This year’s election will include a School Board election consisting of six candidates, all from different districts.
Running for District 1 are Lora Sanders and Alex Whiteman. There are two spots available, so both candidates will automatically fill those positions.
Sanders is a PHS graduate, and is running for re-election in this year’s Election. Her motivation to run comes from her love for the community.
“My vision for Paoli has always been for schools that encourage a safe and healthy environment for learning and growth for all students and staff,” said Sanders.
Sanders was elected in 2021 and has been serving her term for three and a half years.
“I want the Paoli School Corporation to continue to achieve the best possible. As a member, I will always keep the best interests of the students and staff in mind in all aspects of policy, budgeting, and educational planning,” said Sanders.
Alex Whiteman is also running in District 1. Whiteman decided to run for a position on the Board because of his children and his desire to give them and other children the best educational environment possible.
“I believe that a strong school system fosters a strong community. A positive school environment leads to a positive community environment and brings people together through sporting events, academic events, and the arts. Kids who enjoy their experience at Paoli, regardless of their interests or achievements, may use their knowledge to better the community they live in,” said Whiteman.
As Whiteman’s oldest son enters into the Paoli School system, he finds it necessary to be as involved in the school community as possible.
“I understand there are challenges facing our educational system but I am committed to finding opportunities to ensure the success and well-being of every student. I believe in fostering a supportive learning environment that encourages academic excellence, personal growth, and the development of critical thinking skills. I believe in using our resources to challenge high achieving students and to support the students facing barriers,” said Whiteman.
The candidates from District 2 are David Padgett and Craig Starr.
Padgett is a new candidate for the School Board election. After his retirement from teaching, in 2019, Padgett had thought about how he missed the school and how he wanted to get back involved.
“I want to get involved with the school again. I thought the School Board would be a good way to do that,” said Padgett.
Padgett’s competitor, Craig Starr, is running for re-election for his second term. Starr is a committed individual who wants to make Paoli a better place.
“It is my belief that our school corporation is the cornerstone of our community. The education our children receive is something they will carry with them and use for a lifetime,” said Starr.
The final two candidates that will be running in the upcoming school board election are Joe Kimmel and Chris Mavronicles, both for District 3.
Mavronicles had previously ran for the School Board position in 2022, and after his first attempt he decided he enjoyed it and wanted to run again in 2024. Mavronicles’ biggest motivator are the children of the community.
“My vision for the community consists of a safe and secure atmosphere where all people treat each other as they would wish to be treated. I want to help provide a place for people to receive assistance when needed, encouragement when necessary, and the freedom to raise their families as they see fit. I want the children of the community to be pushed to achieve so when they go out into the world, they will have the skills necessary to be productive and successful,” said Mavronicles.
Mavronicles feels that it is his responsibility to help the Paoli school system whenever and wherever he can because of his kids.
“I am very passionate about running and I am not usually deterred because of failure. My wish is to show my kids that just because you lose or fail at something doesn’t mean you give up. Pushing forward after failure builds character. I always tell my kids that the most important thing in life is not whether you win all the time or are the most popular, it is having a good character,” said Mavronicles.
Mavronicles is running against Joe Kimmel, who is currently on the School Board. Kimmel sees the importance of the student’s education in preparation for the many changes the future will hold.
“In the end, it is the School Board’s responsibility and the community’s responsibility to reduce and break down roadblocks to our student’s future successes. We are a changing community and we must prepare for the changing education needs of our future students,” said Kimmel.
Voters can select their choices for the Paoli School Board on election day, November 5, 2024.
