As a lifelong educator, Vivian Whitaker has served in many capacities within the Cloverdale School District. 

She has served as a science teacher, athletic and academic coach, athletic director, assistant principal, principal and an assistant to the superintendent, as well as a representative of Cloverdale Township on the Cloverdale School District's school board. 

And, she is asking voters for another four years as she faces a challenge from Aragon Gould for the seat, and looks to continue giving the people the future they demand from Cloverdale Community Schools. 

"The leadership of our superintendent and board has positioned the Cloverdale Community Schools for the future demands on public education. We have partnered with Tech Trep to create the Cloverdale Virtual Academy. This online school follows all standards set by the Indiana Department of Education and includes the required state tests. Students are monitored by teachers certified in Indiana on a regular basis. Cloverdale provides administrative support in registering students, overseeing attendance and coordinating the state testing. Any child in grades K-8 who are residents of Indiana are eligible to enroll in the academy and are considered as public school students," Whitaker told The Putnam County Post.

Whitaker said the academy is a public school and receives funding from the state of Indiana, which has helped make up for the reduced funding in the past decade from the General Assembly. 

"Though many small schools are struggling financially, the Cloverdale Community School Corporation is financially strong. We have been able to provide our faculty and staff with significant raises in the past two years without raising the tax rate for our patrons," Whitaker said.

Whitaker admitted her proudest moment is the board working together to reach consensus in decisions. 

"Credit is due not only to Mr. Linton and his administrative team for their sound leadership, but to each member for their willingness to study the information provided to us, ask pertinent questions and keep what is best for our students at the forefront of all decision making. I hope to continue being a contributing member of this board," Whitaker said. 

Whitaker said one of the biggest issues facing the district, as well as all public schools, is the level of support given to homeschooling by the Indiana General Assembly, adding it appears that an increase in Educational Savings Accounts may be up for discussion this legislative session. 

"While this may appear as a reasonable option for parents, I fear that many children will be harmed in the long run by not being challenged to the rigors of a public school education. One of the things I have heard from employers in our area is that they need workers who can work in group situations. For the most part, this is not accomplished by homeschooling. Our future workforce will be composed of people with diverse backgrounds, especially socioeconomically. I believe that supporting public education is the best way to prepare for a better future for all of us," Whitaker said. 

Whitaker said her years of service, as well as serving as a lifetime member of the National Teachers Association, Indiana Association of School Principals and Phi Delta Kappa as reasons why voters should vote for her again. 

"I have a passion for lifelong learning, which is filled with serving on the board of the Cloverdale Community Dollars for Scholars and as the adult co-chair for the Youth Philanthropy Committee at the Putnam County Community Foundation. Being a proud graduate of Cloverdale High School is the impetus for giving back to the community which gave me the opportunity to learn, grow and lead a blessed, successful life," Whitaker said.