Meet The Candidate: Jake Coverstone, Miami East School Board
Vol. III, No. 113 - Today we meet a candidate for school board in the Miami East District
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Our Meet The Candidate Series
Today, this publication kicks off our “Meet The Candidate” series. Through this series, this publication is giving candidates in contested races, especially those not covered by media, a chance to talk about their candidacy and their community.
We have given candidates questions to answer, but they aren’t bound to answer the questions; they also have the option to provide an 800 word manuscript about their thoughts and feelings.
Today, we kick off the series by introducing our readers to Jake Coverstone, a member of the Miami East Local School Board. Voters are reminded that Election Day this year is on November 4th, with early voting kicking off on October 7th at the Miami County Courthouse in Downtown Troy.
What inspired you to run for the school board, and how do you believe your background and experience make you a strong candidate?
Miami East has always been home for my family. Both my wife Hannah and I graduated from Miami East in 2007, and now our three children are the fourth generation in our family to attend school here. Hannah is deeply involved in the community—helping with the elementary PTO, coaching, serving on the Miami Junior Diamond Sports board, and a Girl Scout troop leader. For me, 4-H and FFA shaped my path. I earned my American FFA Degree, which gave me leadership skills, work ethic, and lifelong connections. I want to give back to the school and community that shaped me.
Professionally and personally, I have learned the value of accountability, communication, and teamwork. These are skills I bring to the table and hope to continue to use in serving our district.
What do you believe is the role of the school board in the school district's decision-making process?
Serving on the school board has given me valuable insight into its responsibilities and the importance of making decisions that reflect our community’s values. The school board’s role is to represent the community, ensure transparency, and set policies that keep the district moving forward. The board should support the administration and staff while also holding them accountable. Decisions must be rooted in what is best for students first, while also balancing fiscal responsibility, communication, and community engagement.
What is your vision for Miami East's future, and how do you plan to achieve it?
My vision aligns with the strategic planning process currently underway in our district: to grow Vikings who are inspired, driven, and empowered to succeed. For me, this means continuing to provide a well-rounded education that values academics, athletics, and extracurriculars such as FFA, 4-H, and the arts.
I want to ensure that we maintain high academic standards, improve communication between the district and community, and responsibly plan for facility needs and growth. By listening to staff, parents, and students—and by prioritizing transparency and accountability—we can continue to strengthen Miami East as both a school and the heart of our community.
What do you see as the most pressing issues facing the school district today, and how would you address them?
Based on community feedback and the strategic planning meetings, I believe the most pressing issues are:
Communication: Ensuring that families, staff, and even those without children in the district stay informed and engaged. I would support more consistent communication channels and opportunities for feedback.
Facilities: Planning responsibly for needed updates and improvements so that our schools remain safe, accessible, and adaptable to future needs.
Student Needs: Balancing support for gifted students, those with special needs, and those preparing for college, the workforce, or military service. I would advocate for programs and partnerships that help every student find their path.
What are the leadership qualities that you believe make you unique and will make you a positive member of the school district?
I believe in servant leadership—leading by listening, supporting, and serving others. My strengths are in accountability, communication, and collaboration. With 19 years of experience as a public servant in the fire service, I have learned the importance of making decisions under pressure, working as part of a team, and putting the needs of others first. These qualities translate directly to school board service, where collaboration and responsibility are critical. I value both tradition and innovation, and I want to ensure that decisions honor the legacy of Miami East while preparing our students for the future.
If you were awarded a $1 million grant for the Miami East School District, how would you allocate the funds to address the district's most pressing needs?
I would first look to the strategic plan and engage the community for feedback. Based on current needs, I would prioritize:
Facility updates for accessibility and future growth.
Enhancing technology and learning resources for both students and teachers.
Supporting extracurricular programs (FFA, arts, athletics) that make Miami East unique and help develop well-rounded students.
Every dollar would be used with transparency and accountability so the community knows their investment directly supports our kids.
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