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2026 General Election · Tuesday, November 3, 2026

Huntington County School Board

3 seats on the Huntington Co Com Sch Corp's board are on this year's ballot, with 5 names on them. Which seats appear on your ballot depends on where in the corporation you live.

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What a school board does

A school board is the elected or appointed governing body of a public school corporation, the legal unit that runs a local school district [1, 2]. The board hires and evaluates the superintendent, adopts policies, and approves the annual budget, while the superintendent and staff run schools day to day [3]. Most boards have five or seven members serving staggered four-year terms [3]. Starting in 2026, candidates may list a political party, run as independents, or list no affiliation on the ballot, and there is no primary for these seats [2, 4].

Term
4 years, with elections staggered so part of the board is chosen every two years [3]
Elected
At the November general election (November 3, 2026, or November 2028 for some seats); depending on the local organization plan, members represent the whole school corporation (at large) or a district within it, and some boards are wholly or partly appointed [2]
Ballot label
Each candidate chooses a party label, 'Independent', or no affiliation, shown next to the name; no primary and no straight-ticket voting for these races [2, 4]
Pay
Set by board resolution: an annual amount of no more than 10% of the lowest starting teacher salary in the school corporation, plus a capped per diem [5]
On the 2026 ballot
632 races in 276 school corporations; 1,035 candidates, 197 races contested [6]
What the law puts in this job (12)
  • Hires, evaluates and can dismiss the superintendent, and approves the hiring and firing of principals, teachers and other staff recommended by the superintendent [1, 7, 3].
  • Adopts the annual budget, appropriates funds and oversees school finances [1, 3].
  • Decides whether to ask voters to approve an operating referendum (an extra property tax levy); the board adopts the resolution and the Department of Local Government Finance reviews the ballot language for compliance with state law [8].
  • Approves contracts, buys and sells property, and decides on construction, repair and demolition of school buildings [1].
  • Bargains with the teachers' union over salary, wages and wage-related benefits such as health insurance and retirement; state law excludes teacher evaluation procedures from those bargaining subjects [9].
  • Writes and updates policies and rules for schools, often in a policy handbook, including the student handbook [1, 3].
  • Buys curricular materials, provides them to students without charge, and runs programs such as student transportation and school lunch [1].
  • Must adopt a process for parents and residents to ask that library material be removed as obscene or harmful to minors, review requests at public meetings and keep a public catalog of library materials [10].
  • Hears written appeals of student expulsions, unless the board has voted not to hear them [11].
  • Must take official action openly; Indiana's Open Door Law says public agencies' official action is to be conducted openly so the people may be fully informed [12, 13].
  • A school board member must have lived in the school corporation (and, for a district seat, the district) for at least one year before the election, and a teacher or other employee of the school corporation may not serve on its board [2].
  • What the board does not control: the State Board of Education adopts statewide academic standards [14], the General Assembly sets the state school funding formula in the state budget [15], and voucher (Choice Scholarship) eligibility is set by state law [16].

The job in full — what the Indiana Code puts in it, what it pays, and what to ask a candidate.

What has changed in this job lately

Changes in the law the next officeholder will work under, most distant first.

  1. 2025

    Senate Enrolled Act 287 allowed school board candidates to declare a party affiliation; the Indiana School Boards Association opposed the change, and a supporter quoted by WNDU, a Noblesville school board member, said it adds transparency [17].

  2. 2026

    Candidates choose a party, 'Independent' or no affiliation on their nominating petition, and that choice appears on the ballot; a candidate claiming the Democratic or Republican party must have voted in that party's primary in the two most recent primaries they voted in, or have certification from the county party chair, or can be challenged and removed from the ballot [2].

  3. July 2026

    Chalkbeat reported, citing Indiana School Boards Association data, that 524 of 1,044 candidates chose a party, about 72% of them Republicans [18]; the Indiana Election Division's 2026 guidance and the wording of the law differ on the primary-voting test, a question county election boards decide [19].

