Aaron "A.J." Byerley

My life experiences:

My wife Kelli and I have 4 adult children, the last of which is currently attending Grace College. We also have a beautiful granddaughter who attends St. Johns but will complete her education at East Noble. I also have 3 nieces and 2 nephews that are in the East Noble School System. I was born and raised in Kendallville and had the honor of graduating from East Noble. After high school I attended Tri State university where I played baseball and earned a bachelor's degree in civil engineering. I have worked at Nucor Building Systems for 26 years where I am the Sales Manager, responsible for leading the sales team for our division. I have also served on the board for youth Softball and Baseball for many years in an effort to bring positive change to the children of our community. I have been blessed to have the opportunity to coach all my children in all their sports until they entered high school. Now that our children are grown, I have the opportunity to help coach the East Noble High School baseball team and have a positive impact with the young men on the team. I have also served on the board for youth Softball and Baseball for many years in an effort to bring positive change to the children of our community. I have been blessed to have the opportunity to coach all my children in all their sports until they entered high school. Now that our children are grown, I have the opportunity to help coach the East Noble High School baseball team and have a positive impact with the young men on the team.

Why do I want to serve on the school board?

I have had concerns for the leadership and direction of the board for quite a few years. I want to make a positive difference for the youth of our community, and this is the perfect platform to do that. Becoming a board member allows me the opportunity to be part of the solution and change required to help our children succeed in a safe and encouraging environment.

Two issues facing East Noble School Corporation and what my solutions to these issues?

The safety of our children is currently a big issue. Parents worry of the potential for a school shooting, they worry if their teachers or aides could be a child predator and whether children of the opposite gender will be invading their private spaces or competing against them in sports. First, I believe we are getting to the point where we need to look at having metal detectors in the high school and middle school to help eliminate weapons in the school. Second, we need to review the hiring and vetting process for all the schools and ensure we have a good process for hiring staff and that is consistently adhered to. Hiring the right teachers is arguably the hardest but most important things our principals and Superintendent do! Thirdly, we need to consult with multiple attorneys that specialize in school policy to ensure we are protecting all parties as well as fully review the policies we are adopting. Lastly, we need to ensure we have alternate options for children that believe they should use opposite gender facilities. We do not need to put our children in danger as we try to accommodate these situations.

Why should voters choose me?

I am a Christian and will stand for my values, I am honest, I have a passion for helping kids be successful, I have good common sense and will fight to protect our children from the issues above and others plaguing our schools.