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Electing School Board Members

(Pg. 1 - Index) (Pg. 2 - Q&A for Board Members) (Pg. 3 - Governance)

• Ex-Wayne Township Schools Chief Files Counterclaim In Dispute: Accused Of Defrauding Wayne Twp. District, Thompson Says In Counterclaim That He Is Owed Money Under Contract (Ind'pls Star, 1/30/12)

• All Indiana School Board Elections Are Now Conducted During The Fall General Election (Russ Phillips, 1/30/12)

• Proposal To Radically Reorganize Indianapolis Public Schools - Including Loss Of Elected School Board - Could Spread To Other Systems  (retitled, Ind'pls Star, 12/18/11)

• (Rochester) School Board Expands Its Public Record (The Rochester Sentinel, 12/11/11)

• South Henry Schools Hires Part-Time Superintendent To Save Money (IED, 7/20/11)

• School System Where Superintendent Resigns To Cut Costs, Shores Up Funds (IED, 7/2/11)

• Superintendent Resigns To Cut Cash-Strapped District's Cost (Education Week, 6/16/11)

• Indiana School Superintendent Says Small District Can't Afford His Salary (retitled, TribTown, 6/15/11)

• State Superintendent Bennett Meets With The Learning Connection Community "Indiana School Board Members" (6/10/11)

• School Board Culture Is Issue, Not Time Of Election (Opinion, Michael R. Cohen, 5/7/11)

• Turning Spotlight On School Boards (editorial, Ind'pls Star, 4/27/11)

• "...School Boards Are Elected To Serve The Public, Not The Superintendent Or Even The School District" (retitled, Editorial, Ind'pls Star, 2/2/11)

• Negligent Board Approves School Superintendent's $1M Retirement Package (retitled, Ind'pls Star, 1/29/11)

• Ex-Schools Chief To Quit $1,352-A-Day Job, Move Follows Criticism Of Retirement Package Worth More Than $1M (Ind'pls Star, 1/29/11)

• The Future Of School Boards (Commentary, Education Week, 1/10/11)

• Indiana School Board Members Invited To Join IDOE “Community” For Sharing (9/25/10)

• When May A School Board Meet In Executive Session (i.e. Public Is Excluded)? (7/30/10)

• Viewpoint - The Superintendent's Evaluation: Does The Board President Or The Entire Board Discuss The Final Evaluation  With The Superintendent? (7/27/10)

• Can A Superintendent Deny A Student In His District From Attending A Public School Elsewhere? (7/15/10)

• Unique Authorities Of A School Board President (7/15/10)

• Historical Review of Caston School Board Elections (7/14/10)

• Candidate Q&A: Two Seats Open On Caston School Board (Logansport Pharos~Tribune, 4/30/10)

• Jason Herd Files For Caston School Board (2/11/10)

• Phillips Seeks Re-election To Caston School Board (Pharos~Tribune, 1/19/10)

• Phillips To Seek Another Term On Caston School Board (1/13/10)

• Board Member Compensation Includes Significant Health Insurance Contribution (12/31/09)

• Candidate Filing For Caston School Board Begins Next Month (12/10/09)

• Ayers, Cress And Zartman Reelected (5/9/08)

• Joyce Zartman Files Candidacy For Caston School Board (Logansport Pharos-Tribune, 2/25/08)

• James Ayers Files Candidacy For Caston School Board (Rochester Sentinel, 2/15/08)

• Bruce Cress Files Candidacy For Caston School Board (Rochester Sentinel, 2/1/08)

• Running For The School Board? Info Session Held In Ten Areas Of The State Including Plymouth On Wednesday, Feb. 13th (ISBA, 1/30/08)

• Commentary: Caston Needs A School Board That… (Russ Phillips, 1/15/08)

• Board Candidate Profiles From Another School District (1/14/08)

• Form For Filing School Board Candidacy Available Online (11/30/07) (Rev. 12/2/09)

• Candidacy Filing For School Board Begins Wednesday, January 23, 2010 (11/28/07) (Rev. 12/2/09)

• Free Webspace For All Caston School Board Candidates (10/24/07)

• "Scorecard" On Key Votes By Board Members Since 2004 (8/3/07)

