South Bend School Board Candidates Face Off in One-on-One Conversations

October 1, 2026 - 00:40

In the South Bend Community School Corporation, three school board seats are up for election, but only one race is contested. Kevin Hawkins, Emily McClements, and other candidates are vying for positions that will shape the future of the district.

The candidates sat down for full one-on-one conversations to discuss the issues facing local schools. Topics included student achievement, budget priorities, teacher retention, and how the board should work with families and staff. Each candidate shared their reasons for running and what they hope to accomplish if elected.

The contested race has drawn attention because the decisions made by the board will affect thousands of students and families across the city. Candidates were asked about their vision for improving outcomes, addressing disparities between schools, and managing limited resources.

Voters will have the chance to hear directly from each candidate in these extended interviews. The conversations offer a closer look at where the candidates stand on the challenges ahead. The election will determine who takes on the responsibility of overseeing one of the largest school districts in the state.