CANDIDIATES RUNNING FOR SOUTHWESTERN SCHOOL BOARD PARTIPATE IN FORUM

District

Incumbent

Opponent

Hanover Township

John Jones

Zac Leach

Smyrna Township

Lacie Deputy

Greg Schneider

Saluda Township

Rick Stockdale

Joyce Consley

John Jones (opening)

I started my career in education at Brownsburg Community School Corporation in 1992 after graduating from Marian College (University) in 1991.  I spent  7 years as an elementary physical education instructor and coach of many sports.(football,volleyball and track and field).  We moved to Hanover in 1998 when my wife Molly (Totten) Jones took over the women’s basketball program at Hanover College.  I spent one year as the middle school athletic director and alternative education instructor at Madison Consolidated.  After one year in Madison, I applied and got the job as Corporation Athletic Director for Southwestern.  I held this position for three years until the associate director of athletics and assistant women’s basketball coach position opened at Hanover College in 2002.  I remain at Hanover as associate athletic director and head women’s basketball coach.  My wife and three children are Southwestern graduates and my mother-in-law Sue Totten was a dedicated kindergarten teacher for Southwestern.

As stated above, I feel that 30 years of experience in all levels of education gives me a great perspective.  I have personal experiences to help make decisions for the school corporation.  The ability to work with others, see the entire picture and help implement policies to better the educational experiences of all of our student body.

The main reason I continue to run for school board is a truly feel I can be a voice for a school corporation that has given so much to my three children.  All three of them are different in personality, academic levels.  The teachers of this corporation provided each of them with an equal opportunity to succeed.   If re-elected to my third term, I will continue to listen to the concerns of all constituents and help make decisions that are financially sound.  I am proud during my term as a board member we have implemented policies to further advance the school corporation.  We have worked hard to get our teachers raises during very difficult times as well as our staff and administrators raises to be competitive with our true “like schools”.  Changing the bus replacement policy and implementing a gas voucher weekly are policies I am proud to be a part of implementing over the past 8 years.   On a side note, getting to sign my youngest son's diploma from Southwestern was prideful moment.    

Zac Leach (opening)

Good afternoon. My name is Zac Leach and I am a 2001 graduate of Southwestern where I attended from K-12. I am married to my Wife of 19 years who is also a graduate of Southwestern. Brittni and I met in middle school and married in 2003. We have 2 Children, William and Chloey Leach. William is a 2022 graduate, who now attends IUS full time. My Daughter is in her sophomore year here. I was born and raised in Hanover where I still reside. I am the corporate Quality Manager at Arvin Sango Inc in Madison Indiana where I have worked for the past 11 years. I manage a group of individuals to ensure that our satellite facilities meet and exceed the customer's expectations and to assist in action items to improve Quality results. I feel this experience would help Southwestern in many ways, “Get to the Root Cause” when issues arise and need attention. I have the school's best interest to grow and succeed in every aspect, whether it be academically or getting involved and volunteering during school events. I feel it takes the parents and the community to make a school thrive.  

Joyce Consley (opening)

My name is Joyce Consley.  I’m a 1987 graduate of Southwestern High School, and I have lived in this district my entire life.  I have two children who graduated from Southwestern, and one of them is currently a teacher here.  I am currently a senior supervisor at Morgan Foods in Austin, IN.  Although this is an industry separate from education, I do believe the skills I have developed over my career make me a qualified candidate for this school board.  

Rick Stockdale (opening)

I am Rick Stockdale.  I am a life long resident of Jefferson county and a graduate of Southwestern.  My wife is Jodi and we have three children two of which are Southwestern Graduates and one currently who is a Junior at Southwestern.  I am employed by the Indiana State Police and I am in my 28th year as a Trooper.  I am currently the South EOD team leader but have spent several years as a district detective working crimes against children cases.  Besides graduating I have a strong connection with the school as my grandmother taught 30 plus years at Southwestern as did other family members.  My Father and siblings all graduated from Southwestern.  I have served two terms on the school board and am seeking a third term.