• Traits Of Effective School Board Members (IASB, 7/13/07)

• Historical Review Of Number Of Candidates For Election To Caston School Board (7/8/07)

• Electing School Board Members (Russ Phillips, 7/8/07, corrected 1/6/08) 

Electing School Board Members (Russ Phillips, 7/8/07, corrected 1/6/08) 

Caston has a five member School Board and every two years either two or three members are elected. In May 2008 an election will take place to select the Board representatives from Adams, Bethlehem, and Liberty Townships. However, the process gets underway considerably before the day of the election. In mid-January 2008 a several week filing period begins for those who wish to be a candidate. To file a candidacy you must be at least 18 years of age and a registered voter. [CORRECTION: To serve on the Board you must be at least twenty-one (21) years of age. I.C. 20-26-4-9] Although the candidate must live in the respective area they are to represent all voters in the entire school district vote for a representative from each of the districts. Since the first elected Caston School Board in 1964 there have been *21 unopposed candidates elected as shown in the table below. There was no choice in these elections. In fact, each candidate only needed ten signatures to file their candidacy. In effect those ten people “elected” these candidates. This should not be! Not only should candidates be well qualified, they should also have opposition. 

For community members wanting Caston and its students to excel this is most important to understand and take seriously. The representative from your area is one person casting one vote on a five member Board. To transact business at least three Board members must vote in the affirmative on any issue presented. This is why as a voter you should be well versed on all candidates from all areas. 

Make no mistake about it the School Board is in a vital position regarding the education the students receive. Often we hear it said that the superintendent (or principal or teacher) said or did this or that and it’s out of the Board’s hands. Certainly the Board does not administer the day-to-day affairs of the schools. However, each of these individuals must act in accord with the policy that the School Board establishes. The Board should establish the direction they would like their school to move in. They must have a vision of what they want their school to be. If there is something systemically amiss in the school’s operation the responsibility for such rightfully belongs with the School Board. In this age of expectations and accountability it is the School Board that determines how their schools will operate. At least this is how it should be. 

Such an important position should have the best occupying it. It is the citizenry that has a key role in this, not only by voting but also by encouraging well-qualified individuals to consider serving on the Board. Such an individual should be committed to a quality education for ALL. This means that there must be different opportunities for different students, since not all students are college bound. 

They should have a general interest in all facets of the operation. This does not mean they will have expertise in everything. However, they will be willing to listen and consider pertinent information and facts in their decision-making. Furthermore, they should respect the right of ALL persons to offer opinions on issues. For some there is a tendency to focus solely on brick and mortar projects. You can see the end product. You know where the money went. Just like a new car or home such projects create a sense of accomplishment. However, these projects, one should remember, do not assure that quality learning is occurring. Something much less visible to the public but of greater importance is the curriculum and student learning. Of course, the end product, unlike bricks and mortar, is not obtained in 6, 12, or 18 months. It’s cumulative and occurs over time. From Kindergarten to graduation represents at least thirteen years. Speaking of time, a Board member must commit to spending the necessary time to undertake these challenges. For optimal progress to be made an entire Board must be of this mindset. 

Are you a registered voter? Do you exercise this right? Have you thought about serving on the School Board? Have you encouraged someone you regard as well qualified to serve on the Board? The quality of education that all Caston students receive greatly depends on the School Board. This is where the buck stops! 

(*Additionally, in 2006 there was one seat with no declared candidate.)

Historical Review Of Number Of Candidates For Election To Caston School Board (7/8/07)

Traits Of Effective School Board Members (IASB, 7/13/07)

The following list is from the Iowa Association of School Boards and may be seen here. The list has relevance for all school board members regardless of one's state.

