Tenney, Campbell Vie For Whitko School Board Seat
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- Georgia Tenney
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- Stephanie Campbell
By Madison Hart
InkFreeNews
SOUTH WHITLEY — The Whitko Community Schools Board of Trustees has three seats on the November 2024 general election ballot.
The three seats represent Districts 1, 2 and 3.
Vying for the District 1 seat are incumbent Georgia Tenney and newcomer Stephanie Campbell.
Georgia Tenney
Tenney has served on the board for 12 years, and this would be her fourth and final term. Before her three terms, Tenney was the secretary at Whitko Middle School for 33 years.
Read a statement from Tenney below:
“I truly believe experience counts. I have 12 years on the Whitko School Board and 33 years as the middle school secretary. That is 45 years I have given my heart and soul to the Whitko Corporation.
As a school board member, I know what my duties are and where my duties end. Indiana School Boards Association makes it very clear what the board’s responsibilities are: Hire the superintendent and evaluate him each year, approve the budget that is presented to us by the business manager and adopt policies and make sure they are followed by all employees of Whitko …
Many great things have happened in my 12 years on the board. We built a new Pierceton Elementary School and renovated the high school. At this time we are remodeling the D-wing at the high school to house the 6th and 7th grade students and building a new wing to house the 8th grade students. Whitko Career Academy was opened and funded by 80/20 Foundation and later the Don Wood Foundation. This Career Center has been recognized by the State, and many corporations have visited the building and copied what we have here. Along with the Career Academy comes Little Cats Early Learning Center. Whitko can engage in children from infants through grade 12. I am proud of what we have accomplished — all of this was put in place for what should be #1 in all board members’ minds. What is best for kids.
… There is still a lot to do at Whitko. Hiring a new superintendent is #1 on the board’s list. Rebuilding trust and relationships will be foremost in the minds of the new superintendent and the board. As we build this trust, all employees will feel supported. Continuing to work on marketing and branding Whitko, increasing enrollment and bettering our test scores is a big part of the months and years ahead.”
Stephanie Campbell
Campbell worked at Whitko Schools for 13 years in various capacities, including front office, art assistant, cheerleading coach and Junior class sponsor. She is also the parent of a current Whitko student and a member of the PTO at Pierceton Elementary.
Read a statement from Campbell below:
“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 feel that I have made a difference in the lives of many children during my time at Whitko, and I have a strong desire to stay connected and make every effort to improve our school system.
I love Whitko. I love that we are a small district. I love sending my son to a school where I know there is an opportunity for closer-knit relationships. I am running for school board because I want to invest in Whitko’s future. I believe the board’s purpose is to prioritize the students with every decision made. The main goal should always be ensuring a quality education for our students.
I stand for students first, teacher retention, transparency and being the voice for the community.
Talking about what I stand for and sharing it with your family and friends is one way you can support my goal of getting elected. We need people who are not against change. Often, change means growth. I am ready for Whitko to move in a positive direction. Please be sure to get out and vote on Nov. 5.”
No one filed for the District 2 seat.
Micah R. Coki is seeking election unopposed for District 3.
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 5.
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