Candidate Q&A: LSC school board, 7 candidates for 3 seats
Seven candidates, including two incumbents, are on the ballot for three at-large seats on the Lafayette School Corp. school board.
This is part of a series of Q&As with candidates in contested races in the Nov. 5 general election in Tippecanoe County.
Seven candidates, including two incumbents, are on the ballot for three seats on the Lafayette School Corp. school board.
Ebony Barrett and Julie Peretin, board members appointed to seats during the past four years, will face Josiah Eller, Jim Hass, Margaret Hass, Rocky Hession and Gary Mueller in the Nov. 5 general election.
LSC school board member Dave Moulton is not running for re-election.
The candidates are running for at-large seats, meaning they will appear on ballots across LSC. Candidates run for the seven-member school board without party label.
Here’s what they had to say about their approach to the role. (Note: Two candidates, Josiah Eller and Jim Hass, had not replied by publication date. Their responses will be added when they arrive.)
For more: Find bios of each candidate, along with information about where and when to vote at the end of this article.
Why do you want this job? And why are you running now for this position?
Ebony Barrett: I’m running for re-election because our community needs greater engagement and alignment. Our stakeholders bring many perspectives, and everyone plays a role in student success. My strength is bringing people together to address complex challenges, and by harnessing our collective talents, we can support student growth and achievement. I believe in uniting our community around the goal of empowering our students and supporting the educators who work tirelessly to make that happen.
Rocky Hession: I see the difficulties that are happening in the school system (disrespect for teachers, lack of bus drivers, forcing teachers to work beyond their contract, staggering starting times for different schools) and I think of the 300-plus children that my wife and I have taken care of in her daycare. These kids, mostly with single parents, have taught me so much of what it is to grow up in ways that this current board might benefit form hearing about, and the effect of what their decisions are doing to their lives.
Margaret Hass: I am running because all students in our community, whatever their background or ZIP code, deserve the freedom to learn in safe and supportive environments. Certain politicians are trying to divide us, to turn parents against teachers or teachers against administrators, all while they defund public education. If we come together, though, we can make a LSC a place where every child can belong and thrive. As an educator, proud graduate of Lafayette Jeff, and parent of two small children who will go to Lafayette schools, I want to make that happen.
Gary Mueller: The Lafayette School Corp. plays a vital role in our community, and I want to help ensure its continued success. My three daughters received an excellent education from Lafayette schools, which helped them further their education and have fulfilling careers. I am motivated by a desire to give back to the system that provided so much to my family. I believe that my experience in management at Caterpillar can help bring effective governance to the board, helping LSC provide the best possible education for all students.
Julie Peretin: I want to continue the important work I’ve been doing since joining the LSC School Board. Our community thrives when our children have access to a strong public school system. By serving on the board, I can help ensure that every student has the opportunity to succeed. This is a meaningful way I can contribute to the well-being of the Greater Lafayette community, and I’m eager to keep working toward that goal.
Name two of your top priorities for improving LSC schools. And how will you handle those?
Ebony Barrett: My main focus is student achievement particularly in closing gaps where disparities exist. Inclusivity is key. We must engage students in ways that are meaningful to them and understand the unique needs of different families. LSC’s innovative programs, like the Vinton four-day schedule and Edgelea’s dual language immersion, are examples of this work aligning with our strategic plan. My second priority is increasing transparency. While our board meetings are open to all, true transparency and engagement go beyond meetings, and I will continue to foster open communication and active participation from the community.
Rocky Hession: 1. Encourage the great teachers we have with opportunities to be able spread their expertise to others in the system. In 30 years we have had children come back to visit, and even better to have us look after their kids. My wife had to testify at one parent’s murder of their step-child. Their children live in a world more dangerous and stressful that what I was brought up in. The business of learning, where children learn what they need to know to make their lives better. Their acceptance that they are responsible for the betterment of their life; that they can find great enjoyment out of working and give their life meaning. 2. Work to encourage everyone to not see themselves as factions at odds with each other, but to see themselves as one group – parents, teachers, principals, administrators as all working for the betterment of the children and a strengthening of ourselves as a city.