• They focus their efforts on serving all children. They make sure every decision or action of the board considers the best interests of all the students they serve. They understand that board members are entrusted by all the parents in the community and that no child is more important than another. Their first focus is on student achievement no matter what other issues arise.
• They understand the board’s roles and responsibilities. They are committed to ensuring that a long-term vision is established for the school system and to being accountable to their community. They strive to be knowledgeable about district policies and programs. They have a strong grasp of national trends, current issues and efforts in the district and can explain them to the public.
• They work well as members of a team. They understand that the board, rather than individuals on the board, establishes the policies and makes the decisions which provide direction for the school district. They work with staff, families and other agencies and businesses to build schools which encourage the best from all students. They work to improve schools by building public understanding, support and participation.
• They act with professionalism and integrity. They understand that the way board members act as individuals and as a body impacts the climate of the school district. They are respectful, listening carefully to colleagues, staff, parents and the public. They are honest and open, acting with fairness and consistency so that long-term changes can be accomplished. They respect their fellow board members’ right to hold differing views. They are committed to the democratic process, accept the will of the majority and support the decisions of the board.
• They commit the time and energy required to be effective. They are willing to commit their time to public service, including many hours at meetings, taking phone calls, listening to constituents, visiting schools and learning about societal and educational trends. They take part in workshops and seminars to continually expand their ability to serve effectively.

Free Webspace For All Caston School Board Candidates (10/24/07)

In the spirit of democratic government as well as the freedoms of speech and press along with the recognition of the importance of an informed electorate this website will provide space at no charge or obligation to all candidates for the Caston School Board in the 2008 election. 

Candidates will have the opportunity to share biographical information as well as explain their desire to serve on the Board and to comment about particular interests they have regarding Caston Schools. 

For additional details check with Russ Phillips.

Candidacy Filing For School Board Begins Wednesday, January 20, 2010 (11/28/07) (Rev. 12/2/09) Wednesday, January 20, 2010, is the first day for candidacy filing for the Wayne/Union Township and At-Large seats on the Caston School Board. The filing deadline is noon on Friday, February 19, 2010. This information can be found in the 2010 Indiana Election Calendar.

Form For Filing School Board Candidacy Available Online (11/30/07) (Rev. 12/2/09) - The form for filing one's school board candidacy may be found here. On the form you will see reference made to "metropolitan school corporation" and "community school corporation." This is important due to differing requirements. It is Phillips' understanding that Caston is regarded as a "community school corporation." However, candidates may want to seek confirmation of this by contacting one or both County Clerks' Offices (Cass: 574/753-7740; Fulton: 574/223-2911). 

Board Member Compensation Includes Significant Health Insurance Contribution (12/31/09)

Compensation for Board Members may be found at Bylaw 0144.1 and reads, in part, as follows:

The following compensation schedule shall be in effect for each individual member of the Board:

A.    Base compensation as provided for under I.C. 20-26-4-7 at $2,000/year plus,

B.    A per diem rate of $20 each for Board meetings and Board appointed committee meetings, with an annual cap of $600.

C.    Per diem for regional or state meetings during the day will be $50, with an annual cap of $200.

D.    Option to participate in the school health insurance plan.

The School Corporation shall provide and pay annually a set contribution towards a single, single+1, or family plan hospital, surgical, and major medical insurance plan for School Board Trustees.

(For 2010 a Board Member pays 10% of the cost below, or $567.60, for a Single [Employee] plan; 45% of the cost below, or $6,177.60, for a Single+1 [Employee + Spouse] plan; and, 45% of the cost below, or $6,979.44, for a Family plan. These percents are the same for certain other positions including Custodian, Secretary, Aide, Cafeteria Manager and Bus Driver.)

Board Candidate Profiles From Another School District (1/14/08) - Previously this site has announced that free web space will be provided to all candidates for the Caston School Board. Want to see how candidates for a school board elsewhere in Indiana are using the web? Click here and by clicking on the candidates' pictures you will find their profile.

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 Commentary: Caston Needs A School Board That… (Russ Phillips, 1/15/08) - There are many facets of a school corporation to oversee. A partial list includes maintaining financial solvency, physical facilities, student transportation, curriculum, instruction and personnel. There are others. In fact, you’ll notice “student learning” was not mentioned. It often gets overlooked because of the emphasis on “inputs” rather than “output.” 

The Iowa Association of School Boards in its article, “Traits Of Effective School Board Members,” says “Their first focus is on student achievement no matter what other issues arise.” 

