Carmel Teachers’ Association Endorses Jon Shapiro and Kristina Wheeler for Carmel Clay School Board

Support CCS Admin September 12, 2024

Carmel, IN – On Thursday, September 12, the Carmel Teachers’ Association (CTA) announced its official endorsement of Jon Shapiro and Kristina Wheeler for the Carmel Clay School Board in the upcoming election. This endorsement, which required a supermajority of support from voting members, marks a historic first for the CTA and adds to the growing list of distinguished endorsements for Shapiro and Wheeler.

“Both Jon and Kristina are deeply honored to receive the endorsement of our dedicated teachers,” said Jennifer Cashin, Chair of Support CCS. “Supporting our amazing educators is one of the top priorities for this election and candidates. We are pleased that the CTA recognizes Shapiro and Wheeler’s commitment to prioritizing and maintaining strong, healthy relationships with teachers. This endorsement reflects the trust and confidence that educators have in Shapiro and Wheeler to continue the legacy of excellence in Carmel Clay Schools.”

Support CCS, a non-partisan Political Action Committee established and run by families of CCS students, was among the first to endorse Jon Shapiro and Kristina Wheeler. To ensure that our endorsement reflected the diverse and broad community served by the district, we formed a vetting committee composed of four Republicans, three Democrats, and one Independent. This committee rigorously evaluated the candidates based on Support CCS’s six core values:

Academic Excellence for All Students
Fostering and Enhancing School Safety
Preparing Students to Be Leaders in a Globalized World
Promoting Parent Partnerships, Transparency, and Accountability in School Leadership
Supporting Teachers as Respected Professionals Vital to Student Success
Supporting the Mental Health and Wellness of All Students

Following the endorsement of Shapiro and Wheeler, Support CCS has been actively engaged in supporting their candidacies, mobilizing current and former CCS families to fundraise and volunteer.

“This endorsement by the CTA underscores the alignment of our candidates with the core values that define the success of Carmel Clay Schools,” Cashin added. “We are committed to supporting Jon and Kristina as they champion the needs of our students, teachers, and community, ensuring a continued focus on fostering a positive and collaborative environment.”

Read the full press release from Mark Wien, President of the Carmel Teacher’s Association below.

Carmel Teachers’ Association Endorses Jon Shapiro and Kristina Wheeler for Carmel Clay School Board

Carmel, IN – The Carmel Teachers’ Association (CTA) is proud to announce our endorsement of Jon Shapiro and Kristina Wheeler for the Carmel Clay School Board in the upcoming election. This decision marks the first time the CTA has endorsed school board candidates, following a supermajority of support from voting members.

Our endorsement reflects the commitment Jon Shapiro and Kristina Wheeler have consistently demonstrated to the education community. Both candidates have shown unwavering support for educators and a dedication to the well-being of our students, staff, and schools. They have given significant time and effort to advance the success of Carmel Clay Schools, and we believe they represent the values and priorities that are vital to our district’s continued success.

Jon Shapiro has a long-standing career in education and was a key leader in the 2023 “Yes for CCS” referendum renewal campaign, which ensured the district’s funding remained secure. Kristina Wheeler serves on the Executive Board of the Carmel Education Foundation as Vice President for Compliance and Board Secretary. Both have strong personal connections to education through their family backgrounds and have been actively involved parents as their children have progressed through Carmel Clay Schools.

“As an association, we feel it is both appropriate and crucial to give a voice to our teachers in this election,” said Mark Wien, President of the Carmel Teachers’ Association. “The decisions made by the school board have a profound impact on the work of educators and the quality of education in our schools. Jon Shapiro and Kristina Wheeler have proven their dedication to building strong partnerships between teachers, staff, administration, and the community—an approach that aligns with our belief in the power of collaboration and communication.”

This endorsement is not tied to any political party, platform, or other individuals supporting the candidates. Instead, it is a testament to the candidates’ focus on education and their commitment to fostering a school board that serves the entire community. It is also important to note that an endorsement in this election cycle does not guarantee support for future candidacies.

The Carmel Teachers’ Association believes in supporting these candidates who will prioritize the needs of our schools and uphold the nonpartisan nature of the Carmel Clay School Board. We are confident that Jon Shapiro and Kristina Wheeler will continue to advocate for the interests of our students, staff, and the broader community.

About the Carmel Teachers’ Association (CTA): A Local Organization

Since June 2017, the Carmel Teachers’ Association has represented the educators of Carmel Clay Schools. As a local-only association, our focus is on representing the teachers of this district, negotiating legal contracts on their behalf, and addressing concerns at both the building and district levels. The CTA has no affiliation with the National Education Association (NEA) or the Indiana State Teachers Association (ISTA), allowing us to remain solely focused on the needs of Carmel Clay Schools. We serve as the primary representative for negotiations and act as a liaison between teachers and administration when necessary to ensure the best outcomes for all parties involved.

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