Margaret Hass: Two of my top priorities are safeguarding the freedom to learn and improving communication between the community and school board. Safeguarding the freedom to learn means protecting our schools from efforts to ban books or other materials; we need to make sure students receive an honest, accurate education about the world. Getting buy-in from the public, though, requires effective communication. I would work to make board meetings more accessible and decision-making more transparent so that everyone, from students to families to district employees, feel they are being heard.
Gary Mueller: Improving student performance: The recent ILEARN test results for LSC were concerning. While standardized tests are not the only measure of success, they are an important indicator of student performance. The board should focus on initiatives and policies that enhance educational outcomes and support academic growth for all students. Keeping partisan politics out of local school board elections and policies: In a presidential election year, it is crucial to focus on issues directly affecting our students. My priority is to address the specific challenges facing LSC, while avoiding distractions that do not contribute to student success.
Julie Peretin: First, I will focus on balancing state funding and mandates with our local community’s needs. This includes supporting our fine arts programs and departments in light of new Indiana diploma standards, monitoring how changes in property assessments impact our budget and advocating for increased K-12 funding in the upcoming state budget cycle. Second, I’m committed to keeping partisan politics and single-issue agendas out of school board business. I will work to review and develop policies that meet the needs of every student, ensuring that our decisions benefit all learners.
What do you consider the role of a school board member, and how would you approach that?
Ebony Barrett: The role of a school board member is to represent the community’s vision and values and set goals accordingly. Just as we focus on connecting with students, we must also connect with the broader community. It’s not just about inviting people to our table — it’s about taking the table to them. As a single parent, I understand the challenges of balancing schedules, and I want to make it easier for all parents to engage. I believe in being accessible and intentional in meeting people where they are, ensuring all voices are heard.
Rocky Hession: The board defines and approves: the budget, policies, the strategic plan. It also confirms hirings, resignations and receives reports and public comment. The board and the superintendent set the theme and expectations for school personnel and parents. It is a responsibility that cannot be overestimated. Dedication, focus and a commitment to open communication with parents, students, administration and fellow board members is essential. When disagreements arise, talking through them is most important. Common ground is being fair and respecting each other. We don’t have to agree, we do have to work together.
Margaret Hass: Board members have several important responsibilities. First is to work together with the superintendent and other administrators to develop the budget, policies and strategic vision for our schools. Board members also provide important oversight on behalf of the public. As such, they are responsible for communicating the vision and policies of the school corporation to all members of the school community. Board members should not only work in a spirit of collaboration with each other and school administrators, but also with caregivers, students, teachers and other employees to ensure that educational needs of the community are being addressed.
Gary Mueller: The school board sets policies and procedures, ensures fiscal responsibility and works with administration to fulfill the district’s vision. With 35 years at Caterpillar, including my current role as a Product Support Manager, I’ve learned how to resolve complex issues by balancing organizational needs. I intend to bring this business acumen, a fact-based, data-driven approach to the board, helping provide an excellent education for all LSC students while staying within the budget limitations provided by the state and the citizens of Lafayette.
Julie Peretin: The role of a school board member is to work collaboratively as part of the board to hire and evaluate the superintendent, set policies and ensure the district's vision and goals are being met. It's important to remember that individual board members only have power when acting as a body in session — they are not administrators. I believe in maintaining clear boundaries, asking informed questions and using reports to make decisions that benefit the students and the community.
If you had to give LSC an A-F grade, what would it be? And what would be the best way to improve that grade?
Ebony Barrett: I would give LSC a strong B. Our success comes from committed teachers and an administration focused on student outcomes. While academic growth is key, we can’t overlook other factors. LSC prioritizes the whole child — students who develop empathy, self-regulation and perspective-taking skills tend to succeed in the classroom. Partnerships with community organizations to provide meals and school supplies also help students focus on learning. To improve, I’d like to see us measure student experience from their perspective, as conversations with students often reveal valuable insights that differ from the adult view
Rocky Hession: I would have to say B-…. The two things are the busses and paying the teachers for their time like they should be.
Margaret Hass: I don’t think it’s useful to assign a grade to Lafayette schools as a whole, or to compare LSC to other school districts that have very different characteristics. LSC certainly has challenges due to enrollment and funding constraints, but we also have significant strengths as a diverse, urban school district with exceptional programs in arts, academics and athletics that allow students to succeed in many different ways. To improve our schools, we need to build on those strengths so that every student, whatever their race, language background or gender identity, can thrive.
