Two newcomers are seeking the Bartholomew Consolidated School Board seat being vacated by outgoing school board president Jeff Caldwell, who is not seeking re-election.
Lacretia Ulery and Nicole Wheeldon are seeking the BCSC District 7 seat.
When asked about how the school corporation is adapting during the COVID-19 pandemic, Ulery, an accountant who is currently on the ABC-Stewart School board, said that it’s important to keep up with both “national and international guidance” as the school corporation determines its own health and safety protocols.
“When these current candidates are sworn in as board members, there will most certainly be additional facts known,” she said, “and it is imperative that we arm ourselves with the most up-to-date information available to us.”
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Wheeldon, a plant manager at Cummins, Inc., said that while it’s “impossible to have all the answers” about COVID-19, continued health and safety protocols can help keep it in check.
“I do believe in the power of screening, social distancing, wearing masks and diligent cleaning,” she said. “We must stay connected with the latest COVID-19 information, to adopt the most updated best practices. The safety of all those in the school system must remain a priority.”
All BCSC school board candidates were asked four additional questions. Below are the responses provided in the order the two candidates appear on the ballot:
What aspects of the school corporation do you hope to focus and improve upon if elected?
Ulery: “The first challenge will be to study current priorities and areas needing attention, as I join a group that is comprised of focused, knowledgeable members. To the extent my skills match an area of need, I would start with that assignment. I would rather assist with a forward initiative than to determine on my own what I believe needs improvement, before being educated on such.”
Wheeldon: “I am not seeking this position to progress a specific agenda, but instead want to provide fresh eyes that are ready to tackle any problem. I plan to listen and learn to fully understand the needs of the system and stakeholders before setting my aim as a board member.”
What strengths do you bring to the table as a potential school board member?
Ulery: “Having two BCSC graduates, I have been a part of various parent groups during those years which provided small group discussions of challenges and successes. This allows me an advantage to review what ultimately were the successes, and what we might do differently given the same set of hurdles to clear. My experience as an accountant and grant writer will be of use as well.”
Wheeldon: “I would bring diverse leadership abilities to the BCSC board. I’m a wife, mother and plant manager in a facility with 900 employees. Running a plant and a home has helped me become a better listener and improved my ability to find creative and balanced solutions. I am fair but firm and set high expectations. I’m also skilled at navigating competing, complex and urgent issues.”
Apart from COVID-19 and its impacts, what do you think is the biggest challenge facing schools?
Ulery: “Without a doubt the number of students needing food assistance is troubling. Collaboration with current and new resources will become even more important as effects of unemployment continues to ripple in our community. Also, I would like to understand the unmet needs of our educators, and to the extent possible meet these each semester. Can we shift this burden to those with adequate resources available?”
Wheeldon: “Schools must continuously improve to meet the needs of our students, teachers and the community. While working to improve it can be difficult to satisfy all stakeholders and achieve your goals. One challenge of schools is prioritizing the work and finding solutions that can accommodate the needs of many. Ensuring we have the right focus, support and resources to drive those improvements is also difficult.”
What is the number one thing driving you to run for this position?
Ulery: “During these past months of COVID-19 my busy pace has slowed significantly. I now consider that an advantage to contemplate what can be done to make a difference in our community. As a Rotarian, we are challenged to be ‘People of Action’ and being a part of the BCSC board will allow me to utilize my skills to be a part of solutions.”
Wheeldon: “As a professional, I know the importance of a good education. As a mom of kids in school, I understand that schools provide an education and so much more! I want my kids to have even more opportunities than I had as a student. I am running for this position so I can be part of the team that provides those opportunities.”
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Lacretia Ulery
City of residence: Columbus
Age: 60
Previous offices sought: None
Occupation: Accountant
Education: Bachelor of science, Indiana State University
Professional honors and associations: Indiana CPA
Community involvement: Rotary Club of Columbus Sunrise, ABC-Stewart School Board, Moose Lodge, Former 4-H Leader
Family: Husband, Brad. Two children and one grandchild.
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Nicole Wheeldon
City of residence: Columbus
Age: 40
Previous offices sought: None
Occupation: Plant Manager, Cummins
Education: Bachelors of Science, Mechanical Engineering (Purdue University) and Masters of Science, Engineering Management (Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology)
Community involvement: United Way, Turning Point and Feed My Starving Children Volunteer
Family: Husband, Wes. Three children.
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