Eight candidates seek two seats for Lawrence Township school board

This article was co-published by Chalkbeat Indiana and WFYI as part of a collaboration ahead of the 2022 school board elections.

The most contested school board election in Marion County is happening at the Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township. Eight candidates are competing for two seats on the governing board. The district served over 15,600 students during the 2020-2021 academic year. Nearly 48 percent were Black, 27 percent were Hispanic and roughly 64 percent identified as low-income. 

Located on the northeast side of Indianapolis, Lawrence Township schools has been known for its robust dual-language Spanish immersion program. 

Like other school districts, Lawrence students are still catching up to pre-pandemic achievement levels. This year 15 percent of Lawrence Township students passed both the math and English sections of the ILEARN test. That’s compared to the state’s average of 30 percent of students. 

This election

In the November midterm election two seats are open — at-large and District 2. District 2 Incumbent Richard Freije is not running for reelection. The district covers the far northeast corner of Marion County and is bordered by Hamilton and Hancock counties. 

In 2021, a committee of more than 100 faculty, staff, parents and students reviewed the district's equity audit report and developed recommendations for improving social and academic outcomes for all students. The new board will continue to see the adoption of these recommendations.  

Who votes and how to vote

Voters within the school district boundary can vote for all of the races on the ballot. 

Voter registration ends on Oct. 11. Marion County residents can register to vote at indianavoters.in.gov. 

Early voting begins on Oct. 12 at the Indianapolis City-County Building at 200 E. Market St. Additional early voting sites, including one in Pike Township at the Indianapolis Public Library’s Pike Library Branch, open on Oct. 29 and can be found online at vote.indy.gov/early-voting/.

On Election Day on Nov. 8, Marion County residents can vote at any of the county’s voting centers, which can be found atvote.indy.gov/. 

Meet the candidates

Jessica Dunn, at-large seat

Dunn, the executive director of enrichment programs for Indianapolis Public Schools, is the parent of three Lawrence students. 

Dunn said her top priorities are hiring and retaining staff, and “critically assessing data” to ensure students get an equitable, “world-class education.” 

Dunn also wants a focus on the social and emotional needs of students and families, and access to mental health supports for students. Her campaign website is here.

Reginald McGregor, at-large seat

Incumbent Mcgregor has served on Lawrence Township’s school board for two consecutive terms and he’s the current board president. Both of his daughters are graduates of Lawrence Central High school. Mcgregor is the vice president of government relations at Rolls-Royce. 

Mcgregor said he is seeking reelection to help improve student achievement and support to parents by implementing strategies learned during the COVID-19 pandemic.

He also wants to address the differences in student achievements between groups of students divided by family income. His district bio is here. 

At-large candidates Morgan Bailey and Jennifer Tursi could not be reached for comment.

Janet Jacobs, District 2 

Jacobs is a former teacher. Three of her children are Lawrence graduates, and two of her grandchildren attend school in the district. 

Jacobs wants to help ensure equity exists in every aspect of the educational process at Lawrence. She said her experience with budgets, writing grants and in providing interventions for at-risk students gives her insight into many facets of a school system. Her campaign website is here. 

Patricia Brenamen, District 2 

Brenamen is a Latinx immigrant who has two children in the school district. She is the director of corporate and tax operations with the Indiana Department of Revenue.

Brenamen said she wants to improve diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in the district while listening to teachers, students and the community. 

Nichole Sledge, District 2 

Sledge is the parent of a Lawrence Central high schooler and the director of student services at KIPP Indy Public Schools. She is running for the school board to better support teachers and students. 

As an educator, Sledge said, she can give valuable input to the board. She said her top priority is ensuring each student is served in the best capacity based on their individual needs. She also wants to promote the importance of providing support to school employees as part of building a foundation for student success.

Marta Lawrence, District 2

Lawrence is the mother of three children. She leads strategic efforts for the Salesforce marketing department. Lawrence said she wants to improve students’ growth and economic future, as well as be a transparent voice for the community, students and district staff.

Lawrence said that public education is the cornerstone of a community. She believes schools should provide the resources needed to help students succeed regardless of their background. Her campaign website is here. 

Contact WFYI education reporter Elizabeth Gabriel at egabriel@wfyi.org. Follow on Twitter: @_elizabethgabs.