  4. February 2026

    Senate Enrolled Act 25 set the order of school board candidates on the ballot, grouped by party, with candidates who list no affiliation placed after the party and independent candidates [20].

  5. 2025

    Senate Enrolled Act 1, a property tax law, limits how much operating revenue districts can raise through taxes and restricts school referendums to statewide general elections in even-numbered years [21, 22].

  6. 2025

    The same law requires districts to share operating revenue with brick-and-mortar charter schools that enroll their students, statewide starting in 2028 [21, 22].

  7. 2025

    The state budget opened Choice Scholarship vouchers to all Indiana families starting in June 2026 [16].

  8. 2026

    The Indianapolis Public Education Corporation, rather than the Indianapolis Public Schools board, now certifies Indianapolis Public Schools referendum questions for the ballot [20].

  9. 2023

    Senate Enrolled Act 391 changed the so-called $1 law so the Indiana Department of Education can order districts that lost at least 10% of enrollment over five years to close schools under 60% capacity and offer them to charter schools [23].

  10. 2023

    House Enrolled Act 1447 required school districts to set up procedures for complaints that library material is obscene or harmful to minors [10].

About Huntington Co Com Sch Corp

  • The 'Huntington County Community School Board' races on the state list are for the Huntington County Community School Corporation (HCCS), based in Huntington [6, 24]. The district lists six elementary schools (Andrews, Flint Springs, Horace Mann, Lincoln, Roanoke and Salamonie), two middle schools (Crestview and Riverview), Huntington North High School and the Huntington North Learning Center [25]. Its 2027 budget workshop estimates enrollment (ADM) at 4,674 students [26].
  • The superintendent is Chuck Brimbury [27]. On Nov. 24, 2025 the board approved the retirement of Superintendent John Trout and named Brimbury, then director of secondary education, interim superintendent effective Nov. 27, 2025 [28, 27]. On March 23, 2026 it voted 6-1 to make him permanent superintendent; Kenneth Thompson cast the no vote [29, 27].
  • The board has seven members, elected from seven districts [24]. Districts 2, 3 and 5 are on the 2026 ballot [6]. The 2026 officers are President Tim Allen (District 4), Vice President Ryan Wall (District 7) and Secretary Gary McClellan (District 5) [24, 30]. The other members are Matt Melcher (District 1), Debra Miller (District 2), Kenneth Thompson (District 3) and Aaron Carl (District 6) [31].
  • District 2 (one seat): Matt Roth held the District 2 seat in December 2024 [32]. The board interviewed candidates and filled the vacant seat at a Jan. 14, 2025 special session, and Deb Miller has been listed as the District 2 member since January 2025 [33, 34, 24]. She is running unopposed and is listed as a Republican [6].
  • District 3 (one seat): Kari Heim held the seat until 2025; the board honored her 2023-25 service in December 2025 [35]. On Nov. 24, 2025 the board interviewed the three eligible applicants for the vacant seat, James Garwood, Carrie Miller and Kenneth Thompson, and chose Thompson, who took the oath on Nov. 25 [36]. The same three are now on the ballot: Thompson as Ken Thompson (Republican), Carrie M Miller (Republican) and James Garwood (Independent) [6]. The state list's 'vote for 1' matches a single-member district [24].
  • District 5 (one seat): Gary McClellan was on the board by December 2024 [32] and still holds the seat [31]. He is running unopposed and is listed as Nonpartisan [6].
  • Building projects and bonds (2025-2026): an Aug. 24, 2026 update listed work paid for by bonds issued in 2022 through 2025. The list includes Huntington North High School mechanical systems, locker rooms, restrooms and windows; Salamonie HVAC; secure vestibules at several elementary schools; and Horace Mann HVAC and Salamonie pool demolition scheduled for summer 2027 [37]. On Aug. 10, 2026, the board voted 7-0 for the project resolution on a 'tax neutral 2026 General Obligations Bond' [38]. It approved the final bond resolution and additional appropriation on Sept. 14 [39].
  • 2027 budget (September-October 2026): CFO Michelle Babcock's workshop estimated a 2027 budget of $74.7 million across the debt service, education and operations funds [26]. The budget hearing was held on Sept. 28, 2026 [40]. Adoption of the budget, the 2027-2029 capital projects plan and a transfer from the Education Fund to the Operations Fund were on the Oct. 12, 2026 agenda [41]. HCCS is not on the state's list of districts with a referendum in November 2026 [42].
  • Academics and policy (2026): in March 2026 the board voted 7-0 to adopt a new K-12 science curriculum [29]. A May 11, 2026 work session covered the new state wireless-device law and the school accountability model [43].
  • Forums: this guide found no 2026 candidate forum, questionnaire or news profile for these races. The only contested race is District 3, with three candidates [6].