Lacie Deputy (opening)

Hello! My name is Lacie Deputy and I currently serve on the Southwestern School Corporation’s Schoolboard. I have had the honor and privilege of serving on the board for the past 8 years with 7 served as Secretary for the board. I have been a resident of Jefferson County for 21 years and have been a proud Rebel Mom and supporter for the same amount of time. My youngest son is currently a 7th grader at Southwestern Jr/Sr High School, and I enjoy being a part of his educational journey, not only as a mom, but as a member of a board which can aid in making a positive difference in the lives of ALL students, faculty, and staff at Southwestern School Corporation.

Greg Schneider (opening)

My name is Greg Schneider.  I am a 31 year resident of Jefferson County.  My wife is Katy Lowe Schneider and I have two daughters, Emma and Sarah - both attend Southwestern Schools.  I was the high school agriculture teacher here at Southwestern from 1991 - 2015.

I have the necessary experience and skills to contribute to Southwestern's continued growth.  With 24 years of teaching experience at Southwestern, I am very familiar with the school corporation and I have worked at other educational institutions. This combination allows for a local perspective, enhanced by outside awareness.  Additionally, I offer a fresh perspective on the challenges that have been faced by Southwestern School Corporation.

In my current role at Ivy Tech Community College, I engage with local industries in Jefferson County and oversee the work based learning programs at the Madison Campus.   I am well versed in Career & Technical Education and career preparation.  I understand there are multiple pathways to a successful career and the importance of working with individual students in helping them identify and achieve their goals..  

As an educator and parent, I firmly believe every child can learn well. I will work with teachers, administrators, parents/guardians and students to ensure the success of all Southwestern students.

I look forward to the possibility of using my experience and skills in the service of Southwestern Schools.

John Jones (Q1)

 *see opening statement* – candidate combined opening, question 1 and question 2 together.

Zac Leach (Q1)

I believe it takes an individual that has the best interest of “every: student '' to be successful in this role. In this role you need to be able to look at every angle of an issue and be able to provide feedback and options to be discussed. It is a group effort which makes the board successful. I believe my skills in 5 why training could be very beneficial to the school and community.

Joyce Consley (Q1)

The necessary qualifications include dedication to meeting the needs of the students and the skills to manage both a budget and personnel.  I am a dedicated and hardworking individual, and with nearly 30 years of supervision experience, I have a lot of experience in managing personnel.  I also work with a union regularly, so I am prepared to work with the teacher’s association here.  I care deeply about meeting the needs of all of our students

Rick Stockdale (Q1)

I feel a good school board member must be a person who can work in a collaborative type setting amongst multiple groups in order to achieve goals.  The member must be a critical/free thinker that can express their opinions.  Lastly the member has to fully be committed to the position and to the school.  I have had an entire career working within a collaborative style setting.   As a law enforcement officer you are working within an entire judicial system of judges, prosecutors, child services, and victims of crimes.

Lacie Deputy (Q1)

The qualities I believe are most important for a school board member to possess are heart, desire, and dedication. The heart to really listen to staff, parents, and members of the community about their concerns or ideas. The desire to truly want what is best for our students, and the dedication to address those concerns or ideas and see them through with a solution. Additionally, I have a strong belief that possessing a commitment to continuing education is an important skill for a schoolboard member to have. My career as a County Executive Director for the Farm Service Agency requires me to continually educate myself about new programs that are being administered through our agency. I feel the same about my current position on the school board. School funding is a vital part of the daily operations at our schools and making sure I am up to date on policy and procedure is very important to me.

Greg Schneider (Q1)

• 30 years of experience in Education - 24 at Southwestern and 6 years at Greensburg Schools.

• This experience has provided me with a knowledge and understanding of how a school corporation works as a community of administrators, teachers, students and parents.