Our recently departed superintendent, Mr. Huffman, gave an overview of accomplishments during his three and one-half years as Caston’s Superintendent. He included different examples such as upgrading facilities as well as various curricular and instructional additions. However, in my opinion there was a glaring omission to his comments. There was no comment about Caston’s “output.” There was nothing said about the achievement of our students. If one’s first focus is on student achievement then surely there is something that can be said about it after three and one-half years. 

However, the reference to “student achievement” at the beginning was with regards to school board members, not the superintendent. This is where the buck must stop. In my opinion Caston’s Board has not sustained an ongoing focus on the achievement of all students. How can a superintendent be expected to have this priority if a school board does not? 

Whether Iowa, Indiana or any other state it seems only reasonable that a school board should have this focus. It is time for Caston to have a Board that is continually focused on learning and student achievement for all students. 

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Running For The School Board? Info Session Held In Ten Areas Of The State Including Plymouth On Wednesday, Feb. 13th (ISBA, 1/30/08) - "Come to the Indiana School Boards Association Board Candidate Forums to learn what it takes to be an informed, effective public school board member..." (more)

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Bruce Cress Files Candidacy For Caston School Board (Rochester Sentinel, 2/1/08) - The January 31st Rochester Sentinel stated that Bruce Cress has filed his candidacy to be the representative of Adams Township (Cass County) on the Caston School Board. The election will be held on Tuesday, May 6th.

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James Ayers Files Candidacy For Caston School Board (Rochester Sentinel, 2/15/08) - The February 15th Rochester Sentinel stated that James Ayers has filed his candidacy to be the representative of Bethlehem Township (Cass County) on the Caston School Board.

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Joyce Zartman Files Candidacy For Caston School Board (Logansport Pharos-Tribune, 2/25/08) - The February 23rd Logansport Pharos-Tribune stated that Joyce Zartman has filed her candidacy to be the representative of Liberty Township (Fulton County) on the Caston School Board.

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Ayers, Cress And Zartman Reelected (5/9/08) - James Ayers, Bruce Cress and Joyce Zartman each won uncontested races for another four year term on the Caston School Board. According to The Pharos-Tribune of May 7, Ayers received a total of 915 votes, Cress 927 and Zartman 1,001. Congratulations to each! (Results: Cass, Fulton)

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Candidate Filing For Caston School Board Begins Next Month (12/10/09)

Next May there is an election for two seats on the Board, the Wayne/Union Township seat and the At-Large seat. For the former you must be a resident of that area to file a candidacy. For the At-Large seat you can reside anywhere in the school district. Additionally, to file a candidacy you must be at least 21 years of age. 

Filing for these seats begins next month. The filing period begins Wednesday, January 20, 2010 and extends till 12 noon on Friday, February 19, 2010. Filing forms and other information are available from the County Clerk’s Office. 

As was done in the 2008 election this website will provide space at no charge or obligation to all candidates for the Caston School Board in the 2010 election.

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Phillips To Seek Another Term On Caston School Board (1/13/10)

Russ Phillips announced today that he is seeking another term on the Caston School Board. As a former teacher, principal and current Board member he believes he has considerable insight into the various functions of the school system. 

About three and one-half years ago he created and continues to administer www.castoncomets.org with the purpose of informing the community about its school system. 

He believes it is important to visit the schools and classrooms during the school day and has done this in the past and if re-elected would continue to do so. 

Policy development is a key role of a board member. He would like to see the Board take a more active role in this. Specifically he would like to see more focus and direction on creating and sustaining an effective learning environment for each student.

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Phillips Seeks Re-election To Caston School Board (Pharos~Tribune, 1/19/10)
(This article was originally published January 14, 2010 in the Logansport Pharos~Tribune). 

By Jennifer Tangeman

Russ Phillips is seeking another term on the Caston School Board. Phillips, who is serving his third term on the board, said he believes he has considerable insight into the various functions of the school system because of his experiences as a former teacher and principal and on the school board.

“Education, and certainly Caston, is dear to my heart,” Phillips said. “I have been involved with the school corporation in some way since 1978.”

The school board member has continued to remain involved in the district by visiting schools throughout the day. He spends his time talking with principals, teachers and other staff.

“It at least gives you a brief snapshot of what’s going on at the moment,” he said.

