About Danielle Renee Bell

My name is Danielle Renee Bell (Danielle Stark) and I am a candidate for Plainfield School Board. I would appreciate your vote to retain my seat as I continue doing what I love - supporting our wonderful community.

I am a proud alumna of Plainfield Schools, where my lifelong dedication to the community began. I attended Central Elementary, Plainfield Community Middle School (in the current Clarks Creek building), and Plainfield High School (in the current PCMS building), where I graduated as part of PHS's 100th graduating class in 2000.

My husband Evan (of Columbus, IN) and I are Indiana University college sweethearts who love working on projects, being outdoors, and spending time with our two children and dogs. 

Both of our children attended Central Elementary, where I was very involved as a parent volunteer. I began helping on the PTO during my daughter's kindergarten year, on various committees including the Book Fair and Walkathon committees, and I began attending School Board meetings as a Patron to better understand our leaders and processes.  The following year, I excitedly joined the PTO Board as President-Elect and took over leadership of the Book Fair and Walkathon committees.  I then served on the Board as President, followed by other various positions for a total of 5 years.  I have proudly contributed hundreds of hours of service to our schools through classroom volunteer work, elementary reading and math small groups, middle school math remediation small groups, fundraising planning and execution, staff appreciation projects, athletic event volunteering (PCMS Track & Field), and the ongoing donation of time & talent to install balloon decorations for various school events including Homecoming, Post Prom, Senior Nights, Parent Nights, and Back to School events.

As a mother of children who attend Plainfield schools, I am excited about the opportunities available to all students, while understanding the challenges many face. My extensive experience volunteering in the schools and serving on the PTO has provided an enlightening view of today’s education and our dedicated staff. 

As a current School Board member, I have been privileged to see the hard work of our employees, the challenges faced by public schools across the state and nation, and the work that our legislators put into crafting the bills that affect the work of the School Board and administration.

My experience as a business owner, corporate executive, and non-profit leader equips me with skills in communication, collaboration, innovation, and networking. As School Board members, we have 3 main tasks - to approve the annual corporation budget, to approve district policy, and to hire and supervise the Superintendent. It is important, therefore, to have the time and commitment to network and collaborate with other School Board members within our district and across Indiana and the United States to improve best practices and keep up with the ever-changing landscape of education. 

COMMUNITY COMMITMENT

My passion for leadership in Hendricks County began as a young student in Plainfield. Time spent active in organizations and clubs like the Student Council, Octagon Club, and Plainfield Christian Church Youth Group provided an important foundation rooted in the concept of servant leadership.

As an adult, I have served in many volunteer capacities within the community, including the Hendricks County Medical Reserve Corps, Plainfield International Festival, Town of Plainfield Employee Appreciation Event, Plainfield Christian Church Treehouse Greeter and Vacation Bible School Teacher, Lifeline Christian Mission Food Packing, Honor Flight Indiana, and more.  

I am an alumna of the Leadership Hendricks County program, which provides a network of resources and connections to expand and enhance the opportunities available to students.

With deep roots in our community, I am dedicated to representing the interests of all stakeholders and continuing Plainfield’s mission of Bringing Joy to Learning. I am passionate about ensuring quality education and support for all students; championing transparent communication, fiscal responsibility, and community engagement.

SCHOOL BOARD SERVICE

As a School Board member in Plainfield for the past 4 years I have been a key part of several initiatives, including the Quaker Allies program, connecting our schools with the local non-profit Gift Kindness for our elementary nutrition boxes for our food insecure students, providing support for the Quaker Con intra-district professional conference, and more.

I have attended several continuing education virtual and in-person conferences in order to have a better understanding of school leadership best practices, legislative changes, and the future of technology.

The Quaker Allies program was designed by a previous Board member to engage the community and provide an inside look at our school district and public education in Indiana. I first attended the program in 2018 as an engaged parent. I participated as a co-host in the 2021 and 2022 classes, and was given the honor of taking over the program starting in 2023. Working closely with our district Director of Communications, we transformed the months-long course into a one-day immersive experience where participants not only receive an education on the administrative side of our schools, but also a firsthand look into the great work being done by our educators to prepare students for the future while bringing joy to learning in Plainfield.

I am a 2023 recipient of the Indiana School Boards Association Commendable Service Award, and a 2024 recipient of the Indiana School Boards Association Exemplary Service Award, each a recognition of my additional voluntary service and commitments to continuing education for my role. I have served as the Plainfield School Board's Legislative Liaison for the past 4 years and I am a current appointee to the ISBA's Legislative Committee, comprised of 2 members from each region.

Learn more about my School Board service HERE

EDUCATION AND MEMBERSHIPS

I am a graduate of Plainfield High School, Indiana University, Leadership Hendricks County, Allies for Education, and the Plainfield Citizens Academy.  I am a proud member of the Hendricks County Daughters of the American Revolution Wa-Ka-Pe-Way Chapter, Plainfield Rotary Club, Plainfield Chamber of Commerce, National Honor Society, Indiana School Boards Association, Main Street Plainfield Economic Vitality Committee, Indiana Coworking Passport Network, and the Indiana Startup Coalition for entreprenuers.