This is one of 10 school board races in Marion County. Check back with Chalkbeat Indiana throughout the week for more information on the other candidates.
District snapshot
Beech Grove, along with Speedway, is one of two independent school districts in Marion County connected to small, semi-independent towns. Beech Grove is a small district but has among the best test scores in the county. Last year 75 percent of students passed ISTEP, exceeding the state average. More than 93 percent of seniors graduated.
Key school district data
- Enrollment: 2,878 students
- Ethnicity: 79.5 percent white, 6.9 percent multiracial, 6.7 percent black
- Eligible for free and reduced-price lunch: 67.6 percent
- ISTEP math and English passing rate 2014: 75.1 percent
- 2012-13 graduation rate (most recent available): 93 percent
Candidates
- Rick Skirvin, 45, cryogenic technician and local business owner, running for re-election as an at-large candidate.
The following candidates could not be reached or did not respond to the survey questions.
- Jannis L. King, running for re-election as an at-large candidate.
- Christa Smiley, running as an at-large candidate.
Why did you choose to run for the school board?
Skirvin: Although we have a fantastic administration, my goal is to continue support for our HEA (Hornet Enrichment Academy), keeping our class sizes manageable, and ensuring a safe pleasant environment for our community.
What issues will you focus on?
Skirvin: Funding, bullying, transparency and school building maintenance.
What is the most important issue facing your district?
Skirvin: Funding.
Anything else about yourself you’d like to share.
Skirvin: I would like to thank the community for trusting me for this position.
Answers have been edited for length.