Candidate Questionnaire: Ben Karle for Three Rivers School Board

Ben Karle

Watershed Voice sent out questionnaires to over 30 candidates running for elected school board positions in St. Joseph County and the surrounding area. Leading up to the General Election on November 3, Watershed will publish the questionnaires as it receives them back from the candidates. Ben Karle, a candidate for the Three Rivers Community Schools’ Board of Education, filled out our questionnaire. These are his answers.

Name: Ben Karle

Age: 38

Address: 56814 Feather Court, Three Rivers, MI 49093

Family (optional): Nicole, Three Rivers High School Science Teacher; Sam, Hoppin Elementary Second Grader; Margaret, Hoppin Elementary Kindergartener; and Daisy, loyal family dog.

Background/Bio:

I moved to Three Rivers in the fall of 2007 when my wonderful partner Nicole accepted her first teaching job at Three Rivers High School. We have been homeowners in Lockport Township ever since. We love it here! I come from a long line of human service-oriented family members, with my father working as an outpatient therapist, my mother, wife, aunts, and mother in-law retired teachers, and my only sibling serving as a Jesuit priest. 

I have a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Social Work from Western Michigan University. I had been a clinical social worker in Kalamazoo for a few years, working with children with severe emotional disturbances and developmental disabilities. Upon moving to St. Joseph County, I was hired at Community Mental Health as a children’s therapist. This opportunity allowed me to provide family therapy in many homes in the county, as well as every school. I loved this work, and the opportunity to be working with families. In 2013, an opportunity arose at the St. Joseph County Intermediate School District for a School Social Worker position. I have continued in this role ever since, and I intend to continue for as long as I can.

Does your background include training or work, paid or unpaid, in education? What was that experience? What are some of your successes, and what have been some learning moments?

Throughout my career I have worked in schools in different capacities. I’ve worked with students of all ages, including young adults. I thoroughly enjoy working in schools…being able to provide direct service to students, collect and analyze data, set up systems to put prevention-based programs in place, and learn and grow with teachers. 

I have an expansive curriculum vitae that includes numerous professional development presentations I have provided.  I’ve developed and led many committees and new initiatives. As the Department Chair of School Social Workers, I manage our budget, and have helped double our staff numbers. I have supervised graduate level interns and mentored new employees. I have worked part time at CTAG (Children’s Trauma Assessment Group). Two years ago, I wrote a grant to begin the Resilience for Youth summer program, this year transitioning to a virtual platform unexpectedly. 

Do you now or have you ever had children enrolled in the district where you are running?

I am extremely proud of my two young Hoppin Wildcats, Sam and Margaret.

How else do you currently participate, or have you participated in the past, in school district activities?

Our family is extremely passionate about public education. We attend as many games, events, and activities that we can. 

I have been a volunteer at World Fare, a local non-profit, for thirteen years. In addition to store shifts, I train new volunteers, served as a board member for two years, and the board president for four years. When I first moved to Three Rivers I was a TRAM mentor. Recently, I coached AYSO soccer for a few seasons. Volunteer work has always been a part of my adult life, having served at Drive Safe Kalamazoo and intake support at the Kalamazoo Gospel Mission. 

How has your school district handled the pandemic in both the spring and fall of this year? If anything, what would you have done differently?

On March 13, 2019 our schools changed. Will we ever return to “normal?” I do not know. It has been an unbelievable roller coaster for everyone. I think all I can really put into words is a huge dose of admiration and appreciation for anyone working in schools these days. The resilience, passion, and dedication is contagious. Be safe and thank you to each and every Three Rivers Community Schools employee, board member, and stakeholder. You all are amazing!

Outside of the pandemic, what are currently the most important challenges your school district faces? How do you plan to address those challenges?

As a staunch believer in public education, I also understand that we can always do better. You’ll read below about a few big areas I have been vocal about. However, the opportunities for growth are limitless. I’m very aware and concerned about the social-emotional health of our students and staff during this challenging period. Einstein said, “in the middle of difficulty, there is opportunity.” Since March, educators have found ways to adapt, use technology differently, and enhance relationships with students, parents, and co-workers.

Attendance is a big area to improve upon. 

Early literacy is crucial, if students can’t read proficiently, all subject areas are affected. 

Sticking with programs and initiatives for longer periods is also a need. Educators need not be continually faced with “what’s the new program” mentality. I’ve been guilty of this in my work, encouraging new programs in schools that already have strong tier one foundations. I’ve learned from this, however, that we need to slow down and assess what is already in place, and have key conversations with stakeholders before changing course. 

As the “district of choice in St. Joseph County,” Three Rivers is faced with the continued challenge of retaining families, as well as qualified staff. There are so many wonderful things happening in each of the Three Rivers Community Schools. I want to understand them, celebrate, improve, and be a continued life-long learner. 

Are there other key points of your platform as a candidate for school board? If so, what are they?

The big five points that I’ve been talking about are:

  • Robust early childhood services
  • Partnerships with local businesses
  • Equity for all students to feel safe and included
  • Retain qualified staff with diverse backgrounds
  • Continue abundant extra-curricular activities

How does running for the school board fit your broader views and ethics?

Like a lot of people, I’ve done some reflection during this challenging period in history. Becoming a member of the Board of Education has been something I’ve thought about in the past. While doing some self-assessing on my skills, priorities, and commitments, it reaffirmed in me that not only do I have the skills to be a part of this high-quality board, but it also fits with my ongoing desire to serve my community. Additionally, the service to others while learning new skills and working with others with different backgrounds aligns with the code of ethics I chose to follow when becoming a social worker. High quality public education is extremely important to a community. Three Rivers Community Schools is also a large employer in the city. 

Why is education important to you?

Many aspects of school were tough for me growing up, particularly as an adolescent. I want to do my part to help others, whether school is challenging to them or not. I want to be a part of changing the narrative. “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world,” said Nelson Mandela. I believe it’s important to always be a life-long learner, no matter what your craft or interest and it’s important to stay up to date, be informed, be willing. 

Is there anything else the community should know about you?

Thank you for giving all of these wonderful candidates an opportunity to share our thoughts. It’s a privilege to be able to run in a local election alongside stellar candidates. I really appreciate Watershed Voice spending time focusing on the importance of a school board election. I hope that my passion for public education and the families it serves is apparent.