Why are you the best candidate for office?
I have longevity in serving the Fortville Church of the Nazarene as lead pastor for 16 years. I have been committed to be a part of the community. I presently serve as president of the Fortville-McCordsville Chamber of Commerce, vice president of the Fortville Christians Unite and chaplain for the Fortville Police Department. I also have 40 years of experience in pastoral ministry and work with many boards. I will commit to listen, encourage and support the students, teachers and administration of the MV school system.
What is the most pressing issue facing Mt. Vernon Community School Corporation?
Dealing with the pandemic and the new methods of teaching and learning this has caused. Another pressing issue is dealing with the growth that is happening in and around our community and the influx of students that this brings.
How can Mt. Vernon responsibly handle the growth it’s expected to experience over the next decade?
The Community Champions meetings helped the administration to draw up plans for the future, and I believe they are doing a great job in planning on how to handle the growth in each grade level and school. Plans are in the making to remodel, upgrade and even build new structures if deemed necessary. A good plan for the future for Mt. Vernon schools is in place.
What would you do as a board member to help ensure the financial soundness of the school corporation?
I would support a plan for financial accountability to provide the community with continued evidence of financial soundness. A financial accountability team could include not only MV staff but also community leaders.
How do you feel Mt. Vernon has handled the COVID-19 pandemic? Do you feel like it should have done/be doing anything differently?
I feel Mt. Vernon has done an excellent job in preparing staff, teachers and students to deal with something that no one has ever faced before. They have procedures set in place for every grade level in a newfound teaching experience that includes onsite as well as remote/virtual learning. I believe with this type of situation which has no written plan of attack, they have to be vigilant in listening to those who are directly involved in the decision-making for the pandemic.
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Age: 64
Office sought: Mt. Vernon Community School Corporation Board of School Trustees
Occupation: Lead pastor, Fortville Church of the Nazarene
Political experience: None
Family: Wife Sara, three children, four grandchildren
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