Gary Mueller: It’s hard to assign one grade to a complex system like LSC, but overall, I would give it a B-. LSC is a leader in this area in programs such as music, arts, radio and TV, culinary arts, robotics and STEM, but the ILEARN results are concerning. Standardized tests aren’t the only indicator of a school’s effectiveness but declining scores suggest we need to better prepare students for the 21st-century job market. My goal is to see every LSC student graduate with an education that prepares them for their best future, whether they pursue further education at a university or take advantage of excellent jobs in our community.
Julie Peretin: I would give LSC a B+. To improve, we should continue focusing on student outcomes — attendance, grades, test scores and graduation rates are important. Equally important is measuring growth in life skills like empathy, gratitude and citizenship. Students must be physically and mentally present in order to learn, LSC should continue meeting each child’s individual needs by providing meals, school supplies and referrals to community services ensuring that every student feels safe and welcome.
What’s the best way the district can recruit and keep the best teachers, at a time when the number of teachers entering the profession has dipped in the past 10 years?
Ebony Barrett: We need to continue sharing our story: Greater Lafayette is a great place to live, work and play, and LSC offers academic rigor, electives and extracurriculars for every student. By highlighting the impact teachers can make here, we can attract passionate educators. Building strong community connections also strengthens teachers’ investment in our schools. A targeted recruitment strategy, support for diverse candidates and regular recognition of teachers’ efforts are key. Finally, retaining quality educators requires a competitive and transparent compensation package.
Rocky Hession: Communication and commitment by all parties. Trust has been eroded by the decisions that were made and not allowing for more honest communications. That is way the teachers showed up at the board meetings, and a lot of time, trust and an opportunity was lost. The idea of “Hey, we made a decision – let’s move on” did not work. The teachers felt slighted and ignored and that is not the way to keep teachers, and then your recruiting is a bigger problem and then turns into a nose-dive on trust and respect. Once lost, it is real hard to get to back, if not impossible.
Margaret Hass: In order to give every student the education they deserve, we need fully funded schools. Teachers must have fair pay, good benefits, and, crucially, respect. Unfortunately, certain politicians at the state level have created policies that reduce school funding and devalue public education. Within these constraints, though, LSC can do more to show teachers that they are valued and respected. A large part of this is, fundamentally, a question of listening and communication. By creating a more supportive work environment for educators, we make our schools a better learning environment for students.
Gary Mueller: Teaching is a noble profession that is often underappreciated. To attract and retain teachers, we need to offer competitive wages and provide the opportunities for professional growth. LSC’s strong program areas, such as arts and music, as well as excellent facilities are appealing to educators. Finally, unique approaches like the four-day week at Vinton Elementary and the balanced calendar at Oakland Elementary may also attract teachers to the district.
Julie Peretin: LSC proudly recognizes LSC graduates who return to work for the district at our monthly business meeting. Fostering relationships with college elementary education programs helps us attract student teachers, and we hope that their positive experience here encourages them to join the district once they’re licensed. Additionally, providing mentoring programs with seasoned staff members can help support new teachers through the challenges of their first year.
LSC has put an emphasis on retooling approaches at some of its schools – a four-day week at Vinton Elementary, a dual language program at Edgelea Elementary, among others – in an effort to make the district’s buildings schools of choice. Do you subscribe to that approach? Why or why not? And what move should LSC make next on that front?
Ebony Barrett: The needs of LSC students and families are changing. I applaud the LSC administration for being innovative enough to try new approaches to close the gaps in student achievement. It's about using data to uncover root causes and then addressing them. It's about listening to parents and teachers along every step of the process and then evaluating the effectiveness of these efforts to make adjustments. Our next steps will be determined by the gaps we identify, and I’m excited to see how our current initiatives being piloted play out as we move forward with even more tailored approaches.
Rocky Hession: Yes and no. Sounds like a great idea, but it all hinges on a good busing system – which we do not have right now. I heard that the survey for four days was about 80% (approx.) at Vinton. What about the other 20%? Can parents elect to have them go to Vinton from other areas? Are you creating an unnecessary expense for some parents who know have to figure out daycare? We transport a number of students for families and need for that is increasing. This is an opportunity for Bauer or church groups, Boys and Girls Club, or the Y, But it increases the issues about logistics on safety and transportation. The decisions are affecting other things and this again breaks down trust and communication. It turns into a shouting match instead of a discussion that brings about answers.