• Positive, creative thinker - both as an individual and an active team player.

• I have successfully worked as part of a team in collaborative projects with my school systems as well as at the state and national level with the FFA organization and Agricultural Education.

• Accomplished at addressing challenges with sustainable, innovative solutions and assessing for success.

• As an educator, I routinely developed sustainable and cost effective solutions that engaged multiple partners and stakeholders.  For example, the Community Calf Project.

• Skilled at networking and creating impactful partnerships.

• I have worked with education organizations at the local, state and national levels.

• Proven ability to create and maintain an inclusive and engaging environment.

• People participate if they feel valued and they have purpose.  I have worked tirelessly as a classroom teacher to create this environment.

John Jones (Q2)

  *see opening statement* – candidate combined opening, question 1 and question 2 together.

Zac Leach (Q2)

*Safety…  We must make it our utmost responsibility to keep each and every student safe as they travel to and from school and while on the grounds at any given time. Whether it be during the school day or attending an event after school. We must be able to detect when a student may need resources outside of the school walls as well, to stay safe in their outside environment and within our community.

*Education:  We need to ensure that we are always watching test scores closely to make sure that no student is left behind that may be in need of assistance to succeed. We need to make academic progress each year.  There has been a slight improvement since 2015 but at a slower than average rate compared to other schools our size.  We fall in the lower 50% in the state.  I believe that I could bring ideas forward to help improve upon these items, we must get to the root cause.

Joyce Consley (Q2)

I love this school, and I think there are many great things about this corporation, but there is always room for improvement, and I want to be a part of implementing those improvements.  There has been a lot in the news lately about teacher shortages and issues at many school corporations around the country, and I want to help make sure that Southwestern is the best school it can be for our students, and hopefully we will not face these same issues.

Rick Stockdale (Q2)

I am running for re-election because I believe in Southwestern.  I want the best for the students and everyone associated with the school.  In such a rural area the school has to be a leader in the community.  Some things I feel are positives that we have accomplished while on the board are: the selection of two superintendents and three principals.  Through support of administrators we have brought the rural health clinic to the students and staff.  The Austin academy that allows students to receive their college associates degree free of charge.  I feel as a board we navigated covid rules the best that could be done while trying to give parents the most options on how to parent their own children without strict mandates.  As a board we have better aligned pay scales within the school system and have been able to give competitive raises without eliminating staff.  We are constantly striving to make the school a safe environment through re-keying the school and updating entrances with safer doors.

Lacie Deputy (Q2)

I am running for school board because I know that the students attending our schools are the future of the community that we all love, and those students deserve the best. Our educators, faculty, and staff who work in and out of our schools deserve the best. Our community and its citizens deserve the best. I want to help facilitate opportunities for our students and staff, and I want to make sure that they come to school and work every day knowing that they are in a safe environment. During my tenure on the board, we have consistently worked as a team toward the betterment of our schools. The highest raises to staff salaries have been seen in the past 3 years, bus drivers have been able to keep their same routes, and we have seen an increase in graduation rates. I will not take personal credit for these accomplishments because as I previously stated, the schoolboard is a team and I appreciate being able to be a part of that team to serve our school system

Greg Schneider (Q2)

My extensive background in education, coupled with where I am now in my career and personal life, led me to the decision to run for school board.  I have valuable skills and experiences to offer to the Southwestern School Corporation and the community it serves.

John Jones (Q3)

 My priorities are to continue to provide consistent leadership.  Serving on the negotiations committee each of the past 8 years, strive for a balanced budget.  Tough times are coming in areas of teaching shortages, bus retirements.  I feel I can be an asset to help “recruit” these areas in the future.  

