There are times that an explanation is needed to understand a particular story.  Allow me to explain how at-large elections work for seats on the Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) School Board.  HSE Schools encompass three townships – Delaware, Fall Creek and Wayne.  The City of Fishers lies within the boundaries of Delaware and Fall Creek Townships.

In the at-large election of 2020, there are three seats on the board up for election.  All registered voters in all three townships vote for all three seats.  Each of the three election contests are held by residents of each township.  So, you must reside within your township to run, and your opposition comes from others living in the same township.

So, as a voter, you have a vote in all three township elections, no matter where you live within the school district.  With that in mind, let’s talk about the school board candidate forum held virtually on Zoom September 21st.

Of the 11 total candidates on the ballot, 8 attended the forum.  Those not in attendance included Jason Arnold and Suzanne Thomas running in Fall Creek Township, along with Tiffany Pascoe in Wayne Township.

The forum was sponsored by the Hamilton Southeastern Education Association, the union representing teachers in the school district.  The association’s long-time president, Janet Chandler, moderated the forum, asking the questions.  Candidates were allowed a two-minute opening statement, one-minute to address questions and one-minute for a closing statement.

The forum found much agreement among the candidates.  Board hopefuls were asked why they are running, what it’s like campaigning in a pandemic, how to handle the operating tax referendum that will expire during their term on the board, financial priorities, redistricting that will be needed once the new elementary school is constructed, how to handle racial issues, and plans to support students in mental health.

HSEA plans to post the forum video online soon.  In the meantime, LarryInFishers recorded the audio of the one-minute closing statements from each candidate at the forum.  Here is the order of the statements, with the link below if you wish to listen to their closing statements.

Ron Thieme – Wayne Township

Sarah E Parks-Reese – Wayne Township

Clint Wilson – Fall Creek Township

Matt Stolle – Fall Creek Township

Chauna Leigh Holder – Fall Creek Township

Amanda Shera – Delaware Township

Sarah Donsbach – Delaware Township

Tony Bagato – Delaware Township