WARSAW — The Warsaw Community Board of School Trustees interviewed three candidates who have filled out letters of interest to fill the open spot of District 5. One of the candidates is to complete the last two years of Jennifer Tandy’s term.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. David Hoffert, began the interviews by stating he would not be asking any questions, he would simply be there to listen, as the board members would be the ones who vote on who the next board member would be.

The board members had a series of questions for each candidate. The interviews were completed in a meeting open to the public, with each candidate interviewed separately.

The candidates were first asked to tell a little bit about themselves and explain why they were interested in the position.

During the first interview, Alina Willig told the board she has a Master’s degree in education and has taught all ages from baby to adult. Willig has lived in the area since the early 2000s. Willig has two children in Warsaw schools, a seventh grader and a first grader.

She stated she wanted to be apart of the school board, “Because you can help bring change.”

When asked about the changes she would want to implement if she became a board member, Willig mentioned she would consider a balanced school calendar.

Willig assured the board when she would have to make decisions, she would base it off her experience in education and what would be best for the students.

The board also interviewed Jeremy Mullins. Mullins is a commercial manager at Louis Dreyfus in Claypool. Mullins moved to the area 10 years ago from Southern Indiana. While he has no children in the Warsaw School system currently, his daughter will be a part of the Warsaw School system when she goes to kindergarten next year.

He explained he became more interested in the schools when he joined the committee for the referendum last year. After talking with individuals about the referendum, he found he wanted to help families of students who do not have all the opportunities others do. Mullins said he thought, “Instead of worrying, maybe I should do something about it.”

When asked how he would be able to handle the time commitment that goes into being a board member, Mullins explained it might be time for him to step away from other commitments so he could give move attention to this position.

Mullins mentioned one thing he would be interested in implementing is opening more preschools. He referenced the fact that kindergarten teachers struggle to get kids up to speed when students have not attended preschool.

The last candidate the board interviewed was Chad James. James graduated from Ball State with degrees in criminal justice, history and a minor in geography. He moved to the area in 1999. He is a Northfield training sergeant with the Indiana State Police. He has three children in Warsaw Schools.

James mentioned he would love to implement more opportunities for parents and students to learn all the advantages of the technology students are provided with at Warsaw schools. He indicated simply having a night showing parents how useful their kids’ iPads are could be helpful.

He mentioned he would use school policies and the mission statement as the foundation for how he would choose to make decisions on the board.

David Hoffert stated the board would discuss the choices and contact the candidates within the next few weeks with their decision. The decision will be made through a majority vote by the school board.