Zac Leach (Q3)

If I were elected to the Southwestern School board I will be dedicated to the students and staff and fight to do what is best for everyone. My goals are to table ideas to give appreciation and compensate teachers and staff as they should be. Top priorities are retention of our staff and teachers. I feel that the teachers have the voice and know what it takes to retain and help them inside the classroom. Their ideas must be listened to and taken into consideration to maintain and improve upon morale and success within our district. I believe that more emphasis on appreciation of our staff could improve the district's test scores. I would also like to see our transportation needs fulfilled and sustained. We must look at ways to improve travel through our community during the morning and afternoon commute. The traffic is taking too long and is not well organized. Parents, school children that are trying to get to school on time as well as teachers coming in.

Joyce Consley (Q3)

I would like to promote Southwestern Schools throughout the community to encourage students and their parents to choose this school over others in the county.  I also want to attract and maintain quality teachers by developing competitive salary and benefits packages.  I think our priority should be to grow our school, and we have to have a wide variety of classes that will entice a diverse group of students to choose this school.  

Rick Stockdale (Q3)

My goal is to keep improving Southwestern to be the best it can be and the leader in the community.  This is done by making sure the Administrators / staff are striving to give the best educational curriculum / experience possible.  We need to strive to get the most out of funding while being fiscally responsible to the taxpayers of the district.  We need to maintain and upgrade facilities when possible.

Lacie Deputy (Q3)

If I am elected to serve another term on the board, I will continue to assist our school system and students to grow and thrive into the future.  I want to promote our history and what it means to the community.  I will continue to support our teachers and staff and push for advancement opportunities as they arise.  I don’t believe teachers across the nation get their fair pay for what they do for our future.  This is something that I want to continue to advocate for.  I will work to keep our school grounded in traditional values.  I also want to ensure the school system stays in a good financial position and continues to provide a quality education and positive environment for the students and staff in our schools. Another goal I am hoping to accomplish is to better inform our community members about the structure of school funding and how those funds can be spent.  I know it can be disappointing when funds are not available for every project or endeavor, but this is in large part due to Federal and State regulations that govern our monies and the funds they are allocated to. I also want to continue to help build on the current opportunities provided to our students through academics and extra-curricular activities.

Greg Schneider (Q3)

As a school board member, I would work to address the following questions:

• How do we support, attract and retain highly effective teachers?  
• How can we meet the needs of all students?  Not only in the classroom, but by providing the extra-curricular activities and learning opportunities that keep students actively engaged.
• How can we best maximize existing resources and identify additional resources to accomplish our goals?
• How can we increase student enrollment to Southwestern’s full capacity?

With school choice now in place, the dollars follow the student and schools must continuously evaluate and reinvent.  The growth mindset I developed as a teacher will be an asset to Southwestern Schools as they navigate the challenges of the 21st century and work to maintain a competitive edge.

John Jones  (Q4)

 The biggest strength in our area are the people.  I have seen numerous times how residents of Southwestern schools come together during tough times and support one another.  We have a very dedicated staff at Southwestern.  The biggest weakness or concern is state wide policies that affect our school  districts funding.  Each year we are trying to put things in place without any idea of what our overall budget allocation will be from the state.  Enrollment issues continue to concern me as a board member.  

Zac Leach  (Q4)

Strengths:   I feel that Southwestern is a very strong district and stands on traditional values which lack in many other districts. When you arrive at SW, you just feel welcomed…..  Our small town feel is what makes SW a great choice when families arrive in the area, or choose to relocate their children here. This has been lost on many other smaller districts and SW does a great job at keeping that feel.  Weaknesses in our district are very transparent and need attention. I believe we should focus on all groups of students equally, from supporting your local band, coming out to enjoy an evening of softball, and all the other children who are not involved. All the children need to be focused upon.    We must appreciate all students and the activities they do or do not  participate in.  Seeing more staff and administration at more events would be a wonderful thing. Students love to see their favorite staff member cheering them on. We must be seen to be appreciated. Also SW needs to put focus on test scores as we fall below the national average. Test scores have improved in the last 5 years but a slower national average than other schools our size.

