Carl Gilbert for Monroe-Gregg School Board

First off let me say congratulations to Brock Sears. I wish you the nothing but the best the next 4 years.

To those who voted for me. I can’t thank you enough. I am very humbled to have the support of so many. So again I thank you all.

But our journey is not over. I will still work hard to be a voice for you all. United we will stand divided we will fall. I will continue to push to help improve our community and schools. This journey has just begun. So feel free to reach out to me so we can work together. I look forward to the future.

Again thank you all. This journey will not stop. Your votes have not gone un-noticed.

There is still time to vote. Polls close at 6:00 pM

As elections are quickly 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 7 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 have 5 children, one of which is a freshman at Monrovia High School. I have had children in every school at Monrovia, elementary to high school. My biggest praise I have for our teachers and principals is their willingness to communicate with parents. I have always felt my children’s teachers and principals were available to communicate with me regarding any concerns I had. I hope if elected I can bring that level of communication to our school board. Communication is key in running any successful endeavor.

One of the main reasons I’m running for school board is I feel there are multiple opportunities to improve how the school board collaborates with the community. If elected my hope is that communication flows freely between the community and the board. This is our district as a whole community. There is no wrong time for your voice to be heard. And the communities input should never be put on the back burner.

As technology advances and trends shift, the Avenue for social media conversation becomes increasingly important. Having a page that all board members are able to monitor allows more instantaneous access to board members with the ability for all members to see concerns and responses of their fellow board members. This would not violate the Indiana quorum policy as no action is being taken and it being a “social” gathering as it is on social media.

One of the most important areas a board member oversees is policy. The policy of only being able to discuss topics related to the agenda at board meetings is outdated and doesn’t fit well with a school board that is hoping to collaborate with the community. If elected I will push to change that policy and allow anyone who wants to address board members during a scheduled meeting the opportunity to do so. We should never silence the public unless it violates state statute, or becomes violent in nature. If elected I understand fully that my job is to listen to the public and serve their best interest at all times not when it’s convenient.

"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.

It’s Thinker’s Thursday, from your personal perspective, what is the biggest shortcoming or area of opportunity in the Monroe Gregg school district?

This is your school system and your feedback matters to me.

Please refrain from naming individuals, this is intended to start a dialogue rather than blast employees.

First and foremost, let me say thank you. As a 2022 candidate for the board of directors of the Monroe-Gregg school district, I’m honored you have to come visit my page.

I am a 24 year army veteran with my final rank being sergeant major, E-9, specializing in logistics and engineers. This has given me an understanding of everyone’s role in an organization and how seemingly small decisions can effect hundreds of lives.

Being part of an army unit has taught me many things along the way, most importantly being that my personal feelings can’t interfere with my unit. What’s best for myself isn’t always best for the unit. I would take that lesson with me, should I be elected to the Monroe-Gregg board of trustees.

My first goal would be to improve communication between the school district and families. I feel that a lack of communication can lead to many types of problems. When no one is speaking, conclusions are drawn, factual or not. This can not only lead to chaos, but to completely false narratives led by silence.

As I continue with my campaign I hope to share with you all my goals and aspirations for the Monroe-Gregg school district for the foreseeable future. I hope you’ll share your ideas with me as well. Please feel free to contact me at 317-525-3605. This is my cell phone number. I do have two toddlers at home. Unless it’s an emergency please do not call after 10 pm. Thank you and have a blessed day.

Paid for and approved by Carl Gilbert for Monrovia School Board