Letter to the Editor: Why I’m Running for Cassopolis School Board

To the editor:

My name is Hailey. I’m a 25-year-old former pre-school teacher and stay-at-home mom. I am running for the Cassopolis School Board because none of the current candidates for school board have teaching experience. None of the current school board members have teaching experience either. When decisions about hiring, funding, and policies are being made, someone with teaching experience should be involved.

I have a Bachelor’s degree from Indiana University South Bend, and three years of previous experience teaching at the pre-school level. I currently live in Vandalia and my daughter will start kindergarten in 2024 at Sam Adams. My husband runs a small flooring business in the Michiana área, and you may see us come and go from our office next to T’s Salon in Cassopolis. We love living and raising our family here.

One recurring issue with Cassopolis Schools is the staffing shortages. This includes instructional assistants, bus drivers, teachers’ aides, and even teachers. Solutions exist to this problem that don’t include just increasing pay. Better advertising of open positions using both online and physical means as well as updating job descriptions to include pay and benefits will bring in more candidates.  

Making Cassopolis Schools better is of great importance as the area continues to grow and attract young families like mine. Vote for me in November to help make our schools better. Find the line for write-in candidates, fill in the bubble, and write in my name, Hailey Colpitts. 

Hailey Colpitts
Vandalia