Endorsements

Hear from community members about why they support Amy for WLCSC School Board

Sheila Klinker endorses Amy Austin

Amy I am behind you 100%. You can quote me.

Sheila Klinker

State Representative from Indiana House District 27
Teacher Gina Peters Endorses Amy Austin for School Board

I have known Amy for over a decade, both inside the walls of the elementary school, and outside in the West Lafayette community. As her friend and a WL teacher, I was ecstatic when she ran and was elected to the school board in 2020. I knew back then that Amy was the perfect person to help our schools continue to grow, improve, and thrive. She stands on the firm foundation that every student deserves to be met at their level and supported to reach their highest potential. Amy knows that in order for this to occur, she must listen to, and work closely with, those that are on the front line of the educational process. She doesn’t just think with her own perspective in mind and instead looks at the bigger picture. Amy is willing to notice when things need improvement and reach out to those who are the experts and have more knowledge than herself. She listens to all, seeks to understand all, and works for the whole school community, not just those whose opinions match her own.

I am confident that Amy Austin will continue her exemplary work on the school board if reelected. I fully trust her with not only my future as a West Lafayette teacher, but also the educational future of our five children. They need someone who is them-focused, from the smallest to the tallest, from the highly able to the special needs, from the quietest to the loudest, and all those in between and combined. Amy is their voice, our voice, on the school board.

Gina Peters

2nd Grade Teacher, West Lafayette Elementary School
Brad Marley endorsement for Amy Austin

I’ve had the pleasure of working directly with Amy Austin the last 4 years as a Member of the West Lafayette Community School Corporation Board of Trustees. Amy has been deeply committed to our schools and our children for 15 years. She started as a volunteer and leader for our Parent Council at our Intermediate School. Amy joined our School Board nearly 4 years ago and her contributions have moved our district progressively forward in an ever-changing landscape. Over the last year she has provided steadfast leadership as Board President. Above all, she’s a public servant who has invested her heart and mind into our Schools and our Children. She understands the role of the Board, and her Trust and Commitment are felt by our Staff, Students and Parents. There is no one more experienced, qualified and capable. That is why I’m supporting Amy Austin for reelection to The West Lafayette School Corporation Board of Trustees.

Brad Marley

Lafayette Market President / Senior Vice President - Commercial Banking
Chris Campbell endorsing Amy Austin for School Board

I am proud to endorse Amy Austin for re-election to the WL school board because she is committed to protecting traditional public schools and the stellar educational opportunities for West Lafayette Community Schools.

Chris Campbell

Indiana House of Representatives from House District 26
Stephanie Karpicke for Amy Austin

I am writing to endorse Amy Austin for her continued role with the West Lafayette School Board. Having known Amy for over a decade, I can attest to her unwavering commitment to the well-being and success of the children and families in her district. Amy consistently demonstrates dedication to the best interests of students. Her professionalism and kindness are evident in every interaction, and she is always the first to lend a helping hand to those in need. Her genuine compassion makes her an invaluable asset to our community. As a parent and a school counselor, I am proud to support Amy and her continued service to the West Lafayette Schools.

Stephanie Karpicke

TSC School Counselor 
James R Guy Academic Wing

We are retired West Side teachers who dedicated our professional careers to this community. West Lafayette and its schools remain essential to us. That is why we need a collaborative, well-functioning School Board that will help us maintain the high quality of our schools. We believe that incumbent Amy Austin, Maria Koliantz, George Lyle, and David Purpura are best qualified to achieve this goal. We strongly endorse these four candidates for election on November 5.

Jim Garland, Jim Guy, and Dave McGaw

Retired WLCSC Teachers
Jane Schott endorses Amy Austin for School Board

Amy Austin is a clear choice to be re-elected for the West Lafayette School Board. As a former West Lafayette parent, teacher, coach and administrator, I understand on many levels the importance of a supportive, collaborative board that helps make our school community an amazing place. Amy understands the value of considering a variety of perspectives while always upholding the standard of excellence our schools represent. She listens to her stakeholders, teachers and building administrators to make informed decisions as a board member. I felt supported and respected because she trusted me to do my job. Even though I have moved on to a new job, I still live in the West Lafayette community and care that our schools continue to be one of the best educational experiences for kids in the state. Amy is someone who will work tirelessly to make this happen. She embodies RDP in its most truest sense and she has my complete and enthusiastic support.

