Person of the Week-Kyle Thompson, Tipp City Board of Education

Recently, the Tippecanoe Gazette reached out to Kyle Thompson, member of the Tipp City Board of Education, to find out more about his personal and professional life. He responded to our questions and asked to begin with what is most important to him … his family!

Can you tell us about your family? 

I’m a 41-year-old father of two - my 9-year-old son Hardy and my 6-year-old daughter Violet. I’ve been married to my beautiful wife, Caitlin, for 15 years this summer. We’ve lived in Tipp City for a little over seven years and have been in Ohio for about 10 years. 

Can you give us a summary of your position on the Board, the major issues/projects you have been involved in, and your and the Board’s most significant accomplishments?

I’m one of five members of the Tipp City Board of Education. I just began my third year of service. I’ve been most involved in helping secure the community votes for the bond levy that allowed us to build a new Pre-K to 8th grade school building. This is one of the biggest reasons I wanted to join the BoE. Tipp City has a reputation for educational excellence, despite our outdated facilities. I wanted our educational environments to match the elite status of our dedicated educators. Stabilizing a turbulent Board of Education and having a hand in bringing a new school building to the district have been my proudest accomplishments. I want to give equal credit to my fellow board members from the past two years for making these things happen. 

Why did you decide to become a Board member?

First, because I was asked. Some very dear friends approached me about it because they believed I could add value to the district. I want my life to make a difference for people, so I trusted those friends who believed in me. Second, I couldn’t resist the opportunity to have a direct hand in my own children’s education. Not many people get this opportunity - at least not in this direct of a way - and I was excited to do that for them. Third, and finally, I’m a problem solver. The district was facing some serious challenges, not the least of which was (and still is) aging facilities. I wanted to lend whatever experience and expertise I’ve been able to collect over the last 20 years as a professional to my local school district. My hope is that it’s been meaningful. 

What’s the most difficult part of being on the Board?

As with any elected office, you give up the right to be understood as you’d like to be. Doing the right thing is often difficult, and one has to be willing to do it in the face of resistance. It may seem like an easy thing to handle in theory, but in reality, as a human being with emotions, it can take a toll. Nevertheless, it’s a high calling and one that is meant to be taken soberly. Even in the difficult moments, it’s a true honor to serve. 

Are there any specific goals you hope to accomplish while on the Board?

I’d like to continue to work with Mr. Moran and Mr. Stevens to further strengthen our district’s financial position. We’ve made great strides in rebounding from some tough years, with enormous credit going to our current treasurer and superintendent. I’m committed to seeing that continue. I’d also like to see a beautiful, cutting-edge new school building, along with renovations to the high school, finish on time and under budget. So far, our team has done a great job with this, and I have no reason to expect anything but high performance for the remainder of the project. 

Do you think Tipp City schools are headed in the right direction? What changes do you think are needed?

Absolutely. With the leadership of our current board members and superintendent, we are positioned to be one of the highest performing districts in the state over the next few years. Our teachers are fantastic, and our administrators are the best I’ve ever been around, not to mention all of the other roles that play critical parts in the overall success of a district. Community members can feel very good about where we are headed. 

Where did you go to high school and college? 

I graduated from high school in northwest Georgia and I got my Bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies from Lee University in Cleveland, TN.

What is your current employment?

I currently serve as the Executive Pastor at Living Word Church in Vandalia. I’m in my 10th year with the church and am more excited than ever about the things that are happening within our congregation and community. As of March 29th, we will be wrapping up a large building renovation and addition that has been nearly three years in the making, with construction lasting for the last 14 months. It will allow us to expand our next generation ministries by more than double our current capacity, so it’s an exciting time to be a part of a growing church.

Anything in particular that affected your perspective on life?

Recently, I came back to a quote that I find to be a strong anchor in my life: “Sooner or later your world will fall apart. What will matter then is the soul you have constructed.” -John Ortberg

Life is lived in the small, every day, seemingly mundane moments, but it’s defined and changed by a handful of big ones. What matters most in those big moments, whether good or bad, is what kind of soul you have constructed. 

Thank you, Kyle, for letting us get to know you and your family a little better! Readers, if you have anyone you would like to see profiled in the Tippecanoe Gazette’s “Person of the Week” feature, feel free to reach out to editor@tippgazette.com, and we’ll get them on the list!