Why are you the best candidate for office?
I am a homeowner in Austin Trace and resident of McCordsville for nearly five years. I have children in McCordsville Elementary, Mt. Vernon Middle and Mt. Vernon High School. My son Miguel Jones is currently class president and an academic honor student class of 2022. My oldest son Micah Jones graduated from Mt. Vernon class of 2018 and will be graduating from IUPUI with his BS in Elementary Education Class of 2022. I have found formal education is vitally important to our careers as professionals. I have served 24 years in education.
What is the most pressing issue facing Mt. Vernon Community School Corporation?
I feel the most pressing issue facing Mt. Vernon is the high rate of growth in McCordsville and the need to create room for that growth among the current campuses, without creating more debt that may not be supported by the current funding.
How can Mt. Vernon responsibly handle the growth it’s expected to experience over the next decade?
Based on my understanding of the current setup of each campus, I would first lock down on transfers from other districts. Next, I would be most inclined to make a potential recommendation to restructure and reclassify the buildings into three K-4 buildings: Mt. Comfort, Fortville Elementary and McCordsville Elementary; one intermediate building, grades 5-6; one middle school, grades 7-8; and one high school, grades 9-12. Based on the age of the buildings will require some renovation but will be more cost effective than building brand new buildings.
What would you do as a board member to help ensure the financial soundness of the school corporation?
As a board member, with a master of public administration background, I understand public budgeting, ethics and our responsibilities fiscally as school board of trustees. I would be versed in the current funding to the corporation and expenses the corporation incurs annually. I further would make sure our parents and staff are informed and understand anything that requires school board action.
How do you feel Mt. Vernon has handled the COVID-19 pandemic? Do you feel like it should have done/be doing anything differently?
Every district is unique in how they have responded. Mt. Vernon specifically has handled the pandemic safely, responsibly and with care and consideration. The district has kept parents updated with changes to policy regarding the pandemic or any transportation or alternate schedules. I feel like the platforms for virtual learning could best be served utilizing a common platform that is easy to navigate by parents and students. Additionally, having teachers serve the kiddos who are on the hybrid schedule, operate as though they are in class on campus, on the alternate schedule.
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Age: 48
Office sought: Mt. Vernon Community School Corporation Board of School Trustees
Occupation: Educator administrator/real estate managing principal
Political experience: City of Anderson Police Merit Commission for nearly 10 years
Family: Wife Rhonda, five children, three grandchildren
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