Jane Schott

Former science teacher, West Lafayette Jr. Sr. High / IHSAA assistant commissioner
Counselor Courtney Murtaugh endorses Amy Austin for West Lafayette School Board

Amy Austin is a clear example of leadership within WLCSC. I have known Amy for more than 10 years–as a community member, parent, volunteer, friend, and board member. I trust Amy to make the decisions that are best for my daughter as a WL student and for me as a public educator. As a school counselor, I know Amy focuses on the whole child, and promotes wellness for our kids. I support Amy Austin for re-election as a WLCSC board member.

Courtney Murtaugh

School Counselor, West Lafayette Intermediate School
Ron Shriner's endorsement for Amy Austin for School Board

Over many years of service as both a teacher and administrator in WLCSC, Amy Austin is among the very best board members that I have known. Most recently I have been impressed with her professional approach as board president. Amy will ask tough questions, but always speaks and acts with great respect for all voices in the school community. Amy is an effective member and president because she guides the board to fulfill its central purpose to develop relevant district policies and work effectively with the district administration. Mrs. Austin has consistently improved as a member by participating in ISBA school board trainings and has developed relationships at the state level with the IDOE and legislature, none of it required, but all beneficial to WLCSC. I endorse Mrs. Austin’s desire to continue to serve WLCSC students, families, and staff. She is in it for the right reasons and our great schools will continue to thrive with Amy’s continued service on the board.

Ron Shriner

Retired Principal, West Lafayette Jr./Sr. High School
Andi Hispher endorsement for Amy Austin

As a parent of two children and an educator at West Lafayette Community School Corporation, I fully support Amy Austin as a school board candidate. She has proven to be a highly-effective leader in our community, and I wholeheartedly trust her judgement and decision-making capabilities. Mrs. Austin has the skills that are necessary to ensure that our children are receiving the best education possible.

Andi Hipsher

Science Teacher, West Lafayette Jr/Sr High School
Teacher Craig Shaeffer endorses Amy Austin for School Board

As a resident of this school district, a parent of three WLCSC students,  and a teacher at West Lafayette Jr./Sr. High School for the past twenty-three years, I am completely invested in the success of our kids and our schools. I believe we’re a unique school system, which means we need school board members who understand that the secret of our success is our willingness to work together. 

Amy Austin is the epitome of this collaborative spirit. She respects the tradition of excellence that has distinguished WLCSC for decades, yet she’s also committed to helping our schools innovate and improve. I’ve been interacting with Amy since our oldest children attended kindergarten here together, and in all that time, Amy has exhibited empathy toward all WLCSC’s kids, enthusiastic support of West Side’s teachers, and a commitment to listening to all community members while serving on the school board.

I trust Amy’s judgment, her character, and her leadership. I also respect her steadfast devotion to our kids and our schools. I wholeheartedly endorse Amy Austin, and I’m hopeful she’ll be given the chance to continue her outstanding service on our school board.

Craig Shaeffer

Teacher and Author at West Lafayette Jr./Sr. High School
Tom Schott, Board Member, Endorsing Amy Austin for School Board

Amy Austin is widely regarded as an outstanding and hard-working board member and board president. She serves the West Lafayette community for the right reason – to better the quality public education available to our students – while being a voice of reason for all families. She has a sterling relationship with Superintendent Greiner, his administrative team and key state legislators. There is nothing self-serving about Amy, and we need her on the board to ensure that our school corporation continues to thrive. She has my full endorsement.

Tom Schott

12 Year WLCSC Board Member
Teacher Becky Creech Endorses Amy Austin for WL School Board

As a West Lafayette parent, teacher, and community member, I am excited to support Amy Austin’s reelection to the school board. Amy is committed to continuing to learn how to best serve the students and staff of our WLCSC schools. She regularly attends board member training sessions and integrates these best practices into her leadership of the WL school board. Amy listens to and values the experiences of our professional educators. She understands the importance of letting the professionals do their jobs and has never tried to micromanage what happens in our schools and classrooms. With Amy Austin’s continued leadership on the school board, we can ensure an outstanding educational experience for ALL our students.

Becky Creech

Science Teacher, West Lafayette Jr/Sr High School