Carl Gilbert for Monroe-Gregg School Board

09/16/2026

DO YOU KNOW HOW SCHOOL BIDDING ACTUALLY WORKS WHEN IT COMES to PROJECTS PRICED from $50,00 TO $300,000.

I recently spoke at a Monroe-Gregg School Board meeting about the district’s bidding process and the importance of the board doing its due diligence when spending taxpayer dollars.

But that raises an important question:

What does Indiana law actually require a school corporation to do when it hires someone for a construction or improvement project?

Indiana’s Public Works Law, IC 36-1-12, governs projects such as construction, reconstruction, alterations, renovations, and certain repairs or improvements paid for with public funds.

And there’s something taxpayers should know.

Under changes effective July 1, 2025, the State Board of Accounts explains that for applicable public-works projects:

$50,000 to $300,000: the board must invite quotes from at least THREE qualified sources. The keyword is invite, not receive.

Over $300,000: the project moves into the formal public-bidding process, including public notice requirements.

That means an $80,000 project falls within the range where the school should be inviting at least three contractors to provide quotes, assuming the project is covered by Indiana’s Public Works Law.

And there is an important distinction: the requirement is to invite at least three quotes. That does not necessarily mean the school will actually receive three quotes. So if the school system does not get more than one bid, are they really doing their due diligence? 

This is exactly why due diligence, documentation, and transparency matter.

As taxpayers, we should be able to ask: Who was invited to quote the project? How many responded? Was the process followed? And did we make sure taxpayers received the best responsible value for their money?

These are not unreasonable questions. When we are spending public money, we should understand the process and make sure it is being followed.

Transparency and accountability start with asking questions. And this process and due diligence should be taken on every job no matter the scope of the work no matter the contractors hired. The school district should put the taxpayer at the forefront of their mind.

This is why I am running for Monroe Greg school board. Before I vote on and approve any job I will stand for the taxpayers. I will ensure that every job every project every dollar spent that we are getting the best bang for our buck.

09/15/2026

📢 It’s time the people of Monroe-Gregg have a voice.

We need someone on the School Board who is willing to ask the tough questions, demand transparency, and stand up for YOUR tax dollars.

Attached is the video from last night’s School Board meeting. At the end, you’ll hear my comments about something I believe is extremely important: due diligence and transparency when spending taxpayer money.

Two months ago, the School Board approved an approximately $80,000 concrete project with only ONE bid received.

When we are spending $80,000 of taxpayer money, I believe we should be doing everything possible to ensure we are getting a fair and competitive price. That means seeking multiple bids, asking questions, and doing our due diligence before approving the expenditure.

This isn’t about attacking anyone. It’s about accountability.

If elected to the Monroe-Gregg School Board, I will ask questions. I will push for transparency. And I will fight to make sure your hard-earned tax dollars are spent wisely.

We can do better. Our taxpayers deserve better.

Transparency. Accountability. Due Diligence.

— Carl Gilbert
Candidate for Monroe-Gregg School Board

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

07/30/2026

As elections are approaching, I wanted to let you know a little about myself.
For the past 24 years I was actively serving in the US Army. My career included logistics, engineering and my final assignment, serving as the State of Indiana’s Logistics Sergeant Major.

During that time, I was in charge of the entire state’s logistical systems. My team and I oversaw a budget of over $500 million.

Much like a school budget, we oversaw monies that were pooled into different categories that could only be spent for specific endeavors. The United States military considered me an expert in that field. I am well-equipped to maximize how that money is spent.

As Indiana’s logistics sergeant major, I was in charge of overseeing every piece of equipment for more than 15,000 soldiers. I could not successfully complete this task without my team. Not only did I have to lead my team, but as a leader I had to listen to my team, and all the other units to ensure the processes ran smoothly and effectively. Much like I would if elected to the Monroe Gregg school board. Every voice needs to be heard, and every person matters.

Post military, I have owned and operated a local business, Midway Auction, for the past 12 years. In that time, we have expanded our business to more than ten times its revenue prior to taking over. I also have a bachelors degree in business management with Human Resources secondary.

Between my military career and being a local entrepreneur I have the experience necessary to successfully lead our school district with your help.

Personally, I am the proud father of five children. I currently have a kindergartener and a first grader attending Monroe-Gregg Schools, a recent Monroe-Gregg High School graduate, an adult daughter who graduated from Martinsville High School and now has a family of her own here in Morgan County, and a stepson who currently attends Martinsville High School.

Because of my family's experiences, I have had the opportunity to be involved with students at every level of education, from elementary school through high school. As both a parent and community member, I understand how important it is for families to have confidence in their local schools.

One of the things I appreciate most about Monroe-Gregg Schools is the willingness of our teachers and principals to communicate with parents. Throughout my children's education, I have always felt that their teachers and school administrators were approachable, responsive, and genuinely cared about addressing questions or concerns. That open communication has made a meaningful difference for my family.

If I am elected to the Monroe-Gregg School Board, I want to bring that same commitment to communication and transparency to the board. I believe parents, teachers, staff, and community members deserve to be informed, heard, and respected. Open, honest communication is the foundation of trust, and trust is essential to the success of any school corporation. My goal is to help ensure that every family feels connected, valued, and confident that their voice matters.

07/09/2026

It is with great pride and excitement that I officially announce my candidacy for the Monroe Gregg School Board as a Republican candite. Please keep checking back my page as I will be posting weekly on issues we have and ideas I have how we can help grow our great school district.

Monroe Gregg isn't just the school district where I live but the community that has shaped my life. This is where I've built my business, formed lifelong friendships, and dedicated countless hours to supporting our schools, our student-athletes, and our community organizations. I truly believe there is no better place to call home.

Over the years, I've had the privilege of meeting and working alongside so many incredible families, educators, coaches, business owners, and community leaders. Those experiences have shown me just how special Monroe Gregg is and how important it is that we continue investing in the future of our children.

As a local business owner, I understand the importance of being fiscally responsible, making difficult decisions, and being accountable for every dollar spent. Those same principles should guide our school district. Our taxpayers deserve transparency, our teachers deserve support, our parents deserve a voice, and our students deserve every opportunity to succeed.

I understand the budget restrains our district has. But I also believe it is time Monrovia had someone on the board that also understands how to be a steward of taxpayers. It’s time we have someone who knows how to run a business and the importance of tight budgeting. Someone who will vote and things that make sense for the taxpayers. With budget cuts, and laying off employees we need to look at spending.

I'm running because I want to help ensure that Monroe Gregg remains a place where families are proud to raise their children, where teachers have the resources they need to succeed, and where every student is challenged, encouraged, and prepared for whatever path they choose after graduation.

As your School Board member, I will work to:
• Always put students first.
• Listen before making decisions and represent every family in our district with honesty and integrity.
• Encourage open communication with parents and community members.
• Be a responsible steward of taxpayer dollars.
• Support our teachers and school staff.
• Protect the traditions and values that make Monroe Gregg unique while preparing our students for tomorrow's opportunities.

Over the next several months, I look forward to visiting with many of you, hearing your concerns, listening to your ideas, and earning your trust. I don't pretend to have every answer, but I promise to work hard, be accessible, and always make decisions based on what is best for our students and our community.

Thank you for believing in Monrovia and thank you for believing in me.

Carl Gilbert
Republican Candidate for Monroe Gregg School Board
Working Together for Our Students. Our Schools. Our Community.

10/22/2022

"There is no power for change greater than a community discovering what it cares about." – Margaret J. Wheatley

Paid for and approved by Carl Gilbert for School board.