Huntington County Community School Board, District 2

Unopposed

Debra (Deb) Miller

Republican

Incumbent by appointment, running unopposed; the board filled the vacant District 2 seat in January 2025 and she has served since [33, 34, 6].

Miller on the current officeholder

  • Is a current board member.
  • Voted for Brimbury's appointment as superintendent on March 23, 2026 [29]. At the Aug. 10, 2026 meeting she 'highlighted the positivity around tonights board meeting', according to the minutes [38].

How Miller got on the ballot

  • The board interviewed candidates and elected a District 2 trustee at a Jan. 14, 2025 special session; she appears on the board's roll from Jan. 27, 2025 [33, 34].
  • Filed with a Republican affiliation; The state list gives June 11, 2026 as her filing date [6].

What we could not find about Miller

  • Her occupation, background and the priorities she described when she was appointed in 2025 could not be confirmed from freely available sources.
  • The board's vote count on her appointment could not be confirmed from freely available sources.
  • No 2026 interview, questionnaire or campaign website was found.
  • No statement from her on SEA 1, the district budget or the 2026 bond was found.
  • No campaign finance reports were found.

Sources for Miller

Huntington County Community School Board, District 3

3 candidates

James Garwood

Independent

An Independent challenger for the District 3 seat held by Ken Thompson [6, 31].

How Garwood got on the ballot

  • Was one of three eligible applicants the board interviewed for the vacant District 3 seat on Nov. 24, 2025; the board chose Kenneth Thompson [36].
  • Filed as an Independent; The state list gives May 19, 2026 as his filing date [6].

What we could not find about Garwood

  • No news coverage, candidate statement, website or social media page was found for this candidate.
  • Occupation, community roles and ties to the schools are unknown.
  • No campaign finance reports were found.

Sources for Garwood

Carrie M Miller

Republican

A Republican challenger for the District 3 seat held by Ken Thompson [6, 31].

How Miller got on the ballot

  • Was one of three eligible applicants the board interviewed for the vacant District 3 seat on Nov. 24, 2025; the board chose Kenneth Thompson [36].
  • Filed with a Republican affiliation; The state list gives June 4, 2026 as her filing date [6].

What we could not find about Miller

  • No news coverage, candidate statement, website or social media page was found for this candidate.
  • Occupation, community roles and ties to the schools are unknown.
  • No campaign finance reports were found.

Sources for Miller

Ken Thompson

Republican

Incumbent: chosen by the board for the vacant District 3 seat in November 2025 and running as a Republican [36, 6].

Thompson's background

  • In April 2026 the board appointed him to the Warren Redevelopment Commission and Warren Park Board; he abstained on that vote [44].

Thompson on the current officeholder

  • Is a current board member.
  • Cast the only no vote on March 23, 2026, when the board voted 6-1 to appoint Chuck Brimbury superintendent [29].
  • Voted for the Aug. 10, 2026 resolutions on the 2026 general obligation bond, which passed 7-0 [38].

