Candidate Q&A

If you have kids – Do they attend or have they graduated from IPS schools? If not, where do/did they attend?

I have a son who graduated from Shortridge High School in IPS.

What prompted you to run this year?

I was elected to serve in this seat in November 2022. I am serving my final year of this term as board president. My first reason for running will always be children. The children and families we serve in the heart of our city deserve to have an education that prepares them for the future they desire. Our work can ensure that families are able to move from poverty to stability and prosperity. We can create a sustainable system that protects our children and citizens who can invest back into Indianapolis. I am a proud product of my district. I don’t only live here, I grew up in the district I represent. I am personally invested in equitable solutions that change the trajectory of our students’ lives. Stability is another reason I am running. While voices in leadership are important, we currently have five seats of seven up for election. I believe with all the complexity of IPS’s current work, continuity in more seats will support this work more effectively.

What is the most pressing student needs issue facing the district? How will you address it?

Our most pressing need issue in my opinion is the current referendum on the ballot, our work with IPEC and Special Education. I also believe a continued focus on CTE and development of that work for more students, including adults. We will need support and coalition building to lobby the Statehouse for our needs in early childhood and special education.

What area of academics do you think the district needs to focus on and why?

We have made strong strides in graduation rates. IPS is also experiencing improvements in 3rd grade reading. I believe we need more support for investment in early childhood education. As we move forward, every step of our students educational development should be prioritized: -Early Childhood -Special Education (where needed) -College Preparation -CTE -Life Skills training & support Early Childhood education is the foundation for success as students move through their educational journey.

As Indianapolis education begins this new phase with the addition of IPEC, how should the board approach its relationship with IPEC?

As IPEC has begun and recently hired leadership, it will be important for the IPS Board to advocate for and create space for IPS leadership to be an integral part of planning along side IPEC. IPS has served the majority of students within our boundaries, no matter the school type. We have valuable knowledge and expertise. IPS cannot be outside of this work.

Do you support the IPEC referendum and the rate? Why or why not?

I am not happy about the rate, however I still strongly support the referendum. IPS has supported community education partners with our knowledge, transportation, buildings IT and more. We need our community to support this referendum and allow IPS to make the decision necessary to preserve the space we provide our community and students. We must be solvent to provide the stability our families deserve.

IPS recently made budget cuts and will need to make more cuts even if the referendum passes. What will be your approach to budget cut decisions? Are there other ways IPS can bring in money beyond the referendum?

IPS has strong leadership; both administrative and board. I believe in their ability to creatively approach budget cut decisions. I also believe we can leverage our current work into deeper options for our community.

How will you engage with the community if elected? What role will their feedback have in your decision making?

I am always ready to create space to listen to community, through listening sessions, town halls, board meetings and school visits. I listen and take into account what I hear from the community. Boards often make decisions that the community does not agree with. Being a board member requires working with other board members who also hear from the community. Boards have the task of weighing several factors and making decisions that do not make everyone happy.

Outside money to fund campaigns has been a huge factor in previous IPS school board elections. Will you accept any donations from outside special interest groups? Why or why not?

No. I am serving as president and also serving on the IPEC board. The work of the board is time consuming and keeps me busy. My work is my campaign. I have chosen to campaign based on the work I am doing as a current commissioner.