A man who has served in the U.S. Army Reserves, spent three decades at Eli Lilly and served as a foster parent for 25 years in both the Vigo County and North Putnam County school districts has thrown his hat into the ring for the North Putnam School board.
Drew Barnes is optimistic that his experiences, both personally and professionally, can help lift him to the Floyd Township seat for the North Putnam School Board. Barnes is joined by fellow challenger Kelly Murphy to try and unseat Ron Spencer for the seat.
"My wife and I had a busy, blended household with seven children and 50 foster kids. We were foster parents for 25 years having students both in the Vigo County and North Putnam school corporations. We adopted three girls from foster care, one of whom has special needs. Our family has lived in Putnam County for the past 19 years. Currently, we care for our daughter plus several adults with disabilities in our home," Barnes said.
For 38 years, Barnes served as an Operator's Technician at Eli Lilly, and was responsible for five manufacturing processes.
"The scope of my duties included optimizing process efficiency to meet or exceed production goals," said Barnes, who added he also reviewed and approved SOP's for all processing and related tasks in the department.
In addition, Barnes served 21 years in the U.S. Army Reserves, graduating from the United States Army Sgt. Major Academy before retiring as a First Sgt. He said many of his military years were spent training troops and development.
Barnes said if elected, he will work to improve accountability and fiscal responsibility.
"As a parent and grandparent, I feel there is a definite lack of accountability and transparency in schools. I have personal knowledge and experience of the educational system failing certain types of students. It is essential to help identify those at risk for better early intervention. I feel that increased communication is needed between home and school. Growing numbers of frustrated parents are seeking alternative ways of educating their children. Being more fiscally responsible will help utilize taxpayer dollars more efficiently. Competitive teacher's salaries will help retain good teachers and provide a quality education that prepares students for life after graduation," Barnes said.
What will voters get if they elect Barnes?
"I am a take charge person who tackles problems and issues with a more conservative, commonsense type of approach. I firmly believe that improvements to the educational system will greatly empower our students to become the next successful generation of young Americans to lead this great country. I believe in term limits. If elected, my intention is to serve one term to allow others a chance to share their new ideas and experiences," Barnes said.