While serving on the school board, Phillips created and continues to administer the Web site, www.castoncomets.org. He explained the purpose of the site is to inform the public of the ongoings of the school.

“I’m just a strong believer in people having relevant information,” Phillips said.

He said the Web site can give people a more fully-informed basis from which they can make judgments about their schools and how they are working.

If re-elected, Phillips said he wants to focus on policy development. “Policy development is a key role of a board member,” he said. “I would like to see the board take a more active role in this.

“I would personally like to see more focus and direction on creating and sustaining an effective learning environment for each student.” Phillips’ current term ends June 30.

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Jason Herd Files For Caston School Board (2/11/10)

"Jason Herd has filed for Caston School Board candidacy for District 1 (Wayne/Union Township).  Herd is a 1995 graduate of Caston, and is a 1999 graduate of Ohio Northern University (B.A. Communications/Public Relations, Spanish minor).  He has been employed by Auto-Owners Insurance Co. as a field claims representative since 2001.  He resides near Grass Creek with his wife Stephanie, and sons Keaton Ferverda (10) and Noah (3).  The Herd family will welcome their third child in June. 
 
Herd has worked with local youth, primarily through sports, since moving back to the community in 2003.  He has been a coach for the Caston Chargers youth football team since 2003, and has been a member of the Cass County Youth Football League Board Of Trustees since 2006.
 
["I care about Caston kids, and making sure that they have a safe school, inspired teachers and staff, and rich extra-curricular programs.  I'm interested in continuing to make Caston a beacon of pride within our community, and doing my part to ensure that our kids are prepared to be productive and successful members of society.  I look forward to working with current board members to learn about the responsibilities of the job, evaluating our resources, and helping Caston reach its full potential"]

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Candidate Q&A: Two Seats Open On Caston School Board (Logansport Pharos~Tribune, 4/30/10)
(The following first appeared in the Logansport Pharos~Tribune on Wednesday, April 28, 2010. CORRECTION: The reference to "district 2" below should say "district 5.")

FULTON — Voters in the Caston school district will elect two new board members in next week’s election. In district 1, two candidates, Jason Herd and Jeff Smith, are vying for the seat now held by Randall Sommers, while in district 2, incumbent Russ Phillips is facing two challengers in the form of Matt Hubenthal and Andrea Offenberger.           

The Pharos-Tribune posed two questions and gave each of the candidates up to 400 words to respond. The questions, and the candidates’ responses, follow:

District 1

What do you see as the main issue in this campaign?

Herd: Aside from issues that face each school corporation in our area individually, the common challenge has to be the reduction in the general fund from the state legislature.  Regardless of the size of the schools, that 4 or 5 percent cut has had a huge effect. We’ve seen and heard about staff reductions and the elimination of programs at various schools throughout the state. Despite those cuts, schools must find ways to operate more efficiently.

Smith: The main issue facing each school district is less funding. Each school district is being challenged to find ways to lower their spending without sacrificing the education of each student. I feel the experience I have gained while working for Farm Service Agency will assist me in making sound decisions for the Caston School Corporation.  

Why should voters choose you?

Herd: As a native of Wayne Township in Fulton County and a 1995 graduate of Caston, I have always been a patriot for my school. Since moving back to the area in 2002, I have been involved with Caston kids, primarily through youth sports. I believe that my experience as an insurance professional, combined with my volunteer activities, qualifies me to help guide Caston into the next decade and reach its full potential in every way. I look forward to the challenges that face all Indiana school corporations, and especially those based in small, rural communities like ours. If elected, I will spend the necessary time to listen and learn from the other board members. I want to find our strengths and weaknesses and identify our resources before introducing any of my ideas. However, regardless of the outcome, I am just pleased that both races for Caston School Board are contested this year. This shows that the leaders in our community are dedicated to our children, and interested in their future.

Smith: I have lived in the Caston school district all of my life. I graduated from Caston in 1987 and Purdue University in 1991. I have been employed with Farm Service Agency for 20 years. I am a member of the Fulton Baptist Temple, where I serve as deacon and treasurer. My wife, Diana and I have been married for 17 years. We have three sons, Andrew, 13; Mark, 9; and Samuel, 6. I want to see that each student is provided the knowledge, skills and abilities he/she needs to excel as tomorrow’s leaders. I look forward to working with the other School Board members and the community to ensure that each student is given the opportunity to reach his/her full potential by providing excellent education and extra-curricular opportunities.