Joyce Consley  (Q4)

One strength that this corporation has is the graduation rate of 97%, and that is outstanding.  Also, the school offers a wide variety of dual credit and AP courses, as well as programs through Ivy Tech that help students earn college credit while still in high school and help prepare them for college in the future.  I also think the vocational school program through the Southeastern Career Center is an excellent opportunity for the students.  

The weaknesses are in retaining students and staff.  There has been a loss of a significant number of students over the last year which is affecting our available funding from the state.    

Rick Stockdale  (Q4)

The strength of the district starts with the employees and students in the school.  The staff and students have made Southwestern very welcoming to new students.  It is a family atmosphere for new people.  A great number of teachers are on the upper side of experience.  Our bus driver’s are very safe and experienced in getting the kids to and from the school.  A weakness of the district is always going to be funding and enrollment.  With the rules the state has on funding, it is always going to be a problem which needs constant attention on how to attract and retain students.

Lacie Deputy  (Q4)

Something I see as a huge strength in our schools is our faculty and staff. Every day our teachers, administration, custodians, bus drivers, cafeteria staff, instructional support, and everyone in-between show up ready to make a positive difference in the lives of students. I personally think that we employ the best of the best and that makes me proud as a board member, and as a parent. I think an area that we could expand upon in our schools would be a broader range of Career and Technical Education classes for students. We have an excellent foundation with the current CTE classes that we offer, but with trades becoming a wonderful option for students after graduation, expanding their opportunities to learn while in our school system would be something I would like to see in our future here at Southwestern.

Greg Schneider  (Q4)

Strengths  

• Caring and dedicated teachers and counselors
• Supportive community
• Offering an adaptive curriculum that leads to multiple career pathways
• School safety is a priority
• Celebrated school traditions such as Elementary School Field Day, Senior Breakfast and Turkey Shootout
• Community support initiatives such as the food pantry

Weakness

• Declining Student Enrollment
• Funding/available resources
• Not being able to offer competitive teacher packages

John Jones (Q5)

 As mentioned previously.  I am the only person in m family that did not graduate from Southwestern.  My wife Molly Totten, daughter Kelsey and sons Tyler and Coleman all graduated from Southwestern.  Mother-In-Law Sue Totten taught kindergarten at Southwestern.  My nephew Franklin and niece Heather also graduated from Southwestern.  All four of my brother-in laws graduated from Southwestern as well.  Bill, Mark, Jeff and Greg Totten.  I have two relatives working at Southwestern currently.  Coleman Jones in the basketball program and Nancy Totten coaches the girls soccer team.  

Zac Leach (Q5)

I currently have a daughter, Chloey Leach enrolled at Southwestern and a son who graduated in 2022.  

Joyce Consley (Q5)

I have had two children who graduated from Southwestern in 2003 and 2009.  Also, one of my children is currently a teacher in the high school.

Rick Stockdale (Q5)

I currently have William who is a Junior at Southwestern, Jonathan and Jackson who graduated from Southwestern in 2019-2021.  I also have a sister Donna Birchfield who is currently employed at Southwestern.

Lacie Deputy (Q5)

Yes, I do! I had a son, Justin Ricke that attended Southwestern from 5th grade until 8th grade (2001-2004). Currently, my son Colton attends Southwestern and is in 7th grade. My son-in-law is also an 8th grade math teacher for our corporation.  I love getting to view our school corporation through different lenses. I feel as though this gives me great perspective as a board member about how our decisions affect the school corporation and community.

Greg Schneider (Q5)

Sarah Schneider; 13,  8th Grade, SWMS.  Emma Schneider: 16, Junior, SWHS

John Jones (Q6)

Our role is to set policies, approve expenditures and support all employees.  We are not to micromanage or run for a certain agenda.  Our job is to serve ALL.  

Zac Leach (Q6)

I feel that a board member should be open minded and listen to all ideas, whether they be the popular trend at the time or not. Items should be tabled for discussion and voted upon as a group along with the best interest of our students, staff and administration. Support of the principals and superintendent are a responsibility of a member as well. We must all work together to move forward and make each student that walks through the halls of SW successful.