Margaret Hass: Given the challenges and competition LSC faces, it makes sense to try out different things to make our schools stand out, both for families and employees. Many of these programs, like the dual language program, build on our existing strengths, which is essential. I would like to see more specific initiatives tackling issues of mental health and bullying, though, as I know some parents who have moved away from LSC due to those issues. Being proactive on this front will help us attract families in our district and keep them here.
Gary Mueller: Offering LSC parents choices allows the district to stand out in the region. It is my understanding that more families chose to move their children into Vinton than those who chose to leave Vinton for another school after the four-day week was instituted. Providing options like this makes LSC an attractive option for families relocating from outside the area. Academic results and feedback from parents and teachers should guide future changes.
Julie Peretin: I am proud of the various offerings our district is able to provide. Attendance rates have dropped across the state since 2020. Providing families with flexible options may help keep elementary students engaged and eager to attend, while also building community for parents. The middle school years can be tough, and some students thrive in a smaller, alternative environment. I would love to see a program like Oakland High School available to students earlier. Evaluating the effectiveness of these programs throughout the first three years of implementation will help us identify the strongest offerings.
Do you agree with LSC’s chosen, three-tier approach to solving transportation issues? What, if any, changes would you make, including addressing frustration teachers have presented to the school board this year about the situation?
Ebony Barrett: The transportation issue has been complex. I agreed with the chosen approach based on the information provided, but I also hear the frustrations from teachers. The change I would make is improving communication about the contributing factors behind the decision. While a committee provided recommendations, I also considered input from parents, students and teachers. No solution would have satisfied everyone, but we believed the additional time at the elementary level would benefit student achievement. We’ve asked for regular updates to address concerns and will monitor the system throughout the year, making adjustments as necessary.
Rocky Hession: I think they should have had the high school opening and getting out earlier. They have sporting events and clubs that make the day go longer and more extended. Everything else is a question about logistics made with information that I not only do not see, but as far as I hear from the parents I talk to, they are as much in the dark. I do not want to criticize without knowing all the facts, but the fact that we do not know more seems to be the board’s issue. Last year the kids at Edgelea and Miami let out at 2:45 p.m. and then went to the Boys and Girls Club on Beck Lane. They then closed at 6 p.m. Now they get out at 3:25 p.m. and they still close at 6 p.m. That saves the Boys and Girls Club money because they do not have to pay the staff as much. Could the older kids getting out earlier and being there when the younger kids get home save or reduce the issues and possibly save money?
Margaret Hass: I understand that LSC felt the three-tier system was necessary to address the bus driver shortage. However, it does not address the root of the problem, which is the superior pay and benefits for bus drivers in other school districts. Moreover, the board could have communicated more openly and empathetically with teachers to prevent frustration from bubbling up at meetings. If I had been on the board then, I would have spoken directly with employees to understand their concerns. I would have also advocated for additional pay for teachers, bus drivers and other employees who worked longer hours due to the shift.
Gary Mueller: It is my understanding the shortage of bus drivers left the three-tier approach as the best available option. I would like to examine whether bus driver pay and benefits are competitive as the three-tier system limits flexibility for families and teachers. A committee of parents, teachers, drivers and staff studied the issue and made recommendations that weren’t adopted by the board. While there may be sound reasons for this decision, they have not been effectively communicated to teachers and parents, which makes their frustration understandable.
Julie Peretin: The board unanimously decided to move to the current system, and I believe it's important to continue monitoring attendance rates and evaluating transportation needs. We receive regular updates on route performance and how routines are developing. It’s also crucial to examine how the added elementary instructional time and non-instructional time (longer lunch and recess) are used as a metric for evaluation and to assess the impact of reduced instructional time at the secondary level. I'm open to exploring creative solutions to address the important concerns teachers have raised.
Name two specific things that separate you from your opponents and why they matter.
Ebony Barrett: My history with LSC sets me apart. I’ve been a paraprofessional, substitute teacher, volunteer, coach and parent. These experiences, combined with my role on the school board, give me a deep understanding of how our decisions impact students and families. As a parent who has relied on the stability provided by LSC, I know the importance of serving diverse needs with limited resources. Secondly, I’m deeply connected to the community through my professional and volunteer work. I’ve built authentic relationships across different backgrounds, and I’m passionate about ensuring everyone is seen, valued, and heard. Collaboration is key to helping all students reach their potential.
