Warren Township, the east‑side school district serving about 11,500 students in Indianapolis, is preparing for a pivotal school board election. Three at‑large seats will be on the ballot this November, and six candidates have filed to run.
Who is running
Three current board members – Terri Amos, Rachel Burke and Jerry Crites – are seeking re‑election. They will be joined by three challengers: Samantha Douglas, Kevin Humphrey Sr. and independent Steve Tutsie. This is the first year Indiana allows candidates to list a party affiliation when filing for a school board seat; five of the six candidates have chosen to remain unaffiliated.
Terri Amos, 55, serves as president of the board and was first elected in 2014. A teacher in another district, she says her three children graduated from Warren Township schools. In a candidate survey, Amos highlighted three priorities: advocating for increased state funding, responsible budgeting to keep teacher salaries competitive, and transparent communication about any future referendums.
Rachel Burke, a longtime board member who has held the positions of secretary, vice‑president and president, is also running for a fourth term. She grew up in Warren Township and attended local schools, raising three children there.
Jerry Crites, Samantha Douglas and Kevin Humphrey Sr. each emphasize the need for continued academic progress and fiscal responsibility. Steve Tutsie, the sole declared independent, joins the race as a fresh voice for the district.
Key issues shaping the campaign
All candidates agree that the district’s upcoming transition of fifth‑grade students back to elementary schools for the 2027‑28 school year is a top priority. The move will require careful planning of classroom space, staffing and resources to ensure a smooth shift for students and families.
Funding remains a central concern. Amos notes that state aid has not kept pace with rising costs, making it harder to offer competitive teacher salaries and maintain programs without resorting to voter‑approved referendums. She, along with other candidates, pledges to work with state legislators for a more equitable funding formula.
Academic achievement is also front‑and‑center. The district has seen IREAD reading scores improve, with more than 83 % of third‑graders passing the assessment. Candidates plan to build on that success while focusing on raising ILEARN math scores through evidence‑based instruction and professional development for teachers.
Voting information
Election Day is Nov. 3. Early in‑person voting starts Oct. 6 at the City‑County Building, 200 E. Washington St., and additional early‑voting sites open across the city on Oct. 24. Voters must be registered by Oct. 5. Registration status and polling locations can be checked at indianavoters.in.gov.
Because the seats are at‑large, every registered voter in Warren Township can vote for any of the three positions, regardless of where they live within the district.
What voters can expect
All six candidates have expressed a commitment to transparency, community engagement and fiscal stewardship. They plan to attend school events, hold town‑hall meetings and keep families informed about budget decisions and any potential referendums.
The upcoming board will guide the district through the fifth‑grade transition, continue efforts to improve academic outcomes, and advocate for the resources needed to sustain high‑quality education for Warren Township families.
Original reporting: Mirror Indy — read the source article.
