ANTHONY WAYNE – Anthony Wayne Board of Education members Kyle Miller and Mike Stamm are running unopposed for two four-year terms. Miller was elected in 2021 while Stamm was elected in 2023 to an unexpired, two-year term.
The Anthony Wayne Free Press asked the two to weigh in on accomplishments, challenges and goals for the board in the coming four years – including the immediate task of selecting a new board member to replace Shellie McKnight, who is departing at the end of the year.
“We have the responsibility to move forward the right way,” Miller said of the process to select McKnight’s replacement. “Every applicant will be given equal consideration. Our priority is selecting someone who will help guide our district forward and someone the community can rally behind.”
In addition to selecting a new board member, the district will also need to hire a new treasurer and superintendent during the next four years, Stamm said, referring to the upcoming retirements of treasurer Kerri Johnson and superintendent Kevin Herman.
“Those are decisions that will shape the future of our district for years to come,” Stamm said, adding thAT the board also needs to create a clear plan for what the district should look like going forward.
“I want our community’s values to guide the future of Anthony Wayne so we can continue to be a district that families can be proud to call home.”
Miller acknowledged that the district has faced challenges, including community division.
“I believe we can move past that division and unite around our shared goal of having our students succeed,” Miller said.
Bullying also remains a top concern, and while Miller said some progress has been made during his first term, there is always more to do.
“We cannot eliminate it entirely, but we can continue improving our policies and practices to better protect and support students,” he said.
One of the biggest challenges facing all school districts is when parents don’t stay engaged, Stamm said.
“Schools work best when families are involved and supportive of both their children and the district. When parents are engaged, teachers also feel more supported and appreciated, which makes a huge difference in the classroom,” he said.
Both note that the district always faces financial challenges as well, with rising costs and uncertain state funding.
“There are always uncertainties, but with this board and our exceptional administration, I have full confidence we will navigate challenges wisely and responsibly,” Miller said.
Both men said they have learned a lot during their time on the board and will use that knowledge moving forward.
“I first ran to make sure our schools follow the values of our community and to help rebuild trust between families and the district,” Stamm said. “I think we’ve made progress, but there is still more work to do. Parents’ rights matter, and I want to continue making sure families have a strong voice in the decisions that affect their children.”
Miller said he’s learned the power of listening to everyone in the district, including parents, students, staff and community members – who all bring unique perspectives and ideas.
“Truly listening makes us stronger. It helps shape the discussions I bring back to fellow board members and our administration, and it ensures that the decisions we make reflect the voices of the people we serve,” Miller said.
Both men said they will make it a priority to listen to all voices, regardless of political affiliation or political viewpoint.
“Every concern and perspective matters, because every voice in our community matters. That commitment will remain at the heart of how I serve,” Miller said.
While not everyone will agree with every decision, that’s part of living in a great community, said Stamm, noting that he will listen to everyone and make the best decision for the entire district.
“Even when we don’t agree, people should feel they were heard and respected. That’s the kind of leadership our community deserves,” Stamm added.
Applications for the open board position, which has two years remaining from January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2027, are due on Monday, Nov. 3. The district’s website, anthonywayneschools.org, has an online application available. McKnight’s successor will be named during the Monday, Dec. 8 board meeting and sworn in during the first meeting in January.