How Thompson got on the ballot

  • Chosen by the board on Nov. 24, 2025 from three applicants (including his two 2026 opponents) to fill the vacant District 3 seat; his oath of office was recorded Nov. 25, 2025 [36]. He replaced Kari Heim, whom the board honored for her 2023-25 service in December 2025 [35].
  • Filed with a Republican affiliation; The state list gives June 5, 2026 as his filing date [6].

What we could not find about Thompson

  • No public explanation of his vote against the superintendent appointment was found.
  • Occupation and background not found in sources read; no campaign statement, website or finance report found.

Sources for Thompson

Huntington County Community School Board, District 5

Unopposed

Gary Lynn McClellan

Nonpartisan

Incumbent and board secretary, running unopposed in District 5 [24, 6].

McClellan's background

  • Is the board's secretary [24].

McClellan on the current officeholder

  • Is a current board member.
  • On March 23, 2026, he seconded the motion to appoint Brimbury superintendent [29]. On Aug. 10, 2026, he seconded the motion on the 2026 general obligation bond project resolution, which passed 7-0 [38].

How McClellan got on the ballot

  • Was the District 5 member by December 2024 [32].
  • Filed for reelection; The state list gives June 5, 2026 as his filing date [6]. The state lists him as Nonpartisan [6].

What we could not find about McClellan

  • When he first joined the board was not confirmed.
  • No 2026 interview, questionnaire, campaign website or public statement on district issues was found.
  • Occupation not found in sources read; no campaign finance reports found.

Sources for McClellan

  • Board (Huntington County Community School Corporation)

Key points

  • Building projects and bonds (2025-2026): an Aug. 24, 2026 update listed work paid for by bonds issued in 2022 through 2025. (Huntington County Community School Corporation)
  • 2027 budget (September-October 2026): CFO Michelle Babcock's workshop estimated a 2027 budget of $74.7 million across the debt service, education and operations funds. The budget hearing was held on Sept. 28, 2026. (Huntington County Community School Corporation)
  • The 'Huntington County Community School Board' races on the state list are for the Huntington County Community School Corporation (HCCS), based in Huntington. (Indiana Election Division)

