Candidate Q&A: Robert Miller

Robert Miller is running for Western Wayne School Board, At-Large (District D) as a Republican candidate in the 2026 general election.

Bio highlights: I earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Purdue University’s School of Technology. After spending five years in construction management in Florida, I returned to Indiana to join my family’s business, Miller’s Wood Specialties. I also serve on the Cambridge City Board of Zoning Appeals and Planning Commission.

Reasons you ran: I decided to run for two reasons. First, as a parent of two Western Wayne students, I want our schools to provide strong academic fundamentals, appropriate use of technology and a safe environment where every student has an opportunity to succeed. Second, my education and experience have shown me the value of hands-on learning. I want students to have the opportunity for focused, high-quality pathways to college, technical training, military service or employment.

Top priorities: My first priority is strengthening academic fundamentals, especially reading, writing and mathematics. Technology should strengthen students’ abilities, not replace them. After students understand the concepts and develop the underlying skills, courses in emerging technologies can teach them to work more efficiently, expand their abilities and prepare for a changing world. Second, I want Western Wayne to strengthen its career and technical pathways through defined curriculum, measurable skills, recognized credentials and community partnerships. Third, I will support responsible financial management, clear goals, measurable results and open communication with parents, employees and taxpayers.

Specific skills: First, my business management experience has given me practical skills with budgets, employees, safety, facilities and difficult financial decisions. I understand the importance of asking questions, considering tradeoffs and using limited resources carefully. Second, my construction and technical background helps me approach problems in a practical way. I will not have every answer, but I will listen to educators, parents, students and community members before making fair and informed decisions.

Should continue: Western Wayne’s small size and the close relationships among students, teachers, staff and families are strengths. Educators know students personally, recognize when they are struggling and help them find solutions that fit their abilities. Being a smaller school allows the staff to respond and adapt faster to the changing demands of education. We should preserve our personal connections and continue finding better ways of serving our students.

Needs to change: One area that needs improvement is transparency and accountability. Meetings should include substantive discussions and decisions should occur publicly, except when confidentiality is legally required. Board members should explain their votes and the reasoning behind major decisions. Students, staff, administrators and board members should all be accountable to clear expectations. I would request information early, encourage open discussion at meetings and explain my decisions.

Accept election results: Yes, I will accept the results of our election, whether I win or lose. Respect for the election process and the voters’ decision is essential to public service.

Funding strategies: I support budgeting that protects instruction and essential services while working toward competitive employee compensation. I plan to work with the administration to identify and pursue every responsible funding opportunity, including less traditional sources, to provide our staff and school corporation with the resources needed to operate efficiently and effectively.

Engaging the public: I want public documents, meeting agendas and supporting information easily accessible for parents, students, and residents to understand upcoming decisions. I would also use surveys, advisory groups, or community roundtables, when possible, to gather input before decisions are made. Some decisions will be difficult, and most will not satisfy everyone. I am willing to make those decisions and explain my reasoning. My goal will not be to choose the most popular option, but the course that best protects students’ education, safety and welfare.

Other comments: I am running because my family and I care deeply about Western Wayne and this community. The world is becoming more connected and changing quickly, and we have an opportunity to give our students the best possible chance to succeed in it. My decisions will be guided by honesty, safety, fairness, responsible use of taxpayer dollars and ultimately what best prepares students for their future.