctions between the six candidates, with differing views on important education topics, and varying perspectives on the role and responsibility of a school board member.
According to the Indiana School Board Association, “school boards are responsible for effective school governance. That governance is not the same as administration. The operational oversight and daily decision making should be entrusted to the superintendent and administrative team. The most effective boards strive for consensus by listening to multiple viewpoints and seeking a fair and inclusive solution.”
Please educate yourselves about the school board candidates. The Republic posted Columbus Educators Association candidate interviews on July 28. On October 8, The Republic posted their “BCSC School Board Candidate Interview Series” highlighting each candidate with videos. These interviews and videos do a great job of sharing each candidates’ priorities and approaches to serving on the school board. Talk to your friends, ask your kids’ teachers, learn as much as you can about these six candidates and make an informed decision.
This year’s school board election is pivotal for the future of our kids and our community. Please vote. Do your homework. Get familiar with the candidates, read The Republic articles and watch the interview videos. Share information about the candidates with your networks. Share that fact with your networks. Familiarize yourself with the topics candidates are raising. And please vote.
