West Lafayette Schools & Election Guide
Helping residents stay informed about our schools.
About West Lafayette Schools
The West Lafayette Community School Corporation (WLCSC) serves approximately 2,300 students from Pre-K through Grade 12 across three schools. Our district is committed to providing a high-quality education while preparing students for success in college, careers, and life.
- ✓ Rigorous academic programs, including STEM and Advanced Placement (AP) courses
- ✓ Dedicated teachers and staff committed to student success
- ✓ Strong music, arts, athletics, and extracurricular opportunities
- ✓ A tradition of educational excellence and community support
Why Great Schools Matter?
Great public schools do more than educate students. They help build a stronger community by attracting families and employers, supporting property values, preparing future leaders, and enhancing the quality of life in West Lafayette. Whether or not you have children in school, strong public schools benefit us all.
Vote Local and Your Vote Matters!
Strong schools don’t happen by accident – they require proven leadership and well informed decision-making. Local school board decisions affect our children’s education, property values, the responsible use of tax dollars, and the future of our community. Every vote makes a difference.
What Does the School Board Do?
The elected West Lafayette School Board provides oversight and long-term leadership for the school district. Working with the Superintendent, the Board establishes policies, adopts the annual budget, sets district goals, and helps ensure that every student has access to a high-quality education while being accountable to the community and taxpayers.
School Board’s Key Responsibilities
- ✓ Adopt district policies
- ✓ Approve the annual budget and oversee district finances
- ✓ Hire, support, and evaluate the Superintendent
- ✓ Set the district’s long-term vision, mission and strategic plan.
- ✓ Review major capital improvement projects
- ✓ Ensure legal compliance and accountability
- ✓ Represent the interests of students, families, staff, taxpayers, and the community
WLCSC Operating Referendum
For official factual information and frequently asked questions regarding the 2026 WLCSC Operating Referendum, please visit https://www.wlvote26.com/. This website provides referendum information and related resources to help voters make an informed decision.
Voting and Election Information (2026)
School Board members are elected by the community. Every registered voter living within the West Lafayette Community School Corporation boundaries is eligible to vote in School Board elections.
Below are important dates and resources for the 2026 election.
- Election Day: November 3, 2026
- Early Voting: October 6 – November 2 (Noon), 2026
- Absentee Ballot Request Deadline: October 22, 2026 (11:59 PM)
- Voter Registration & Update Deadline: October 5, 2026
- Polling Locations: TBD
Voter Checklist
- ✓ Verify your registration
- ✓ Know where to vote
- ✓ Bring your photo ID
- ✓ Vote in all local races, including the West Lafayette School Board (vote for up to 3 candidates).
- ✓ Vote on Tuesday, November 3rd, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I don’t have children in school. Why should I care about our public schools?
A: Great public schools benefit the entire community. They help attract families and businesses, support property values, prepare the future workforce, and contribute to a safe, vibrant, and economically strong West Lafayette. Whether or not you have children in school, we all benefit from a strong public education system.
Q: What is the difference between the School Board and the Superintendent?
A: The School Board sets the direction for the district, while the Superintendent and school administrators are responsible for implementing Board policies and managing daily operations.
Q: What does the School Board decide?
A: The School Board provides governance and oversight for the district. Its responsibilities include:
- Adopting district policies
- Approving the annual budget and overseeing district finances
- Hiring, supporting, and evaluating the Superintendent
- Setting long-term goals and strategic priorities
- Approving major capital projects and contracts
- Ensuring accountability and legal compliance.
Q: What doesn’t the School Board decide?
A: The School Board does not manage the district’s day-to-day operations. Those responsibilities belong to the Superintendent and district administrators. For example, the Board generally does not:
- ✗ Hire or supervise most employees
- ✗ Assign teachers or students to classrooms
- ✗ Select textbooks or daily lesson plans
- ✗ Manage individual personnel matters
- ✗ Handle student discipline or routine administrative decisions
- ✗ Direct the daily operations of schools
Q: How can I share my thoughts and/or concerns with the School Board?
A: There are several ways:
- Attend a School Board meeting and speak during public comment.
- Email Board members to schoolboardmembers@wl.k12.in.us , or visit board members page for each individual board members.
- Contact the Superintendent’s office for operational questions.
Q: Who can vote for the West Lafayette School Board?
A: Any registered voter who lives within the West Lafayette Community School Corporation (WLCSC) boundaries can vote in the West Lafayette School Board election. You do not need to have children enrolled in West Lafayette schools to vote.
Q: Where do I vote?
A: TBD
Q: How to vote by mail?
A:
- Complete an absentee ballot application online or submit a paper application by October 22, 2026 (11:59 PM).
- Receive your ballot by mail.
- Complete and sign your ballot.
- Return it so it arrives by the required deadline.
Q: Can I vote early?
A: Yes! In-person early voting begins October 6, 2026. You can also vote on Election Day, Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
Q. What identification do I need?
A. Bring a valid photo ID to vote.
Q: How many West Lafayette School Board Candidates can I vote for?
A: You may vote for up to 3 candidates.
Helpful Resources
- Indiana Voter Portal – Check registration, apply for an absentee ballot, and find your voting information.
- Absentee Ballot Application Information
Laurence Wang For West Lafayette School Board 