Meet The Candidates
On November 8, voters will select a candidate from each district to serve on the Paoli School Board. Read about each candidate below
Running for District 1
Arielle Shipman
Education: Paoli Jr. Sr. High School Class of 2007, ATA College and University of Louisville, graduated in 2011
Career: I’ve been a Dental Assistant for 11 years and have been at Springs Valley Dental Care (formerly Cave & Cave) for three years.
Connection: I’m an alumni and past employee of PCSC and currently have two kids attending. I also manage two Facebook groups where parents can communicate, ask questions, and support each other as our kids move through each grade.
Why I’m Running: I’ve been a parent in the school for over seven years and have thirteen more to go. My kids learn in different ways and have different abilities. I’ve gotten to personally know many children in this community and can relate to a lot of what these kids and their families go through to make it to the end of just one school day. I’m invested in these kids and their futures and I want to see them all succeed, not just the ones who get straight As or are naturally good at things.
Hope to accomplish: I hope to ensure that decisions are made to benefit, and opportunities given, to ALL students, and not just a select few. Because each child deserves a chance to better their life.
Lila Tucker
Education: Paoli Community Schools, Northwood Institute, and Indiana University
Career: President, Paoli School Board Years Served: Eight
Connection: Retired Paoli High School teacher, 40 years; current board member, Board Chair
Why Running: I am running for another term on the board to continue to improve opportunities for students as they hone their skills or select courses that prepare them for a successful career.
Hope to accomplish: In recent years the board has been instrumental in selecting programs that are beneficial in preparing our students for future endeavors. Proudly we are experiencing success in increased test scores, a safer and welcoming environment, as well as smaller class sizes to accommodate more personal teacher and student interaction. I hope to continue to facilitate Paoli Schools’ student learning by extending valuable resources to all stakeholders as they become available. Everyone benefits from successful schools.
Running For District 2
Scott Blankenbaker
Education: 1988 graduate of PHS. Two years at ISU
Career: Insurance Salesman Years Served: Four
Connection: Since 1992, I have served as a coach for several different sports. From elementary to high school. I have served on the Lost River Board as well.
Why Running: I am running to stay involved with our schools corporation and help in any way I can to serve our community and our youth.
Hope to accomplish: I would like to see our schools become financially stronger, and to help in any way that I can to provide the proper tools for our students to become stronger as students and as young adults. We must get them ready for life after school.
Julie Hopper
Education: High School Graduate
Career: Receptionist Years Served: 15
Connection: My connection to the Paoli School System has been and always will be my children and grandchildren, volunteering in their classroom, supporting extracurricular and athletic events and being a past member of the Paoli School Board.
Why Running: I believe all children should be provided an education to fit their specific needs and goals to be successful.
Hope to accomplish: To focus on student achievements and implement policies that will insure success for all students in the Paoli Community School system.
Running for District 3
Bill Hoke
Education: Paoli High School
Career: Pipe Welder Years Served: Four
Connection: School Board
Why Running: To continue work from my first term.
Hope to accomplish: To help all students become successful adults whatever that might be college or trade school.
Christopher Mavronicles
Education: Portage High School 1997, BA in sociology and psychology from Purdue University 2003, MS in Gerontology from University of Indianapolis 2008
Career: Care Manager/ Social Services
Connection: I have two children in fourth grade and one in 10th grade that attend Paoli Schools.
Why Running: Our school’s success impacts the lives of so many in our community, including my children. I believe that our school board should contain a parent of current Paoli students. I am running to advocate for the needs of all children, parents and teachers.
Hope to accomplish: Being a School Board member isn’t about power or conversations behind closed doors. It’s about being involved, advocating and respecting those you represent. If elected, I would like to ensure that our teachers, assistants and staff have the resources they need. I would like to enhance transparency and communication throughout the school and the community. Paoli School Corporation has been graded as a “C” level school since 2011. It’s time for a change. Our students deserve policies and processes that foster their success. I want to give our students the opportunity to experience an “A” level education.
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My name is Taylor Patton and I am a sophomore at PHS this year. I play tennis, as well as cheer. I'm also involved in National Honor Society and Booster...
