From: Jayne and Charlie Farber
Columbus
A great rule of thumb in business has always been “Hire FIRST for character.” When it comes to voting, this same rule applies even more.
This year we have three clear choices for our BCSC school board vote: Whittney Loyd-District 3, Leigh Britt-District 5, Incumbent board chair Nicole Wheeldon-District 7. All three excel in the attributes of character that define this board election: Integrity, Transparency, Open mindedness, Service to others.
Combining character with knowledge and experience leads to the best candidates. Loyd, Britt and Wheeldon embody all these vital qualities.
Whittney is a lifelong public servant in human services serving Riley Children’s Foundation, United Way of Bartholomew County and her current role as president of Turning Point. She is knowledgeable, skilled in leadership, safety, listening, conflict management, budgeting, staffing and board governance.
Leigh is a devoted lifelong educator boasting 30 years of teaching in high schools and college. She understands classroom environments and educational policies. She will be key in assisting BCSC administration as they navigate the new Indiana diploma rules. Diplomas need to be a ticket to higher education and a ticket to positive vocational outcomes for every student.
Nicole (Nikki) Wheeldon is a plant manager for Cummins in Walesboro and stewards more than 1,000 employees 24/7. Nikki understands safety, fiscal management, managing for results, working positively with conflict, and serving many stakeholders. She is the current school board chair.
All three women are life-long mentors, action-oriented critical thinkers who help youngsters find their way socially and educationally.
Loyd, Britt and Wheeldon are the first choice of our BCSC teachers, former board members, our most recent mayor and other key leaders who know and understand our BCSC families – including those most challenged. They recognize good judgment and leadership when they see it.
It is clear where these candidates stand on key issues: safety first; pay well to hire the best teachers; stay competitive now and tomorrow; provide excellent facilities that encourage learning; empower our trained and experienced professionals to care for the day-to-day; let each parent decide what their child might read; don’t increase taxes.
Perhaps some of us are not attentive to school board races, especially during a presidential election year. But this year our school board election is a big deal and an important decision. It touches every single child in public education. And just as importantly, this race affects how employers and potential future residents judge our community. It is one of the biggest reasons why character, values, experience, knowledge and a willingness to listen is so important. It’s called judgment. It’s what we need!
Please join us and vote YES for Whittney Loyd District #3, Leigh Britt #5, and Nicole Wheeldon #7. Your vote counts! Your community and our students deserve a YES vote, too.
Editor’s note: This letter is paid political content. Political endorsement letters are published with a $25 fee. They may be submitted to [email protected].
