Election 2026: Candidate for West Washington School Board Brandon Davis

As the 2026 general election approaches, The Washington County Times is publishing written interviews with candidates in contested races affecting Washington County.

The Times reached out to all candidates for whom we were able to obtain contact information and invited them to participate. If you are a candidate in a contested race and have not received an invitation, please contact us so we can make sure you have an opportunity to participate.

Candidates were provided with questions tailored to their campaign, personal history, and the office they are seeking. We encouraged candidates to answer the questions in their own words and to refrain from using ChatGPT or other artificial intelligence tools when preparing their responses.

All candidate responses have been published as submitted, without editing or alteration. The Washington County Times does not endorse political candidates, and any opinions or statements expressed within the following interview are the candidate's own.

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Why are you running for the school board, and what do you believe the district needs from its next board member?

I have considered running for West Washington School Board for several years and feel like this is the right time for me to step into that role. I have deep roots at West Washington and have actively been involved in various extracurricular activities over the last 10 years. I want to see West Washington School Corporation continue to grow and succeed. I am a 2001 graduate from West Washington, my wife also graduated from West Washington, and my three children all attend there, each at a different level (High-school, Jr. High, and Elementary). I believe the district needs it's next board member to not only be someone who has a connection with West Washington, but someone who understands it's core values, is willing to speak up and represent the community, and to do their due diligence in making sure taxpayer funds are spent wisely. 

What do you believe is the biggest issue currently facing the school district, and what would you do differently to address it?

I believe the biggest issue currently facing the school district right now is transparency. Many people don't understand why certain funds are spent on certain projects or why certain issues are handled the way they are. I feel that the more the community is involved and aware of the issues, the better. I assure, that if elected, I will represent the community members to the best of my ability and always be willing to listen to their ideas, opinions, concerns and criticisms. Open and honest discussions and focusing on facts are the only ways to move forward successfully. 

What do you believe the school board should be doing to ensure the district is spending taxpayer money effectively while still providing students and teachers the resources they need?

To ensure taxpayer money is spent effectively and to ensure students and teachers have the resources they need, School Board members must diligently research how funds are being spent or are to be spent in order to make the most informed decision for the betterment of West Washington School Corporation. This includes taxpayer funds as well as grants. The end goal is to provide the students with the best education, the best teachers, and the best facilities as we possibly can in order to set them up for success in the future. Regardless what path they choose. 

What should the district be doing to recruit and retain quality teachers and staff?

In order to recruit and retain quality teachers and staff we not only need to be competitive with surrounding school districts in regards to teacher's salaries, but we also need to ensure they have all the resources required in order to do their jobs effectively and efficiently. We need to create an environment where they not only feel they can grow and be successful, but also feel that they are part of the West Washington family.  

How should the district address students who are struggling academically, and what role should the school board play in improving academic outcomes?

With my wife working with 5th and 6th grade special education students over the last five years, it has really opened up my understanding. Many of these students just need extra time, may learn in different ways, or might need focused guidance. Some students may struggle academically due to situations at home or even due to bullying. West Washington School Corporation already has many programs, counselors, etc. to help with these situations. However, the school board should be ensuring that these needs are being met as academic outcomes is one of the core responsibilities of the board. We should want every student to succeed. 

What role should parents and the broader community have in decisions made by the school board?

I believe that every member in West Washington School District should have a voice and be heard. It is a school board member's responsibilities to not only do what is best for the students, staff members, and school corporation as a whole, but to carry out those decisions in accordance with representing the members of the entire school district and the values we share.

What do you believe the district could be doing better to prepare students for life after graduation, whether that means college, trade school, military service or entering the workforce?

West Washington School Corporation currently ranks higher than the other two schools in our county academically and has a very high graduation rate. They also offer many courses that count towards college credits and/or trade certifications. While I feel West Washington does a good job preparing students for life after graduation, there is always room for improvement, more programs, courses, and options. 

What do you believe should be the district's priorities when it comes to maintaining and improving its buildings and other facilities?

Maintaining and improving buildings and facilities is a top priority.  Part of providing students and staff with the best resources is ensuring the facilities are safe, secure, and functional. Creating plans to maintain and improve facilities is essential. 

Do you believe the current school board or administration could be doing anything better? What specifically would you do differently?

I always feel like there is something the school board and administration could be doing better. If we are not constantly striving to do better, to operate more efficiently, and to improve, then we are not growing. I believe the most substantial thing i would do is bring in some fresh ideas along with my determination to help West Washington School Corporation grow stronger. Diligently researching all available options and ensuring West Washington is not only spending taxpayer money effectively, but that we're moving in the right direction to be the best school in the state of Indiana. 

If elected, what is the first issue you would want the board to address?

The first issue i would address if elected would be community relations. I know, it seems small compared to Education, Teachers and Staff, Salaries, Facilities, Budgeting, etc. However, being open, honest, and transparent with the members of the district allows everything else to fall into place. It ensures that not only West Washington School Corporation grows, but that we grow strong together. That is why I am running for West Washington School Board, Howard Township.