Karin Odle

Education/Profession:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in communications/public relations, Purdue University • Occupation, current political office (if applicable): Consultant, current North School Board member

Position statement 1:

• What specific experiences and skills qualify you to be a school board member? To be a good school board member I believe you must be willing to invest your time to learn about the public education system process on all levels. You must be actively engaged in the academic and the extracurricular activities of the students in our community and you must be committed to the people and system responsible for the education of our kids; the teachers, administrators, nurses, kitchen and office staff, counselors, custodians, and bus drivers all play important roles in educating our youth. I have served on the North School Board for many years and have attended state and national training programs to be better educated about the workings of the educational system. Although I have volunteered at North Montgomery Schools since 1998 when my first of four children entered kindergarten at Pleasant Hill Elementary, I know serving on the North School Board is not about my specific family. Serving on the school board is making sure there is quality education for all students. Through numerous academic competitions, musical concerts, endless athletic events, theater productions, and serving on many parent/teacher organizations, I have seen first hand the quality of our education team. I have the insight, the background, the understanding and the passion needed to be a positive, productive and conscientious school board member.

Position statement 2:

• What do you think are the most important issues facing the school corporation? Keeping balance between education of the student and the social/mental health of each student. Continuing to best prepare students for their path after high school, whether it be the work force, trade programs or 2-4 year college.

Position statement 3:

• What are some of the concerns you hear from students, parents and citizens of the school community? Most concerns are tied to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic to the many activities and events that traditionally happen during the school year. The school community is also concerned about keeping balance and continuing to provide quality education to all of our students.

Position statement 4:

• How can you balance the budget and meet the needs of the students? I believe North has done a very good job of working within the budget parameters while providing the best education to our students and keeping the tax rate consistent. I think we have had great leaders on the school board in the past and outstanding administrators scrutinizing each situation and facilitating the best scenario. I believe the we must continue to be forward thinkers and conservative with our spending and always strategically planning for the future.

Position statement 5:

• During and following the COVID-19 pandemic, what will you do to help the recovery of the schools in the district? I am very proud of the team effort from our administrative team, kitchen, office and custodial staff, bus drivers, and the outstanding teaching staff in our schools that have handled the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic professionally and creatively. They have tirelessly found ways to continue to teach our students, provide a clean safe environment to learn, provide meals at home and school, connect students socially, transport and keep students safe, provide options for clubs, sports and the arts to continue in some form and much, much more. It is imperative that we as parents and community members support their efforts. It is critical that the community support the schools and the students as they work through these unprecedented times in public education.