Like many families, we chose Carmel for its renowned schools, aiming to provide our children with unparalleled educational opportunities. Over the years, our sons flourished under the guidance of dedicated teachers and coaches who became influential mentors in their lives.

 

However, I observed changes within our schools from 2014 when our eldest enrolled in Carmel High School, to 2023 when our youngest graduated. Primarily, I noticed a concerning decline in academic rigor. While Carmel Clay Schools consistently rank #1 in the state based on iLearn English and Math scores, a closer examination reveals disparities in proficiency levels, ranging from 75% at College Wood Elementary to 47% at Carmel Middle School.* Shockingly, 40% of our elementary and middle school students, totaling 3010 children, struggle with proficiency in English and Math.*

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Teachers are the cornerstone of our children's education. To address this issue and strive for higher academic standards, I'm actively engaging with teachers to understand their challenges and collaborate on solutions. It's clear that increased student-teacher ratios, coupled with limited access to aides and substitutes, are hindering their effectiveness.

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To ensure equitable access to success for all students, we must provide our teachers with the resources they need. Additionally, as our youngest son progressed through high school, we observed an uptick in the promotion of ideas conflicting with our family values. In Carmel's diverse community, it's imperative to cultivate politically and ideologically neutral environments where students can focus solely on academics. Schools should uphold principles of civility and respect for all, leaving the responsibility of instilling values to parents.

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During my campaign, I plan to engage with parents, students, teachers, administrators, and community members. Regardless of political affiliations or beliefs, I value input from all who share a common goal: the well-being of our children. By fostering open dialogue and collaboration, we can work together for the collective benefit of our community's youth.

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Let's start the conversation!