Joyce Consley (Q6)

The role is to set policies, create a budget, oversee maintenance of the school buildings and facilities, and oversee the general operations of the school.  

Rick Stockdale (Q6)

A school board must be the checks and balance for the district.  It is putting the right administration in place and evaluating that administration to see if they are making the right and ethical decisions for the district.  Board members need to be the voice of all the stakeholders that elect the board.  It also needs to be the microscope in making sure the district is being financially responsible with the funding that is given

Lacie Deputy (Q6)

The roles and responsibilities of the school board is to set policy and evaluate the Superintendent.  In my mind the roles and responsibilities of a school board member should also include students first. This means that we are always responsible for maintaining functional facilities and resources, we should always be representing the school corporation, and should be well-informed about our duties and the proper function of public-school systems. I also believe that a school board member’s responsibility is to be a good team player by working with fellow members to fairly evaluate the present and future educational needs of our community.

Greg Schneider (Q6)

A school board member’s role is to serve as an advocate and advisor to the school corporation.   A highly effective school board is composed of individuals that collectively bring varied skills, experience and interests that provide representation for all constituents within a school corporation.  A school board member should maintain a neutral viewpoint in the face of controversial issues and listen to all sides of an issue before moving forward with a decision, limiting personal bias to the best of their ability.  A school board member's role is to serve the school system and the students it educates.

John Jones (Q7)

As a board member, you make decisions to support grant writers, encourage administrators to advocate for funding at the state level.  

Zac Leach (Q7)

Advocating funds needs to be a discussion among the board in which it should follow state guidelines. We should advocate funds for the students' best interest and research as times are at a fast changing pace. Facts show that when a school invests their money in the students, they succeed and test results reflect this. We must allow teachers and staff the opportunity to advance and provide training resources and allocate funds to see this though.

Joyce Consley (Q7)

One way that I have already stated is that I would promote policies to entice more students to attend Southwestern, which would increase state funding.  I also would work to look for available grants.  I would also examine how we are currently spending to see where savings could occur.  

Rick Stockdale (Q7)

Board members need to be supportive of the district when fighting against unjust state laws in public education.  Must be proactive and supportive to finding and writing grants to help alleviate funding issues within the district.  Must be able to spread the concerns of the school to the outside influences that directly affect the school district.

Lacie Deputy (Q7)

One of my goals if elected as a board member for another term is to better educate our community about public school funding. The monies that fund our school corporation are allocated to different funds which dictate how and what they can be spent on. I think it is important that we always keep networking and communication lines open with businesses that could benefit our students. If we are able to broaden our options of Career and Technical Education classes, this would not only benefit students but allow more funding for our school to assist in their educational journey through Perkins dollars. I also think it is important to mention that our high school students are eligible to enroll in dual credit courses during their time at Southwestern High School. This means that those students could potentially graduate high school with enough credits to have an associate’s degree. Although this does not provide funding directly to our school corporation, it is saving money for our students who decide to seek out education beyond high school. I think this is extremely important to our families and our community.

Greg Schneider (Q7)

• Increase industry partnerships.  How can Southwestern work  more closely with local industries to secure support for program development that addresses local workforce challenges.

• Identify school system challenges that align with federal and state program dollars.

• Empower school system faculty and staff with the skills necessary to identify and pursue grant dollars to fund program level projects.

• Work to continue current best practices that maintain/increase student enrollment and seek out innovative practices to increase enrollment.

John Jones (Q8)

First you must have a competitive pay scale to “like schools”.  Recruit good teachers out of college and set policies to help retain the teachers you currently have on staff.  Much easier said than done with all of the cuts nationwide.  

Zac Leach (Q8)

We must let the teachers be the voice!  We must also look at state and federal grants that may appeal to the younger generation that may show interest in academic areas.  Pay is another area that I feel could be looked at to bring teachers into the district.  We must be competitive when positions are open in our area.

