Kimberly (Kym) Brown Pickering is running for Richmond School Board, At-Large as a non-partisan incumbent in the 2026 general election.
2026 Election Guide
The Western Wayne News asked candidates in contested races for the Nov. 3, 2026, general election the same questions.
- List your education and employment history highlights (100 words or less).
- What are two specific reasons you decided to run for this office? (100 words or less.)
- If elected/reelected, what are your top three priorities for your time in office? (150 words or less.)
- What are two specific skills you would bring to the office to benefit constituents, if elected/reelected? (100 words or less.)
- What’s one aspect of the government body you’re seeking to join or lead that you think is working well and should continue? (100 words or less.)
- What’s one aspect of the body you’re seeking to join or lead that you think needs to change, and what specific action(s) would you pursue to change it? (100 words or less.)
- Will you accept the results of the election process even if you are not elected/reelected? (50 words or less.)
- With state and federal changes limiting funding for government services, what specific strategies will you pursue if elected to sustain the finances of the body you’re seeking to join or lead? (150 words or less)
- Beyond encouraging attendance at public meetings, how do you plan to involve residents in decision making processes that the office you seek is a part of? (100 words or less.)
- Any other comments you’d like to share about your candidacy? (150 words or less.)
Candidates were given three weeks to respond with a firm deadline and word limits. We share their answers here, unedited from their original form.
For full election coverage, visit the Western Wayne News 2026 Election Guide.
Bio highlights: I am a 1997 Graduate of Richmond High School. I attended IU East and The University of Indianapolis. I’ve spent my whole career as a Human Resource professional and am currently the Senior Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS) Manager for Odyssey Consulting.
Reasons you ran: I decided to run for school board because I want to give back to the community that has supported me and my family. I believe strong schools build strong communities, and I’m committed to helping ensure every student has access to opportunities that set them up for success. I also want to inspire students by showing them that with hard work and dedication, they can achieve their goals and make a positive impact on others.
Top priorities: My Top three priorities are: (1) Supporting students by advocating for stability and strength in public education, especially during state‑level funding challenges. (2) Ensuring teachers have the resources, tools, and support they need to teach effectively and feel valued. (3) Expanding opportunities and programs that help students build real‑world skills and pathways for success after high school.
Specific skills: As a Human Resource Professional I specialize in listening, problem‑solving, and supporting people — skills that translate directly into understanding the needs of students, teachers, and families. My work requires clarity, organization, and fairness in decision‑making, which are valuable in any public‑service role. Having an Analyst mindset I’m experienced in building systems, improving processes, and creating environments where people feel supported and able to succeed. I’ve spent my career ensuring employees have resources to thrive, similar to the way schools need support to help students and teachers do their best.
Should continue: Something that should continue and expand is when a corporation encourages grassroots, creative, and out‑of‑the‑box approaches that help students succeed. This includes flexibility in programming, openness to new ideas, and a willingness to try innovative methods that meet students where they are. I value this culture of creativity and believe it’s an important strength worth preserving. An example of this would be the STEAM Program currently housed at Hibberd Program building. It allows kids to approach learning a little differently. I believe this program should be expanded. It has shown great success.
Needs to change: I think we need to have more open dialogue and communication between the School Board, Teachers, Staff, Parents, & Students. I’d like to pursue more listen and learn forums with the School Board involved. Secondly, another impactful way to illicit feedback is to Implement Impact-Assessment Surveys before voting on any major changes or shifts that impact Staff and or Students. These anonymous feedback surveys ensure the board understands the practical, classroom-level implications of a vote before it happens.
Accept election results: Yes, 100%. I will support any board member elected.
Funding strategies: Sustaining a school district’s finances amid declining state and federal funding is at an all-time low. Pursuing strategies to help with revenue generation and cost cutting measures is imperative. The role of the School board is one of Governance, Leadership and Financial oversight. In 2025 as a member of the current RCS school board, we pursued the establishment of the Richmond Community School Corporation Education Foundation Fund with the Wayne County Foundation. This has provided a great opportunity for donors to consider. Secondly, options for energy audits of our facilities have been requested.
Engaging the public: As I stated above, open communication is vital for a successful school district. It’s necessary to have all parties on the same page working toward one common goal. Bringing back open forums, anonymous surveys, and volunteering in the community are ways that I believe help garner involvement and feedback into any processes or policies we consider.
Other comments: I’d just like to say, I was born and raised in Richmond. I made a conscious decision to move my family back to Indiana from Colorado after Covid. I wanted my kids to experience what I did growing up and to have the same opportunities to build lifelong friendships. Richmond really does represent a diverse population and that is valuable. Being on the board not only allows me to share my unique experiences and background but it allows me to have a voice for those not yet ready to speak out.
A version of this article will appear in the October 7 2026 print edition of the Western Wayne News.