Academic excellence can take many forms. We believe in balancing the importance of traditional measurements of achievement like standardized test scores and acceptance into institutions of higher education with other metrics of excellence, such as superior achievement in coursework, mastery of vocationally related skill sets, national and state-level awards for para-curricular accomplishments, etc. Academic excellence is only achieved when all K-12 students receive plentiful opportunities to develop and fulfill their individual potential.

School should be a place in which every student feels safe. Candidates endorsed by Support CCS will be committed to creating an environment in which students feel safe from physical and mental harm and feel confident expressing themselves in a judgment-free environment. Support CCS will promote candidates who partner with and support the Director of Student Services, the specially trained SROs, building safety specialists, counselors, social workers, and all other staff working to foster a safe and non-threatening learning environment for students.

Our increasingly globalized society requires that, in order to successfully navigate the world and its challenges, students must acquire broad cultural competencies that will allow them to collaborate across differences and to be aware of and respectful toward the vast array of human experiences. Support CCS endorses candidates who acknowledge this reality and are committed to expanding Carmel Clay Schools' ability to prepare students for it, both by recognizing the cultural diversity within our own Carmel community and by seeking to understand and appreciate the world beyond Carmel and the concerns and customs of people around the globe.

We see public education as a joint endeavor between teachers, administrators, families, and community members. Such collaboration requires clear, timely, and consistent communication between all parties to establish and maintain a relationship of trust. Candidates endorsed by Support CCS will work to affirm and enhance Carmel Clay Schools' current efforts in this area across multiple platforms of family-school engagement, and must commit to engaging in open dialogue with the community.

None of our goals can be achieved without our teachers, whom we recognize and respect both as professionals and as members of our community who care about our kids. We are committed to promoting school board candidates who demonstrate respect for teachers by acknowledging their expertise, listening to their concerns, and seeking to ensure that they are given the time, funding, appreciation, and resources they need to succeed in their work.

We believe that student mental health is essential to academic success, personal development, and creating a safe school environment. Our children need strong systems of support now more than ever. Our endorsed school board candidates are committed to maintaining and expanding Carmel Clay Schools’ efforts to prioritize mental health and wellness. This includes supporting strong partnerships, proactive tools, and a culture that helps every student feel safe, supported, and empowered to thrive.