On Jan. 1, Mike Kerschner was sworn in as the newest member of the Carmel Clay School Board. HiLite staff member Katie Long (italics) sat down with Kerschner to ask him a few questions about his new job.

Why did you run for a seat on the Carmel Clay School Board?

(I ran for a seat on the Carmel Clay School Board) because I’m a concerned parent and our schools are our community’s most important assets and I thought I could be a valuable board member.

How did you feel when you found out that you were elected on the school board?

I was happy. It was my second time running, the first time (I ran) it was an at-large seat and it was contested and I didn’t win, so then the second time was unopposed so it was not a real surprise.

Do you think any of your past experiences will help you serve on the board?

I’ve been a volunteer on other boards, other charitable boards, and have had leadership experiences and I think those experiences will be valuable for serving on the school board.

Do you know if you have any plans for the Carmel Clay School Board at this moment?

Nope, at this moment, I’m just looking forward to being on the board and I’m sure that I will learn a lot.

Do you think being a parent of a student will help you being on the board?

I think it’s important that the board represents the community and its members have different experiences and different areas of expertise and I think that since the main goal is to provide a quality education to the students, the fact that I have kids in the system is important and valuable.

When does your term start and when does it end?

It’s a four year term. I believe it officially starts Jan. 1 and I think I will be sworn in at the first board meeting in January.