Rocky Hession: I know the common factor is that we all care about the kids and desire to situation that has been building for quite a while, but the problems show that it is not working and needs to be revamped. I have a vested interest to help. My perspective is based upon kids who are economically challenged all the time. I am seeing more issues coming over the horizon than what we are dealing with right now. It is going to get worse before it gets better. I can see it and believe that I can help in giving a broader perspective that what is there right know. Also, I have a spouse that works, hands on, with these kids all the time. Her experience over the last 30 years will be an invaluable asset for me. That is not something everyone has.
Margaret Hass: First, I am a local with global experience. I grew up here, but lived, studied and taught outside the U.S. for nearly a decade. In my professional and community work, I interact regularly with international students and immigrants, so I am familiar with educational systems around the world, and I can see our schools in global context. The second thing is my passionate work for civic engagement and voting rights. I believe that our schools are vital to creating a democratic system that truly allows all students to pursue their dreams, and I’m committed to making that a reality.
Gary Mueller: My experience in engineering, marketing and customer service at a large organization like Caterpillar equips me to solve the complex challenges LSC will face. While I don’t have direct experience in education administration, this allows me to approach issues with fresh eyes and seek innovative solutions that benefit students and the community. The starting point for improving any organization or process is listening to those directly involved – parents, teachers and administrators. Engaging diverse perspectives leads to better ideas and smoother implementation of change, with less resistance to improvements. Throughout my career, I’ve successfully engaged diverse groups to find solutions, and I aim to bring that same approach to LSC.
Julie Peretin: My time on the LSC Board has given me an understanding of the complexities within our school system and the rhythm of the school year from a governance perspective. This experience is essential for making informed, thoughtful decisions that benefit students, teachers and families. In addition, my deep involvement in community engagement has strengthened my connection to the people we serve. I approach every issue with a focus on collaboration, inclusivity and transparency, ensuring that all voices are heard and that decisions reflect the needs of the entire community.
CANDIDATE BIOS
Ebony Barrett
Age: 42
Occupation: DEI Consultant, IU Health; President, Executive Management Consulting Group; Lead Vocalist/Owner, Ebony and the Ruckus LLC
Education background: BA Communication, Brian Lamb School of Communication, Purdue University; Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Leadership Certification, Indiana University
Past elected positions, if any: appointed to LSC School Board, November 2023
Community boards or other community leadership and service: Art Museum of Greater Lafayette Board of Directors, DRT Greater Lafayette Steering Committee, Hanna Community Center volunteer/advisor, IU School of Medicine-West Lafayette Local Advisory Council
Immediate family: Tyler Crum (husband and LJHS counselor), Kai Barrett-Taylor (2020 Grad LJHS), Ari Kennedy (12th LJHS), Ali Kennedy (10th LJHS)
Your campaign site online: ebonybarrett.com
Ronald “Rocky” Hession
Age: 64
Occupation: Bookkeeper/Designee - Fairfield Township; 30-plus years income tax preparer
Education background: Associates Computer Programming
Past elected positions, if any: Fairfield Township Board Secretary
Community boards or other community leadership and service: Pleaseantview Elementary, Chairperson 2006-2012
Immediate family: Wife, Marilynn; Daughter, Kaylyn
Your campaign site online: Just Email - rockyh2k@yahoo.com
Margaret Hass
Age: 39
Occupation: Educator (currently lecturer in Purdue Language and Cultural Exchange program)
Education background: PhD in Cultural Studies (University of Bergamo in Italy and Jawaharlal Nehru University in India), MA in International Literatures (University of Tuebingen in Germany), BA in English and European Studies (Amherst College)
Past elected positions, if any: current precinct committeeperson in Fairfield 16 (Democratic Party)
Community boards or other community leadership and service: president of Greater Lafayette Immigrant Allies since 2018; member of League of Women Voters of Greater Lafayette since 2016 and co-executive for advocacy 2017-2019; volunteer with Lafayette Urban Ministry Immigration Clinic since 2016, accredited representative since 2019; community organizer with Working Hoosiers Vote and We Make Tippecanoe
Immediate family: husband Vinayak; daughter Jyoti (3 years old); daughter Kavi (almost 1 year old)
Your campaign site online: https://sites.google.com/view/margaretforlafayette/home
Gary Mueller
Age: 60
Occupation: Product Support Manager, Caterpillar Inc.
