With early voting all ready started and the general election on Nov. 5, contested candidates were asked to respond to four questions.
Today’s responses are from Whitko School Board candidates Georgia Tenney and Stephanie Campbell.
1. What is your background and why do you think you will be a good fit for the Whitko School Board?

    Stephanie Campbell
  

Campbell: I am a community-minded person through and through. I’ve always wanted what is best for my community and I feel that way about our school system, too. I value public education and want to be part of doing what is right for all students.
I have been part of the Whitko community my entire life. I graduated from Whitko High School in 2007 and I worked for the Whitko Community School Corporation for 12 years.  During my employment, I learned things I never would have known about public education as a parent or community member. 
I feel that I have made a difference in the lives of many children, and I have a strong desire to stay connected and make every effort to improve our school system. I believe that a positive culture and climate can be very impactful in our children’s daily lives and want to be part of ensuring that for our Whitko students, including my own.
Tenney: I have lived in the community of Whitko for 57 years. I have raised two children who are graduates of Whitko High School. I was the Whitko Middle School secretary for 33 years and have been on the school board for 12 years. That is a lot of experience.
I am very involved in many facets in the town of Pierceton.
At this time, Whitko needs experience. We are hiring a new superintendent, which is a very time-consuming process.

    Georgia Tenney
  

New graduation requirements and other state mandates require a board member to be an advocate at the state level, which I am.
2. What do you think the purpose of the school board should be?
Campbell: The school board’s priority should be the students. The main goal should always be ensuring a quality education for our students. To do that, the board should set a high standard for hiring a student-focused superintendent who is passionate about our community.
The school board works closely with the superintendent and it’s important to have good working relationships that include transparency with each other and the community. I think the hiring of an outstanding superintendent in the near future is going to be crucial for Whitko.
I also whole-heartedly believe that the board is elected to represent the community’s voice.
Tenney: The purpose of the school board is given by the Indiana School Boards Association. We are to hire the superintendent and evaluate him/her each year, approve the budget as presented to the board by the business manager, approve all policies and be cognizant of the fact that they are being followed.
All decisions made by the board are what is best for kids. We are elected by all the districts so we need to be a listening ear to all our constituents. I am very purposeful of being visible throughout the corporation.
3. What do you think the school corporation has done well or poorly in the last five years?
Campbell: The Whitko Career Academy was a brilliant idea for our community and even surrounding communities. The opportunities for students because of it are incredible. That is definitely a positive highlight for the Whitko School Corporation and we should be extremely proud to have it.
On the other hand, I think it’s fair to say that the hiring process of the last superintendent could have been done with more intention. I also think it’s important to be transparent. Transparency is a sure way to build trust. I’d love to see the community have faith in our school board again.
It would be unfair to all of the teachers/staff who have recently left Whitko to not mention that they deserved exit interviews. To not invest in retaining quality teachers is inexcusable. Any teacher who is leaving the corporation deserves an exit interview. Administration should want to know why.
I hope to see improvement on these shortcomings whether I’m on the board or not.
Tenney: The Whitko Career Academy and the Little Cats Early Learning Center are huge additions to the corporation.
The D-wing at the high school is being renovated to house the sixth- and seventh-grade students. A new wing is being added to accommodate the eighth grade.
Our art students receive many awards nationally and our band wins many awards at the state level. Dual credit and AP classes at the high dchool allow our students to save money with college credits earned.
We need to improve test scores, our curriculum and our enrollment.
4. If elected to the board, are there any issues you would like the school board to work on?
Campbell: I don’t doubt that the current board has good intentions. I do think it’s important for board members to acknowledge where there is room for improvement and growth. If you don't recognize the problem, you can't possibly improve it.
I would like to see the board work on rebuilding trust with the community and that is going to start with transparency and accountability. To reiterate, the first step towards that is hiring a superintendent who can set an example for quality leadership. I understand that all school corporations have strengths and weaknesses. I have a strong love for the Whitko School Corporation and want to be part of building its future!
My stance will remain the same: If we’re not doing what is best for our students, we’re doing it wrong.
I will continue to stand for students first, teacher retention, transparency, and being the voice for the community.
Tenney: If elected, I would like to see a Whitley County CTE share program. Expanding our marketing and branding so families choose to come to Whitko. Being open and transparent always. Focus on our strategic plan that is in year two of five. The entire strategic plan can be viewed on our website.
May I conclude with a quote from Leonardo da Vinci, “When you put your hand in a flowing stream, you touch the last that has gone before and the first of what is still to come.” Your vote for me on Nov. 5 represents what is still to come for Whitko Community Schools.