Joyce Consley (Q8)

I would seek out good and affordable insurance packages and a competitive salary schedule.

Rick Stockdale (Q8)

While no one can predict what the future holds, it is our responsibility to make Southwestern a place that attracts teachers.  We need to keep wages competitive, but we also need to strive to keep up on technology advancements and support them when possible to help them in their ability to teach.  We need to recognize good work and reward people that are performing above the standard.  

Lacie Deputy (Q8)

I know that teacher shortages are a problem or a fear in most school corporations, it also extends beyond educators to include custodial staff, bus drivers, cafeteria staff and beyond. As I have stated previously, I believe that our school corporation employs the best of the best and I think it is important to treat our facility and staff as such. This means that as a board we need to continue to fairly evaluate their compensation within the means of our budget to ensure that Southwestern keeps the quality employees we already have. As far as filling positions I think that advertising our openings on a broader scale could be beneficial along with maintaining good relationships with local colleges and universities with education programs that could provide us with more quality educators.

Greg Schneider (Q8)

• Work to create and maintain the physical environment (school building, classrooms, etc) and a culture that will attract and retain top talent by valuing teachers and innovative approaches to education.

• Provide necessary resources, professional development opportunities and time to accomplish required tasks.

• Investigate innovative solutions such as Teacher Apprenticeship programs that allow school corporations to “grow your own” teachers.

• How can we leverage existing resources and partnerships to create an education pathway for our students that want to return to Southwestern after earning an education degree?

John Jones (Q9)

My resume speaks for itself.  I am dedicated, knowledgeable and willing to make the “tough” decisions to help move our school corporation forward.  

Zac Leach (Q9)

I feel that I should be elected to the board for many reasons. I volunteer within the Hanover Parks, which is growing and expanding each and every. While I am within the community, I listen to everyone's needs or concerns, always lending a hand where it is needed. As mentioned above it takes parents and volunteers alike to make this community and school district thrive. I spend countless hours with some really great people to ensure that our Girls softball program thrives and has funds to enjoy and compete throughout their season. If elected I will advocate for the school and push to make every student successful.

Joyce Consley (Q9)

I believe I have the knowledge and the necessary skills to help my alma mater grow for the future.  

Rick Stockdale (Q9)

Southwestern has been a big part of my life.  I am committed to the school board and trying to make Southwestern the best it can be.  I have always been here for Southwestern whether it has been through coaching to volunteering with career days or just volunteering with various projects.  I feel I have the understanding of navigating through government rules and can bring a lot of assets to the board. I believe I am well connected to the community and can bridge the gap between the community and the school.  It has been a great 8 years and I hope to continue for 4 more.

Lacie Deputy (Q9)

I remember when I was asked to consider running for Southwestern School Board, 8 years ago.  All I could think about was, why me?  I accepted the opportunity and have never looked back.  But it wasn’t hard to find out “why”.  The kids.  Your kids and mine.  Even those without children know that these students are the future of our community, country, and our world.  I did not go into this position with a hidden agenda, and I am not going into it with one today.   I am not a native to Jefferson County.  I am from Osgood, Indiana.  I attended Jac-Cen-Del, which is another small school located in a large County that also has 2 other school systems.  When I moved to Jefferson County my youngest son, at the time, attended Southwestern.  I instantly became a Rebel Mom.  Something that I am very proud of to this day.  Southwestern Rebels have represented a community whose bond is strong and resilient.  It represents family, a community that is proud of their small but mighty school system.  I believe in traditional values and will always be there for the students, teachers, custodial staff, cafeteria staff, instructional support, our bus drivers, volunteers, parents, and Administration as well as everyone in between.  I have the knowledge of what is expected of the School Board and its policies.  I approach this position with common sense and a sense of duty to do what is right for the better of the community and our children.  