Education background: BS 1986, MS 1988, Mechanical Engineering, University of Missouri
Past elected positions, if any: None
Community boards or other community leadership and service: Co-chair & Luminaria Chair Historic Ninth Street Hill Neighborhood Association; Board Member, West Lafayette Unitarian Universalist Church; President, West Bluff Neighborhood Association, Peoria, Illinois
Immediate family: I have been married to Cindy Gerlach since 1988. We have three daughters who all graduated from Jefferson High School: Alison, Class of 2010; Madeleine, Class of 2013; Sylvia, Class of 2017.
Your campaign site online: electgarymueller.com
Julie Peretin
Age: 39
Occupation: Programs Administrator
Education background: BA, Philosophy, Calvin College; McCutcheon High School (plus two years of Purdue Engineering before moving to Michigan)
Past elected positions, if any: none
Community boards or other community leadership and service: current: Junior Warden, St. John’s Episcopal Church, Coordinator for the Lafayette Children’s Choir
Immediate family: 3 children
Your campaign site online: julieperetin.com. And Facebook: www.facebook.com/Julie4LSC
ABOUT THE NOV. 5 GENERAL ELECTION
Early voting ahead of the Nov. 5 primary election started Oct. 8 with contested races on Tippecanoe County ballots for president, governor, U.S. Senate and Houses, Indiana attorney general, several Indiana General Assembly seats, Tippecanoe County commissioner and Tippecanoe County Council at-large seats, several county elected seats, and Lafayette, West Lafayette and Tippecanoe school corporation school boards. A few things to know:
VOTER REGISRATION/YOUR BALLOT: To check your voter registration and to see candidates and public questions that will be on your specific ballot, go to the Secretary of State’s portal at www.indianavoters.com.
WHERE TO VOTE: In Tippecanoe County, registered voters may cast their ballot at any vote center.
EARLY VOTING
Oct. 8-Oct. 11, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Tippecanoe County Office Building, 20 N. Third St., Lafayette
Oct. 15-Oct. 18, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Tippecanoe County Office Building, 20 N. Third St., Lafayette
Oct. 19, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., McAllister Center, 2351 N. 20th St., Lafayette
Oct. 21-Oct. 25, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Tippecanoe County Office Building, 20 N. Third St., Lafayette
Oct. 22, noon-5 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 1700 Mitch Daniels Boulevard, West Lafayette
Oct. 24, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Purdue Co-Rec, 355 N. Martin Jischke Drive, West Lafayette.
Oct. 26, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., West Point Fire Station, 4949 Indiana 25 S., West Point; Otterbein United Methodist Church, 405 Oxford St., Otterbein; Clarks Hill Christian Church, 9510 Pearl St., Clarks Hill; 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Tippecanoe County Office Building, 20 N. Third St., Lafayette;
Oct. 28-Nov. 1, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Tippecanoe County Office Building, 20 N. Third St., Lafayette
Oct. 29-Nov. 1, noon-6 p.m., Tippecanoe County Fairgrounds, 1406 Teal Road, Lafayette; Eastside Assembly of God, 6121 E. County Road 50 South, Lafayette; John Dennis Wellness Center, 1101 Kalberer Road, West Lafayette.
Nov. 2, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Tippecanoe County Fairgrounds, 1406 Teal Road, Lafayette; Eastside Assembly of God, 6121 E. County Road 50 South, Lafayette; John Dennis Wellness Center, 1101 Kalberer Road, West Lafayette.
Nov. 2, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Tippecanoe County Office Building, 20 N. Third St., Lafayette
Nov. 4, 8 a.m.-noon, Tippecanoe County Office Building, 20 N. Third St., Lafayette
ELECTION DAY VOTE CENTERS: Voting on Tuesday, Nov. 5, will be 6 a.m.-6 p.m. Registered voters in Tippecanoe County may choose any of these sites.
