Sara Schmidt appointed to Greater Jasper Consolidated School Corporation Board of Trustees

The Greater Jasper Consolidated School Corporation Board of Trustees appointed Sara Schmidt to complete Tim Demotte’s term on the school board. The decision was made at a special board meeting held on August 2

Demotte stepped down to begin his service as the board’s new counsel. He replaced Art Nordhoff, who retired this year after serving the corporation since 1967.

Board President Greg Eckerle noted the board had 13 applications for the position, but in the end, Schmidt stood out as a great addition to the board of trustees.”It was a difficult process because we had so many candidates that were well qualified,” Eckerle said.

Eckerle said Schmidt’s background through her work and education experience, as well as her volunteer activities with the PTO and other groups like SOAR and Young Women LEAD, helped the board narrow down its choice.

Schmidt is a Forest Park graduate. She attended Indiana University, where she completed a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management. She returned to Dubois County after being offered a job by Jasper Engines and Transmissions in 2005 and has been with the company since. She has worked in multiple positions within the company and is currently the production control manager in Jasper.

Schmidt said that prior to applying for the position, she had briefly considered seeking a board position before.

“The dedication of the faculty and staff of the entire school corporation is what inspired my interest,” she said. “I feel they are truly committed to the success of every student.”

“I’m just thrilled to have the opportunity to contribute to that as a board member,” Schmidt added.

Since being appointed, Schmidt has met with board members and the school superintendent, Dr. Tracy Lorey, and is making her way through the different schools in the corporation, meeting with administrators to get acclimated to the new position.

“I think that is the thing I am excited about the most right now,” Schmidt said. “Just taking time to meet everyone and see the facilities to understand how I can contribute.”

Additionally, the Indiana State School Board Association provides new board member training annually. Schmidt was able to watch a recording of the 2023 training session, and she will attend the annual conference in September.

Schmidt will serve the remainder of Demotte’s term as the representative for Bainbridge Township. That term ends in December of 2024, but she stated she would seek reelection next year.

She and her husband, Chris, have two children, Owen, 7, and Evan, 5. Both attend Ireland Elementary School.