Greg Schneider (Q9)

• I offer a fresh perspective on addressing the challenges faced by our school corporation.  
• I bring the experience and approach of a seasoned and caring educator.
• Through my involvement with the National FFA, I have extensive experience in co-curricular activities and I understand the importance of providing all students with opportunities to engage outside the classroom.

• I am very familiar with the Southwestern School Corporation, and also have the benefit of outside perspectives.

• I have experience supporting career & technical education and work closely with local industries.

John Jones (Q10)

 VOTE! And Go Rebels!

Zac Leach (Q10)

I would like to share a little bit of my family's history.  My late Grandmother Dorothy Brooks Leach attended Hanover High and graduated in 1950, along with my parents in the late 70’s.  As mentioned I am a 2001 graduate along with my 2 older brothers, Jereamy and Ryan Leach.  My son is the most recent graduate of SW in 2022 making him the 4th generation to walk the halls of SW.  I am dedicated to my School and Community and will continue to do so. Thank you for your time.

Joyce Consley (Q10)

Rick Stockdale (Q10)

Lacie Deputy (Q10)

I want to again thank everyone that took the time to come out for this evening’s forum. I am a simple mom that has been and still is committed to Southwestern School District.   I am dedicated to our students and staff and willing to fight for what it right for our school.  

Greg Schneider (Q10)

Regardless of your preferred candidates, VOTE!  Casting a ballot is your opportunity to influence your local community.  Please be sure to register to vote and show up at the polls on November 8th.

John Jones (closing)

 If you are looking for experience, full picture leadership, then I truly feel I am the best choice for Hanover Township.  If I am not re-elected, I have thoroughly enjoyed serving this school district for the past 8 years.  Go Rebels!

Zac Leach (closing)

I appreciate the invite to this forum and appreciate the sponsors that took time to make this event possible. I would appreciate your consideration while voting on November 8th. Your vote determines the future of our students, school and community. If anyone has questions, I would be happy to discuss further after the conclusion of the forum.  Feel free to ask questions as well as you are out and about in the community.

Joyce Consley (closing)

If I’m elected, I will commit to doing the best possible job for the students, the staff, and the community.  I believe that my skills in management provide me the ability to communicate, negotiate, and serve to best benefit the students, school and community.  

Rick Stockdale (closing)

It has been an honor and privilege to serve the last eight years on the school board.  I am committed to Southwestern and is why I would like to be elected to a third term.  Southwestern and its employees have had a great impact on my life and it is why I enjoy giving back in the form of being a board member, volunteer, and coach for so many years.  

Lacie Deputy (closing)

I would like to thank everyone for taking the time to attend the forum.  Whether you are physically here or maybe watching the live feed.  I appreciate that you took the time out of your day to learn more about each candidate’s goals and ambitions for Southwestern School Corporation.  I would also like to encourage everyone to please get out and VOTE! Maybe I am not the candidate that you vote for, all I ask is that you take tonight’s information and any other prior knowledge and make an informed decision and choose the candidate that best suits you and your dreams for our school system. Even if you don’t have children currently in our School Corporation your vote affects the future of our community which in turn affects everyone. I would also like to say thank you to those who have voted for me in the past. It has truly been an honor and a privilege to serve on the board for the past 8 years.

Greg Schneider (closing)

I have 30 years of experience in public schools.  The majority of my career in education was spent at Southwestern and the last six years of my career at Greensburg Community Schools, providing me with the advantage of both an inside understanding and an outside perspective.

I understand the importance of being able to make real world connections to the classroom; not only for the students, but also for the teachers.  When everyone understands the “why” behind the “what” then a higher level of personal investment happens and true mastery of content is easier to achieve.

I have two children that attend Southwestern and I have a vested interest in the school’s success.  I understand the importance of communication and an effective partnership between the school and parents/guardians.  

I can offer a fresh perspective on addressing the challenges that Southwestern continually faces.

I appreciate everyone’s support!