Sources

Researched Saturday, October 10, 2026

  1. Indiana Code 20-26-5-4: Specific powers of governing body (FindLaw (Indiana Code, current as of 2026-01-01))
  2. 2026 Indiana Candidate Guide (School Board Offices) (Indiana Election Division)
  3. 800 school board seats are up for election in Indiana (Chalkbeat Indiana / WFYI)
  4. Why there are no education elections on your primary ballot (Chalkbeat Indiana)
  5. Indiana Code 20-26-4-7: Compensation of governing body members (FindLaw (Indiana Code, current as of 2026-01-01))
  6. 2026 General Election Candidate List (Indiana Election Division)
  7. Indiana Code 20-26-5-4.5: Selection and discharge of employees (FindLaw (Indiana Code, current as of 2026-01-01))
  8. School Tax Levy Referendum (Indiana Department of Local Government Finance)
  9. Indiana Code 20-29-6-4: Subjects of collective bargaining (FindLaw (Indiana Code, current as of 2026-01-01))
  10. Obscene, or just objectionable? Here's how Indiana schools are tackling library book complaints (Arnolt Center for Investigative Journalism / Indiana Capital Chronicle)
  11. Indiana Code 20-33-8-19: Expulsion appeals (FindLaw (Indiana Code))
  12. Indiana Code 5-14-1.5-1: Open Door Law policy (FindLaw (Indiana Code, current as of 2026-01-01))
  13. What We Do (Indiana Public Access Counselor)
  14. Indiana Code 20-31-3-1: State academic standards (FindLaw (Indiana Code, current as of 2026-01-01))
  15. Indiana K-12 State Tuition Support Annual Report FY2023 (Indiana Department of Education)
  16. Indiana lawmakers expand voucher eligibility, increase school funding in budget (Chalkbeat Indiana)
  17. Indiana school board candidates split 50-50 on affiliating with a party (WNDU)
  18. 5 takeaways from Chalkbeat's panel on Indiana's changes to school board elections and referendums (Chalkbeat Indiana)
  19. Confusion on partisan school board law puts two IPS candidates' spots at risk (Chalkbeat Indiana)
  20. 2026 Indiana Election Legislation Summary (Indiana Election Division)
  21. Indiana school referendum elections: Districts seek funding for teacher pay, class size, buses (Chalkbeat Indiana)
  22. Indiana school district referendum guide 2026: What to know about your district's requested tax increase (WFYI and Chalkbeat Indiana (via WVXU))
  23. Indiana charter schools could now have an easier path to acquiring district buildings (Chalkbeat Indiana)
  24. Board (Huntington County Community School Corporation)
  25. Huntington County Community School Corporation (home page and school list) (Huntington County Community School Corporation)
  26. Budget Year 2027 (budget workshop presentation) (Huntington County Community School Corporation)
  27. Huntington County Community Schools Names Chuck Brimbury as Superintendent (Huntington County Community School Corporation)
  28. Regular Board Meeting, Nov. 24, 2025 (agenda with motions and votes) (Huntington County Community School Corporation (Diligent Community))
  29. Regular Board Meeting, March 23, 2026 (agenda with motions and votes) (Huntington County Community School Corporation (Diligent Community))
  30. Organizational Board Meeting, Jan. 12, 2026 (agenda with motions and votes) (Huntington County Community School Corporation (Diligent Community))
  31. School Board (members and districts) (Huntington County Community School Corporation)
  32. Regular Board Meeting, Dec. 16, 2024 (agenda with motions and votes) (Huntington County Community School Corporation (Diligent Community))
  33. Special Public Session, Jan. 14, 2025 (District 2 trustee interviews and election) (Huntington County Community School Corporation (Diligent Community))
  34. Regular Board Meeting, Jan. 27, 2025 (agenda with motions and votes) (Huntington County Community School Corporation (Diligent Community))
  35. Regular Board Meeting, Dec. 15, 2025 (agenda with motions and votes) (Huntington County Community School Corporation (Diligent Community))
  36. Special Public Session, Nov. 24, 2025 (District 3 trustee interviews and election) (Huntington County Community School Corporation (Diligent Community))
  37. Bond Projects Update, August 24, 2026 (Huntington County Community School Corporation)
  38. Regular Board Meeting minutes, Aug. 10, 2026 (Huntington County Community School Corporation)
  39. Regular Board Meeting minutes, Sept. 14, 2026 (Huntington County Community School Corporation (Diligent Community))
  40. Regular Board Meeting minutes, Sept. 28, 2026 (Huntington County Community School Corporation (Diligent Community))
  41. Regular Board Meeting, Oct. 12, 2026 (agenda) (Huntington County Community School Corporation (Diligent Community))
  42. Referendum Information (November 2026 elections) (Indiana Department of Local Government Finance)
  43. Public Work Session, May 11, 2026 (agenda) (Huntington County Community School Corporation (Diligent Community))
  44. Regular Board Meeting, April 27, 2026 (agenda with motions and votes) (Huntington County Community School Corporation (Diligent Community))
What's included
the U.S. House, statewide offices, every Indiana House and Senate district on the ballot, Indiana's statewide public questions and judicial retention questions, and county, township, city, town and school board races from the Indiana Election Division's candidate list.
Everything else
Local races (county, city, school board, judges) and anything else on your ballot are on your official sample ballot: IndianaVoters.in.gov.
Candidate lists
As of Sunday, October 18, 2026.
At the polls
Indiana law lets you bring a list of candidates and public questions into the polling place, including one stored on your phone, as long as you don't electioneer. IC 3-11-8-18.5

This is not an official ballot. Confirm your registration, polling place and ballot with your election office through vote.gov.