Post & Mail photo/Kelley Sheiss
Candidates running for a spot on the Whitko School Board include (from left):  Roger Boggs, Cynthia Kreger, Michael Braddock, Shannon Langmaid and Terry Eberly.

By KELLEY SHEISS
for The Post & Mail
Despite running as opponents in the upcoming election for the Whitko School Corporation board, the six candidates vying for three spots agree on one thing – it’s about the kids.
This consensus was obvious Monday evening at a meet- the-candidates session held at the administration offices in Pierceton. 
Superintendent Steve Clason welcomed a full house and outlined the ballot process, emphasizing that on Election Day voters should only vote for three candidates.  He also added that he was proud to be in a school system that has such a high quality of candidates running.  Each candidate was introduced by board President Pete Mitchell and allowed five minutes to share their vision for Whitko schools.
Incumbent Michael Braddock is running in District 1.  An eight-year board member, he said he chose to run when he felt one of his own children fell through the cracks.  If re-elected, Braddock said he would like to increase the graduation rate, continue ISTEP improvement and build a trust factor among employees.   His opponent, Cynthia Kreger, has worked for the school corporation in the past.  She stated she could benefit the board by having insight as a former employee.  Kreger added that she wants kids to be proud and stay in the community.
”I’m for the everyday kid that needs help,” she said.
Next was Roger Boggs who is running unopposed in District 2.  Boggs, whose district covers Richland Township, has served on the school board for one year and considered it a good test drive for future service.   He stated serving as a board member is an opportunity to give back and take pride in the community.  Boggs’ vision includes establishing goals for board members, administration and faculty and developing a survey for graduates.  He also recognized Whitko’s success in a variety of programs and said he would like to “get some envy from other communities” as it relates to the school corporation’s achievements.  Boggs added that he would work to fix the election process and make it more user-friendly.
 District 3 covers Cleveland Township and South Whitley and has three candidates vying for a board spot.  This position was formerly held by Dave Tranter, a long-time board member.  Terry Eberly, a father of four,  referenced his experience as a trained facilitator and involvement in the community.  Eberly said he has a personal interest in improving the education of youth and the potential impact it can have on local businesses by providing well-rounded, future employees.   Other goals cited by Eberly include increasing family and school partnerships, incorporating more technology, achieving goals of ISTEP and the SAT’s and improving attendance.  Eberly noted he is proactive, fiscally responsible and would be a representative to the entire school district to achieve the common goal of improving education.
Following Eberly was Gordon (Jim) Hayes who has served as a tutor at Whitko for the past eight years, noting he has worked closely with teachers and students.  Hayes emphasized his past experience working in management during recessions and being responsible for large budgets.  Hayes said that the corporation should provide the best education to students possible, and as a board member he would work to reduce the drop-out rate and increase attendance. Hayes added that in the future, more challenges need to be provided to gifted students and more emphasis should be given to honoring academics.
Rounding out the panel was Shannon Langmaid, a stay-at-home mom who is an active volunteer in the school corporation, serving as secretary of the PTO.  Langmaid said her previous work experience has allowed her to excel in customer service and work really well one-on-one with people.  Her goals include keeping the district size alive and avoiding consolidation, supporting teachers, increasing the graduation rate and focusing on the health and welfare of students, specifically in the areas of obesity and diabetes.
 
“We all need to work together to make the school corporation better,” said Langmaid.
 
Pete Mitchell provided closing remarks, echoing Steve Clason’s comments and saying he was pleased with the quality of the candidates.