David M. Finkel announces his candidacy for Shelbyville Central Schools Board of Trustees District 4.

Finkel (left) with Shelby County Election Deputy Jeff Sponsel

Mr. Finkel is seeking his 4th and final term with this election. Shelbyville Central Schools is facing a "debt cliff" as the current bond expires and new bonds are issued in 2023. He believes strongly in maintaining, not increasing, our current tax rate. A strong proponent of local fiscal policies, Mr. Finkel understands and champions for our students and taxpayers. In October he will present a seminar on Local Taxation at the Indiana School Board Association's (ISBA) fall conference. This training will help school board members across the state understand their role in property tax issues.

The direction and perception of public education is extremely important to Mr. Finkel. The role of an elected school board is important, but needs to stay within the boundaries of governance. As a board member he believes that the board should set the example for our district. Mr. Finkel and his wife have been married for 32 years. Both are graduates of SHS as well as their daughter, Class of 2017.

In his three terms as a Shelbyville Central Schools board member, Mr. Finkel understands the need for the expansion of advocacy on behalf of all constituents in public education. The issue of local control is constrained by State and National agendas. It is important to champion for our school corporation and students in any arena that will affect our district. He is a member of the Legislative Committee for Indiana School Boards Association, and proposed expanded funding for social, emotional, and behavioral issues within our student body. This funding, if approved, will allow our teachers to teach; improving the opportunity for all students to receive a quality education from a faculty member dedicated to their academic success.

Mr. Finkel is proud of the accomplishments of the current and past boards. He is proud to serve with dynamic and dedicated fellow school board members. He believes in and trusts the talented faculty and staff that educate our children each day. There are problems within our school system. Low scores and low morale have plagued the district for the last few years. As we emerge from the pandemic, Mr. Finkel looks forward to a new direction with our corporation's educational leadership.

Mr. Finkel has earned his Master School Board Member rating from the Indiana School Board Association. He is in the top twenty most extensively trained, of the over 1700 school board members, in the state of Indiana. This is recognition of his commitment to the highest level of continuous improvement and ongoing education as a school board member.

In addition to his service to Shelbyville Central Schools, Mr. Finkel continues as founder and board member for the Strand Theatre, Shelbyville Board of Public Works and Safety, and Shelbyville Public Utilities Board. He is a nationally elected board member of the American Theatre Organ Society, and serves on the board of Our Hospice of South Central Indiana.

Mr. Finkel performs with the Columbus City Concert Band. He also serves with many local and state organizations. His interests include restoring theater pipe organs, flying (licensed pilot), historic preservation, music, and live performance.

Mr. Finkel looks forward to continuing his service on the board of Shelbyville Central Schools.

He is dedicated to helping the children of our community through solid stewardship of our school corporation.