Lafayette
Tippecanoe County Fairgrounds, 1406 Teal Road
Lafayette Community Church of the Nazarene, 3801 Union St.
Evangelical Covenant Church, 3600 S. Ninth St.
Tippecanoe County Historical Association History Center, 522 Columbia St.
Wea Ridge Baptist Church, 1051 E. County Road 430 South
Eastside Assembly of God, 6121 E. County Road 50 South
Northend Community Center, 2000 Elmwood Ave.
West Lafayette
Faith West Community Center, 1920 Northwestern Ave.
Margerum City Hall/West Lafayette City Hall, 222 N. Chauncey Ave.
Connection Point Church, 2541 Cumberland Ave.
John Dennis Wellness Center, 1101 Kalberer Road
Others
Dayton Gathering Point Church, 7201 Wesleyan Drive, Dayton
Shadeland Town Hall, 2485 Indiana 25 West, Shadeland
Battle Ground Fire Station, 112 North St., Battle Ground
Tippecanoe Township Volunteer Fire Station No. 2, 448 W. County Road 650 North, West Lafayette
ON THE BALLOT
Here are candidates and questions on Tippecanoe County ballots for the Nov. 5 general election. (Incumbents are marked with an asterisk*.) To see your specific ballot, go to the Secretary of State’s portal at www.indianavoters.com.
Tippecanoe County
Commissioner, District 2: David Byers*, R; Steve Mayoras, Libertarian
Commissioner, District 3: Tom Murtaugh*, R; Jaime Ortiz, Libertarian
County Council, at-large (choose 3): Republicans: John Basham*, Barry Richard* and Kevin Underwood*. Democrats: Katy Bunder, Ben Carson and Amanda Eldridge. Libertarians: Dean Bertelli, Holly Mayoras and Randy Young
Coroner: Carrie Costello*, R; Benjamin Milanowski, Libertarian
Treasurer: Yadira Salazar*, R
Surveyor: Zach Beasley*, R
Judge, Circuit Court: Sean Persin*, R
Judge, Superior Court 6: Michael Morrissey*, R
Statehouse races
House District 13: Matthew Commons, R; Ed Moyer Jr., D
House District 26: Chris Campbell*, D; Jim Schenke, R
House District 27: Sheila Klinker*, D; Oscar Alvarez, R
House District 38: Heath VanNatter*, R; Carl Seese, D
House District 41: Mark Genda*, R; Dan Sikes, D
Statewide
Governor: Mike Braun, R; Jennifer McCormick, D; Donald Rainwater, Libertarian
Attorney General: Todd Rokita, R; Destiny Wells, D
Federal
President: Kamala Harris, D; Donald Trump, R; Chase Oliver, Libertarian; Robert F. Kennedy Jr., We the People
U.S. House, District 4: Jim Baird*, R; Ashley Groff, Libertarian; Derrick Holder, D;
U.S. Senate: Jim Banks, R; Valerie McCray, D; Andrew Horning, Libertarian
Townships
Shadeland Township Board: Michael Kuipers, Pamela Luenz, Robert Morrison Jr. and Josh Shives, R.
Shadeland Clerk-Treasurer: Charlene Brown, R
School boards
Lafayette School Corp., at-large (choose 3): Ebony Barrett*, Josiah Eller, Margaret Hass, James Hass, Ronald “Rocky” Hession, Gary Mueller and Julie Peretin*.
Tippecanoe School Corp.
District 4: Jake Burton*
District 5: Julia Cummings*
District 6: Connie Harper
District 7: Brad Anderson*
West Lafayette Community School Corp., at-large (choose 4): Amy Austin*, Maria Koliantz, George Lyle, David Purpura, Beau Scott and Yue Yin*.
Public questions
Shall the Constitution of the State of Indiana be amended to remove the state superintendent of public instruction from the list of officeholders who shall discharge the powers and duties of the governor if the office of the governor and lieutenant governor are both vacant?
Shall Indiana Supreme Court Justice Mark S. Massa be retained in office?
Shall Indiana Supreme Court Justice Derek Read Molter be retained in office?
Shall Indiana Supreme Court Justice Loretta Rush be retained in office?
Shall Indiana Appeals Court Judge Rudolph Reginald Pyle III be retained in office?
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(In the caption, I think you have reversed the positions for Ebony Barrett and Rocky Hession.)