Meet The Candidate: Karen Kaibas, Tipp City Board of Education
Vol. III, No. 145 - Another Write-In Candidate Looks For Voter Support in Tipp City
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As our publication continues to highlight candidates running for public office here in Miami County, we again introduce our readers to another candidate for the Tipp City Board of Education, Karen Kaibas.
The Tipp City School Board race is one that will be interesting to watch how it develops on election night. This November’s election is for three seats, but only one name will be on the ballot, there are three individuals working to get elected as write-in candidates. A safe assumption is that the top two write-in candidates will get elected to the Board of Education.
One of those three write-in candidates is Karen Kaibas. Karen took the time to answer the questions we gave her. Here are her unedited responses:
What inspired you to run for the school board And how do you believe your background and experience make you a strong candidate?
I was inspired to run for the school board once I realized that neither incumbent would be on the ballot at this election and Tipp City voters did not have enough eligible candidates. I have been pleased by the positive momentum our school district has been experiencing and I wanted that to continue for our students.
Through my years of leadership and service with organizations such as Tipp City PTOs, the Tippecanoe Educational Endowment, and the Tipp City Music Boosters, I’ve worked closely with school staff, led volunteer teams, and partnered with our generous community to support learning both inside and outside the classroom. I have gained valuable experience in collaborative problem-solving and know how to operate within an organization’s bylaws and budget constraints.
Through my 15 years as an engaged parent and community member, I have been able to understand the values that matter most to Tipp City families, as well as the strengths and the areas where our district can grow. I am passionate about supporting an excellent educational experience for all Tipp City Students.
What is your vision for Tipp’s future, and how do you plan to achieve it?
My vision for Tipp City School District is to advocate for a high-quality, enriching educational experience for every student. I aim to support this vision by ensuring that both students and teachers have access to the resources they need to succeed. This includes working collaboratively with the superintendent to gather feedback on classroom challenges and identifying areas where support is needed. Additional attention is needed on expanding opportunities and support to prepare our students for their chosen pathway after leaving Tipp City Schools.
What do you see as the most pressing issues facing the school district today, and how would you address them?
A consistent Board of Education issue is the responsibility of working to maintain and improve our relationship with families, and the community in which we serve. If elected, I would focus on ensuring the Board is accountable, transparent, and maintains consistent communication with Tipp City families and community members.
I would listen to and solicit feedback from parents, teachers, and community members. As the district continues to grow and especially with the current building projects and renovations—it is essential the Board keeps the community informed and involved. Financial decisions and budget considerations should be clear and demonstrate that the school district is being a responsible steward with taxpayer’s financial investment.
Last, I would maintain the Board’s focus on providing meaningful and enriching educational experiences for every student and work to ensure that Tipp City Educators and Staff know the Board and community value their roles in providing excellence in education to each Tipp City Student.
What are some of the issues that you see coming to the school’s district’s future? How can these issues be addressed now?
One future concern is the unfinished state of Tipp City Stadium, particularly regarding safety and accessibility. Now that construction on our educational facilities are underway, the Board of Education must begin actively exploring solutions for the stadium. This includes developing improvement plans, identifying potential funding sources, and gathering input from the community.
Another issue that the Board of Education needs to stay informed of are potential changes in State funding and how that impacts our school funding and local taxation. The Board will need to have action plans to make sure that we stay balanced in our budget, with the least amount of impact on our student’s education.
What are leadership qualities that you believe make you unique and will make you a positive member of the School Board?
I have had the unique experience of being involved in many different aspects of Tipp City education and enrichment through the past 15 years. I have been engaged with countless volunteers and concerned parents helping to create opportunities and solutions that help improve the educational experience for all our students. This has given me the unique opportunity to get to hear different perspectives and experiences. Although my children are graduating from the district, I have had hands-on knowledge of getting to actively listen and support our Tipp City Community. I bring respectful problem solving, mindful of students and families needs, and have learned to advocate for resources within our district.
If you were awarded $1 million dollar grant for Tipp Schools how would you allocate the funds?
I would invest the grant money into making necessary improvements to the Tipp City Stadium. Our community, family members, and our students deserve a stadium that is accessible and safe.
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