Q&A: EVSC school board candidates discuss transparency and the differences between them

Editor's note: This is the second in an ongoing series of Q&As with candidates for two District 3 seats on the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation's Board of Trustees.

The EVSC school board in July named Josh Barnett to serve the remaining months of former member Amy Word's term. On Nov. 5, Word's former seat will be one of two District 3 seats that are up for election to full four-year terms. Voters may select no more than two of three candidates for the school board seats.

The candidates are: Barnett, an Evansville-based vice president for basketball media company SLAM Media ; Amy DeVries, development and communications coordinator for Pro Bono Indiana, Inc.; and Terry Gamblin, who has served 36 years on the board.

The Courier & Press asked Barnett, DeVries and Gamblin a series of questions about issues and policy. Here is the second set of responses:

More: EVSC wades into contested school board election for candidate who gave to EVSC

More: School board candidate has a stormy history with EVSC and superintendent David Smith

Is the EVSC transparent enough?

Josh Barnett: Depending on who you ask in the community the answer is probably yes and no. They do a good job of providing multiple avenues to communication and sharing information. There is the Town Hall that is held prior to each regular Board meeting where Vanderburgh County residents have the opportunity to speak directly with Board members. Podcasts that review and explain Board meeting decisions are recorded after each meeting.  Each Board meeting is broadcast over WPSR. Information on Boarddocs dates back to 2008. The public has multiple ways to interact with the Board as well as being informed of actions taken.

With that said, I believe that the EVSC has to continue working on how we deliver crucial communication to our faculty, parents and students in a timely manner.  I look forward to exploring ways for that to happen with both the board and Dr. Smith.

Amy DeVries: The short answer is no.  During my nine years as a community organizer, I heard time and time again from our neighbors who have grown frustrated with the lack of transparency from the EVSC. Since filing my candidacy, I have attended neighborhood association meetings, community events, and talked with people while out knocking on doors. The lack of transparency has been a big concern. Some examples are below.

1. Until the spring of 2024, the communications person would stop the livestream recording of the school board meeting before the public comments portion and then would begin recording after comments ended.
2. Minutes of the school board meetings (posted on the city/county website) include the names of those who sign up to speak. However, their comments/topic of comments are not recorded in the transcription of the meeting minutes.
3. It is my understanding that school board members are on a rotation to attend the “Town Hall” sessions held before the start of the school board meetings. It concerns me that the Trustee is not required to provide a report of that meeting. This can be done without revealing identifying information.
4. The school board conducts an annual evaluation of the superintendent. I believe a summary of the evaluation, including any areas of weakness/needed improvement, be made public.
5. A direct quote from a concerned citizen: “It seems like they do not want the public to be aware of problems. They make it hard for us to sign up to speak at school board meetings.”
6. Another direct quote from a concerned citizen: “Nobody would tell us what – if any – disciplinary actions were taken against the teacher who was caught on camera saying horrible things to the handicapped kids at Culver. She still works there!”

Terry Gamblin: I feel that open communication with groups, parents, and the community about district educational matters is crucial. I feel we have worked hard as a board to become more transparent. The agendas for our Board Meeting are always published for viewing before meetings. There is a public portion of each Board Meeting for people to register and speak and we also hold a Town Hall prior to each meeting for people to address concerns. To my knowledge, we are the only corporation that holds a Town Hall prior to every regular board meeting. I know there are always ways in which we can strive to improve, and I am always open to improvement.

What is the primary difference between you and your opponents? Please note that this question does not ask what makes you the best candidate, but how your vision may differ from those of your opponents.

Josh Barnett: It would be great to know that we all share a similar vision for the district that serves the students and families of our community. Truthfully, I haven’t focused on my opponent’s views or opinions, as I am clear on where I stand and what I want for the district. I recognize the daily needs and challenges faced by students, teachers, and staff, and I’m fortunate to have firsthand experience with these from my seven years of teaching in the district. This understanding shapes my decisions and strengthens my commitment to doing what’s best for our schools. My vision is to ensure that all of our students are served well and given the best opportunities for success throughout their lives.

Amy DeVries: After reading my opponents’ responses to the questionnaires they chose to answer, I noted several ways my vision differs from theirs.

1. I recognize that there are systemic inequities within the school corporation that need to be addressed. The EVSC is the third largest school corporation in the state. To deny or ignore these deeply-entrenched problems further erodes any level of trust that residents have in the school corporation.
2. I have walked alongside the marginalized and helped equip and empower these individuals to tackle tough community problems by providing evidence-based solutions. I know how to build relationships of trust with people who do not look like me, live like me, or worship like me. I listen, learn, and then leverage information in order to create positive change.
3. I agree with the overwhelming evidence that the EVSC lacks transparency.
4. I am a certified Grant Specialist and have helped secure hundreds of thousands of dollars for two local nonprofits. I am eager to help secure grants within the EVSC.

I envision a school corporation in which differing opinions are not only welcomed but encouraged. My vision for the EVSC includes well-attended school board meetings that are not rushed, where residents feel heard and understood, and questions and concerns are addressed in a transparent and timely manner.

Terry Gamblin: My many years of experience and my open-door policy. I listen with open ears and an open mind. I think it is important to listen and respond to the given needs of all our teachers, employees, and parents. I want to always be looking for ways to make the educational experience for our students' a wonderful atmosphere. My hope is that their educational experience will be rewarding and something they will treasure for the rest of their life.

This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: Q&A: EVSC school board candidates discuss transparency and the differences between them