The Carmel Clay Public Library Foundation, the Carmel Education Foundation (CEF), and OneZone Chamber of Commerce have partnered to present a series of conversations among the nine Carmel Clay School Board candidates. This joint effort is intended to educate members of the Carmel community about the role of school board members as well as to introduce the candidates in a non-partisan and community-based setting.
“We are excited to partner with the Carmel Education Foundation and the Carmel Clay Public Library Foundation on these videos to connect residents and businesses in the community with those running for school board,” OneZone President and CEO Jack Russell said. “Our schools are our greatest asset in attracting companies and people to call Carmel home.”
Representatives from the three non-profit organizations created a survey listing nine important responsibilities of a school board member that was made available for resident input. Based on survey results, the top four issues that community members wanted to hear candidates speak about were staffing, school safety, mental health and the creation, oversight, and implementation of district policy. As it currently stands, there are over 100 policies that are reviewed each year to assure there is compliance with state and federal standards.
Candidates represent one of three districts, but it is important for voters to know that they may vote for one school board candidate from each district – this is not typical in an election. School board candidates are non-partisan. Currently, three of the five Carmel Clay school board seats are up for election. Two at-large members, Katie Browning and Louise Jackson, will remain on the board for two more years. Candidates are elected to four-year terms.
Candidates met, by the district they represent, at Hotel Carmichael in a roundtable format which was moderated by Russell. All candidates responded to four questions that varied from how they would support teachers and staff, their thoughts on the current and future use of Safety Referendum funds, and how they would like to address the mental health challenges facing schools. Candidates also identified polices they felt currently work well and which they would like to change if elected.
“We hope that everyone takes the time to view these videos and follow up with the candidates to ask questions and have important conversations,” CEF Executive Director Jennifer Penix said. “Our goal was to help our neighbors make an informed vote – either early or at the polls on November 8, 2022.”
The Carmel Clay Public Library Foundation, the Carmel Education Foundation, and OneZone Chamber of Commerce will not endorse or promote individual or groups of candidates
There are five separate recordings for the series: Candidate Introductions (first and second), District 1 Candidate Conversation, District 2 Candidate Conversation, and District 3 Candidate Conversation. Click each link to watch the videos.