Downtown Lowdown Podcast hosts School Board Candidates Ernst and Kaibas

School Board Candidates Katie Ernst and Karen Kaibas appeared on latest episode of the Downtown Lowdown, the official podcast of the Downtown Tipp City Partnership. The two write-in candidates brought both energy and insight to the latest episode of Downtown Lowdown, as they joined Executive Director Tasha Weaver in a lively conversation about their campaign for Tipp City's Board of Education.

Listeners were treated to fun icebreakers before the show dove into why both women are running for school board and what they hope to bring to the table. Ernst, a decade-long resident with deep Air Force roots, and Kaibas, a former physical therapist and current community advocate whose family is known for its theatrical flair, spoke warmly about the special sense of belonging Tipp City provides.

Both credited their decision to run to encouragement from fellow parents and an interest in maintaining the district’s recent positive momentum, especially as two long-serving board members step down this year. “I just was really worried that there was going to be a risk that the positive momentum would be disrupted,” said Ernst, inspired by her hands-on experience with district projects, community engagement, and levy campaigns.

Leadership and Collaboration

The conversation also touched on leadership and the importance of collaboration. Both Ernst and Kaibas emphasized how essential it is for board members to work together productively, even in tough situations. Kaibas talked about her 15 years of involvement in the Tipp City schools and Tipp community, saying that she appreciated the impact the school system had on her children.

The family started in the area by enrolling their daughter in St. Patrick’s Catholic school in Troy, but “after meeting families in Tipp City and students and her peers in attending the Stagecrafters program, we decided to go to Tipp City schools. And then through those 15 years of educating my kids here, we have become in love with their education and what their impact was from their educators and from their experience.”

The conversation highlighted the importance of the forthcoming PK-8 construction project—the “top priority for our district”—while recognizing the need for ongoing focus on academics, fiscal stewardship, and open communication with families and the wider community. Both candidates championed student-centered policies and praised the district’s tradition of robust extracurriculars, from athletics to choir and Quiz Bowl, noting these activities build skills far beyond the classroom.

Ballot Instructions

The candidates made sure listeners knew exactly what to expect come Election Day: as write-in candidates, Ernst and Kaibas’s names won’t appear on the ballot, so voters will need to fill in their names by hand. The duo pointed out that poll workers can provide accurate spelling and campaign cards if needed.

With gratitude for the Downtown Tipp City Partnership’s platform and Weaver’s hosting style, both candidates ended by conveying their shared commitment: “That’s really what I think our campaign is about, giving people a choice,” concluded Ernst, looking forward to helping write the next chapter of the Tipp City schools story.

Stay tuned for more Downtown Lowdown episodes, dropping every Wednesday. Tune in for stories behind the storefronts and the personalities making Tipp City a magical place to call home. For more details, sponsorship opportunities, or to get involved, visit downtowntippcity.org.