District 2

What do you see as the main issue in this campaign?

Hubenthal: Did not respond.

Offenberger: Did not respond.

Phillips: The main issue is Caston’s future and whether or not it can provide a quality education to each of its students and do so cost-effectively. A recent demographic study forecasts that Caston’s current enrollment of 815 students will decrease to 673 in 10 years. Since the number of students determines the state dollars received, this is a concern. Additionally, two bills were introduced in the 2009 State Legislature regarding forced school consolidation. Although neither was approved there is little doubt that this topic will reappear in 2011. The school board needs to take a more active role in initiating policy development regarding the education it wants for its youth and establishing expectations to see that it happens. The superintendent and his staff will see that these policies and expectations are fulfilled; however, the board needs to assume the
vital role of establishing direction for the educational program. Due to the state reducing Caston revenue by about $175,000 for 2010, 20 percent was cut from various supplies/materials/repair accounts. Additionally only one of the two retiring elementary teachers will be replaced for next school year. Additional possible cuts are under review.

Why should voters choose you?

Hubenthal: Did not respond.

Offenberger: Did not respond.

Phillips: While on the board, I have visited the schools and classrooms several times each year for the entire day. On other special occasions I have also visited, such as the recent session of the Caston Band with noted composer Steve Melillo. Doing this allows me to experience firsthand what is taking place in our schools and classrooms. You get to see the teachers, students and other staff in action. Much is learned by watching and listening during these times. If re-elected, I will continue this practice as well as continue to administer www.castoncomets.org and the Facebook group, “Friends of Caston.” Also, I will use the newspaper to communicate with the Caston community. As a five-member board, it is critical to be able to work with others and respect varying opinions that will surface. No single board member can make policy alone. With Caston’s five-member board, at least three, a majority, must be supportive for any action to occur. A board will not always be unanimous in the decisions it makes; however, the discussion can always occur in a respectful manner. If re-elected, I will continue to invest the time and energy to assist Caston schools be among the best.

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Historical Review of Caston School Board Elections (7/14/10)

The Caston School Corporation consists of the areas of Liberty Township, Wayne Township and the portion of Union Township south of county road 200 S and east of county road 1000 W, of Fulton County, Indiana as well as Adams and Bethlehem Townships of Cass County, Indiana.

The Board of School Trustees is the governing body of the Caston School Corporation. It consists of five (5) members with five (5) member districts each having one (1) representative as follows:

District No. 1 - One (1) representative from the area of Wayne Township/Union Township (South of county road 200 S and east of county road 1000W) of Fulton County, Indiana. The representative must live within this area.

District No. 2 - One (1) representative from the area of Liberty Township of Fulton County, Indiana. The representative must live within this area.

District No. 3 - One (1) representative from the area of Adams Township of Cass County, Indiana. The representative must live within this area.

District No. 4 - One (1) representative from the area of Bethlehem Township of Cass
County, Indiana. The representative must live within this area.

District No. 5 - One (1) representative from the entire area of Caston School Corporation. The representative may live anywhere within the Corporation.

All registered voters within Caston School Corporation are eligible to vote for a representative from each of the five districts. 

The first elected Board of School Trustees for Caston School Corporation took place in 1964 as noted below. Following this, elections occur every two years alternating between elections for Districts 1 & 5 and Districts 2, 3, & 4.

For each district the candidate receiving the most votes is highlighted in the color blue.

Beginning in 2002 District 1 was expanded to include a portion of Union Township.

The next election will occur May 1, 2012 to select representatives from Districts 2, 3 & 4.

 Explanations:
Note A – In 2006 (see below) there was no candidate for District 1. In this situation Indiana law allows the incumbent to serve another term which Randall Sommers did.

Note B – In 2004 (see below) the vote by Fulton County Township is not on file in the Fulton County Clerk’s Office. The number in parenthesis is the total vote for Liberty, Wayne and Union Townships as reported by the Rochester Sentinel newspaper.