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EDWARDSBURG — Listed below are Q&As with candidates for Edwardsburg Public Schools’ Board of Education who are running for three open seats in the Nov. 5 primary election.

Arin Johnson, of Niles, is running for election to the EPS Board of Education. He is currently on disability due to a work-related injury.

Why do you want to be on the Edwardsburg school board?

As a proud graduate Of Edwardsburg High School and a father of three children who have attended Edwardsburg schools, I have a first hand understanding of the challenges and opportunities within our public school system. My wife is also an active member within the community doing non-profit activities, and together, he strive to make a positive impact within the community. 

What do you hope to accomplish as a school board member?

Through the school board I hope to help achieve the full potential of our Eddie’s students by:

– Investing in school safety

– Investing in academic excellence and equity 

– Get very involved in Teacher Support and Development 

– Be a voice for the community and parent engagement 

– Add more technology and career programs

– Get involved in the financial transparency and responsibilities

What makes you the most qualified candidate for this position?

I have been a union representative for over 2,000 railroad members. This role has sharpened my skills in advocacy, negotiations, and problem solving-skills. I have served on the Rocket Football board, coached football, wrestling, basketball and baseball. I am also a 4-H leader at the County Fair and volunteer for Hospice. These are things that have deepened my commitment to the community and I am excited to bring these skills to the board.

 

Alan Miller, of Edwardsburg, is running for election to the EPS Board of Education. He is a Production Foreman at River Valley Plastics, INC.

Why do you want to be on the Edwardsburg school board?

I want to be on the Edwardsburg School Board to support the educational journey of my four daughters, who will be attending school here over the next 18 years. I aim to foster an inclusive environment that promotes innovation, growth and collaboration, ultimately enhancing the educational experience for all students in our district. It’s important to me to leave a lasting impact for the children of tomorrow and all future Eddies! 

What do you hope to accomplish as a school board member?

As a school board member at Edwardsburg, my primary goals are to maintain and grow our educational excellence. Actively listen to and effectively communicate the concerns and needs of all Eddie stakeholders. By gathering and presenting factual data, I aim to assist the board in making clear and concise decisions. Additionally, I am committed to being a driving force to enhance school safety, ensuring a secure and nurturing environment where all students feel supported. 

What makes you the most qualified candidate for this position?

I am the most qualified candidate due to my unique age perspective, which allows me to connect with both students and parents effectively. My versatile skill set includes strong communication, strategic planning, and community engagement, essential for addressing diverse educational needs. Additionally, my management experience equips me with the ability to oversee initiatives, collaborate with stakeholders, and make informed decisions that enhance our school community. Together, these attributes position me to make a meaningful impact.

 

Tammy Niemier, of Edwardsburg, is running for re-election to the EPS Board of Education. She is Vice President of Sales for a third party logistics and fulfillment company, specializing in international business for almost 25 years.

What do you hope to accomplish as a school board member? 

I’ve served the district over the last 6 years, during some of the most difficult times we have faced-including Covid. There is always more work to do, to ensure a best-in-class school system and workplace. I will continue to support the vision and ideas that are in the best interest of the students, staff and district. School safety was my priority six years ago, and remains at the top of my list.

What makes you the most qualified candidate for the position? 

I am a multi-generational Eddie and graduated from EHS. I have served on the Board for six years and have done my best to keep the best interests of the district in mind with every vote. I focus and have focused on the kids, always. It’s all about the kids. I also serve in multiple facets throughout the community, trying to help make Edwardsburg better every day. I bleed orange & blue.

 

Tony Overmyer, of Edwardsburg, is running for re-election to the EPS Board of Education. He is the Director of North American Sales for Down Under Enterprises.

Why do you want to be re-elected to the Edwardsburg school board? 

I absolutely love the Edwardsburg school system and being an Eddie! We have accomplished a lot in the past six years but we still have more to do. As an example, with passing the bond we will be going through a lot of changes we have been planning and I look forward to working through the improvements to our security, transportation, and learning environment.

What do you hope to accomplish as a school board member? 

Be a transparent board; provide resources for our teachers and administrators to be excellent; be fiscally sound with our decisions; look for additional ways EPS can generate revenue; safeguard our school system by ensuring we have policies in place and that they are followed; extracurriculars of all types are emphasized and encouraged* engaging the community with our schools; evaluate our superintendent and provide feedback and accountability.

What makes you the most qualified candidate for this position?

Graduated Edwardsburg in 1988 and served the EPS board since 2019, I bleed Orange and Blue. I have been through tumultuous times during COVID and exciting times selecting our new superintendent. We failed at passing a bond and were successful at passing a bond. Always transparent as possible, vote my conscience even when not popular, committed to excellence for the long term. In short, my experience but also the drive to think outside the box and make EPS the greatest school in the USA.

 

Nick Yoder, of Edwardsburg, is running for election to the EPS Board of Education. He is an On-Premise Sales Consultant for Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits.

Why do you want to be on the Edwardsburg school board? 

My wife, an Edwardsburg graduate, and I moved to Edwardsburg 12 years ago for the schools because they have long had a reputation as some of the best. I want to continue that tradition while looking forward and adapting to current needs. I believe public education is one of the greatest services this country provides and we need strong leadership to continue to ensure opportunity for all and restore trust and respect for our schools.

What do you hope to accomplish as a school board member? 

I hope to create a culture that celebrates and respects all students and staff, that encourages concerns to be brought up without fear of retaliation, and prepares our children for the future. I want to bring back joy and respect for a profession that has long been under-respected. As we all continue to learn, I hope to adapt to changing needs and leave EPS even better than I found it.

What makes you the most qualified candidate for this position? 

With several family members in public education and several years spent substitute teaching, I understand the difficulties facing our schools. Coaching sports, participating in teacher appreciation weeks, and regularly following board meetings and sharing that information displays my community involvement. I’m a high-achiever who values continuous learning. When contentious issues arise, I listen and provide a calming voice that shows a productive path forward. Having two EPS students gives me a stake in its success.