Every two years, elections reenter the American consciousness, as the American people have to decide who they want to represent them, not only in Washington DC, but also in their state capitals.

While many people focus on the bigger races; those for Senate, house or the presidency, there are other, smaller seats up for grabs. In November, a select section of voters in Indianapolis have to decide who they want on the school board of Washington Township.

Two of the five seats are up for grabs this election cycle: the second, and Washington Township at-large.

The boundaries of the three districts are hard to describe, as the boundaries are very particular and oddly-shaped. The Second District encompasses most of 86th St., as it stretches from 86th and Township Line Rd. to 82nd and Dean. This includes NC.

There are two candidates vying for the seat. The incumbent, Donald Kite, has been on the board since May of 2006. Kite has had three children come through the Washington Township system. He has been a part of the Westlane and North Central PTOs. All three of his children are North Central graduates.

Kite’s challenger is Alexandra Curlin. Curlin has been involved in Booster clubs and PTOs in the township. She has, according to her bio page on the district’s website, “… worked with Teachers and Administration on different projects and different events.” Curlin believes the the board needs change, and that is why she should be elected to the board.

The second seat up for grabs is Washington Township at-large.

The incumbent, William “Bill” Turner, is a North Central graduate, as are his three daughters. While his daughters were at North Central, Turner was involved in the North Central Booster Club. Turner has been on the board for 7 and a half years. He vows “… to continue the mission of improving the MSDWT Schools …”

Challenging Turner is Jason Welch. Welch knows Washington Township, as he attended elementary, middle, and high school at the J. Everett Light career center. Welch got his GED at North Central. He was unable to attend the regular four years, because he had to drop out and help take care of his mother, as she was suffering from cancer. Welch is currently an entrepreneur and County Sheriff. Welch hopes to take that experience as a County Sheriff and use that to help “… strengthen safety and security [in] the district…”

Ian McCormick