The Muncie Community Schools board met on Thursday night, but it wasn’t to talk about the busing issues that cancelled classes for two days. Members were interviewing candidates to replace elected board member and now-emergency manager Steve Edwards. And though the city has known about the district’s dismal financial situation for months, that didn’t stop several people for applying for the appointment. As IPR’s Tony Sandleben reports, Thursday’s meeting brought an even clearer picture that MCS needs guidance.

“I’ve never seen a school corporation have to close their doors because of not having money, but this is a unique situation. I’ve also not been in a school corporation that’s been this drastically in the hole.”

Administrator Assistance co-owner Steve Wittenauer gave no assurances the district would still have money after September. He says the emergency management team is working with city leaders and the Indiana Department of Education to get help.  But he says the district needs $10 million to avoid zeroing out next month. Fittingly, finances were a topic of discussion when the district’s school board interviewed potential candidates for the vacant seat.

“Everyone wants us to be financially solvent. That is the most pressing priority on our district. I know that will be achieved.”

Minnetrista Director of Operations Robert Keisling is one of 12 people who applied for the vacant school board seat. He, along with four others, were interviewed by the board about their qualifications and where the applicants see the district in four years, among other things.

Those other four candidates included Justin Wallen, whose 11-year-old son attends Southside Middle School; Susan Page, a long-time educational consultant who graduated from Muncie Central; Brad King, an advocate for the 2013-2014 bus referendum; and Dan Vanderbilt, a pastor who has worked with Sutton Elementary School students.

In her interview, Page summed up the decision ahead of the school board.

“I love this school system, but I would also tell you you can’t go wrong with the other four.”

The board will announce its choice at its next meeting on August 11.