Nelson seeks re-election to South Putnam school board

Nelson

Darwyn Nelson is seeking another term on the South Putnam School Board.

Nelson is a veteran of the Vietnam War. He received his bachelor of science degree in agriculture economics from Murray State University.

Currently, Nelson owns an agri-business company and is a faculty instructor for Vincennes University. He is completing his first term as a member of the Board of Trustees of the South Putnam Community School Corporation, representing Jefferson Township.

Having family presently attending Central Elementary is why Nelson is running again for the Jefferson Township seat. He is most proud of the technology advances that have been made at the corporation.

Nelson said he feels the installation and usage of Smart Boards in classrooms at Central Elementary and South Putnam High School have been a huge benefit for students and teachers. The new mobile computer lab at the high school allows students easy access for research projects while still having the advantage of being located in the classroom.

Another area of technological improvement for the corporation, according to Nelson, has been the implementation of the Harmony online communication system.

Harmony allows parents to have instant information regarding their children for the most up-to-date knowledge of grades, attendance and food service accounts.

"This tool is a perfect example of how we are improving communication to better serve our students and their parents," Nelson said.

Most importantly, Nelson is pleased that these and additional improvements have occurred without tax increases. In fact, as with every taxing district in Indiana, property taxes have been slashed.

"Unlike other school corporations in our county, South Putnam has not had to sacrifice teachers because of the drop in dollars," Nelson said. "South Putnam has been able to operate in a fiscally responsible manner as we continue to manage the funds to keep our schools strong without compromising classroom instruction."

Nelson said he is "honored to be a decision maker in these difficult economic times as the board tries to provide the best education possible for the students in our community while still staying financially committed and responsible to taxpayers.

"However, there is still more to do," Nelson continued. "First, we need to stop state government and the federal government from mandating programs with no money attached. Second, we need to let teachers teach and do away with some of the things we are teaching that reduce time in class. Thirdly, we need to continue to be more innovative as to new areas of education."