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Craig Parks, School Board President
Q1: Tell us a bit about yourself. What inspired you to join the school board?
As a proud resident of Lebanon for the past 26 years, my wife, Natalie, and I made this vibrant community our home just one year after our marriage. Our three children, Noelle (24, known as Mrs. Skinner to LMS students), Christian (21), and Joshua (16), have all been part of LCSC since their kindergarten days.
The decision to run for the school board stems from my unwavering support for public education. Witnessing the positive trajectory of the corporation, I saw an opportunity to contribute to its continued success. A pivotal moment that fueled my decision was the way LCSC rallied behind the Class of 2020, including my son Christian. The administration's dedication to ensuring an in-person, outdoor graduation for these students, who endured a challenging senior year, left a lasting impression on me.
Bringing my professional background as a Civil Engineer into the picture, particularly my expertise in large infrastructure projects and understanding the intricacies of government project financing, I believed I would be an asset to LCSC. With the community's growth necessitating new and improved facilities, I am eager to continue to contribute to the ongoing development of our school system.
Q2: Please share your role and responsibilities as a school board member?
I currently serve as President of the board, leading the monthly meetings. I also represent the LCSC Board on the Lebanon Redevelopment Commission and serve on the bid-opening, technology, and finance subcommittees.
Q3: What LCSC achievements or contributions are you most proud of during your time on the school board?
I'm most proud of the community's support of the Operations and Capital Referendums, which allowed us to increase teacher salaries and improve our school facilities.
Q4: If you could give one piece of advice to our students, what would it be?
I'm proud of all of you. You are the next generation of leaders in this world. You have proven your resiliency and can do hard things!
Q5: What was your favorite school subject growing up?
I had two - Math (specifically Algebra) and Science (specifically Physics).
Q6: What is your favorite school event, and why?
I love Friday night home football games. The lights, the cheering crowd and many members of this community coming together to support our team.
Q7: What was your all-time favorite school lunch?
I loved the french fries my high school served for lunch. Many times, fries WERE my lunch. I'm sure they were oh so healthy for me.
Q8: What are some of your hobbies or activities outside of being on the school board?
By day, I work as a Civil Engineer, and what I've always cherished about my profession is the opportunity to enhance the infrastructure of communities, both large and small. Alongside my engineering passion, I have a deep love for developing people. It brings me joy to recognize the best in them and motivate them to achieve things they might not have thought possible. Recently, I took a step towards formalizing this passion by returning to school to become a certified executive coach, with the hope of incorporating this skill into my professional life.
Beyond my career pursuits, I find pleasure in playing golf, although I'm terrible at it. I also enjoy hiking in the mountains. On the sports front, you'll always find me passionately supporting the Purdue football and basketball teams, and I am a die-hard Pittsburgh Steelers fan.
Q9: What is your favorite thing about being a part of LCSC? (Traditions, Culture, Community, etc.) OR what makes LCSC unique/special?
LCSC is family. I love to see how the community supports the schools and am excited about the growth coming our way! I love how upperclassmen are able to paint their parking spots. I also enjoy watching seniors take in the numerous traditions during senior week, including the elementary walk-throughs, alternative vehicle day, senior campout and the deep traditions shown during the graduation ceremony.