Ben Bain: Steering WTEF Board with Steady Hand

January 2024

Ben Bain assumed the position of president of the Wayne Township Education Foundation Board of Directors in July of 2023, after having served as a board member for six years. A native of Pittsburgh, Ben is a graduate of Yale University who settled with his family on the west side of Indianapolis in the late 1990’s. His educational and professional experience have been an invaluable asset for WTEF.

We asked Ben to share more about his background, and his service on our board of directors.

What would you like to share about your personal or professional background?

I grew up in Pittsburgh, PA and Marietta, OH, attending public schools. I graduated from Yale University with a degree in Russian and East European Studies. I had a career in the radio industry for 17 years, mostly in sales and management. We moved to Indianapolis and the west side in 1997. I have worked in the design and construction industry for companies serving public K-12 education since that time. I just celebrated my 40th anniversary with my wife, Clare. We have adult children in Westfield, Dallas, TX, and Portland, OR. Our two grandchildren, fortunately, are in Westfield.

What prompted you to become a WTEF board member?

(Board Member) Bart York made the connection. I know Bart through work. He knew I was a Wayne resident, and that through my work I was familiar with the district. I was a little familiar with WTEF, but as I learned more about what the foundation does, I was sold on its mission. When Bart asked if I would be open to serving on the board, it was an easy yes for me.

What do you do as a WTEF board member?

You are an ambassador for the foundation, spreading the word about its purpose and its success stories. You attend board meetings throughout the year and volunteer at events. You help raise money for the foundation with personal donations and asking other individuals and companies to do the same. We serve on task forces or committees with specific purposes. As with any well-functioning board, you allow the executive director to do their job and offer advice and direction when appropriate. We happen to be blessed to have Lisa Baize as our executive director, and she makes our jobs easy.

What WTEF programs or initiatives “speak” to you the most?

Long before I began serving on the WTEF board, I became a HOSTS (Helping One Student to Succeed) volunteer, helping 2nd and 3rd graders with reading. WTEF has supported that program for many years, so that one is close to my heart. I would also say that the events that WTEF supports that recognize outstanding students and teachers in the district have great meaning to me. I can’t help but be moved every time I attend these events and hear what students have overcome and what a profound impact great teachers have on their students’ lives.

Why is it important for the community to become involved in helping students experience the joy of learning?

Education is the key to not only career and financial success, but enjoyment and appreciation of life in general. Public education specifically is the backbone of our country and its future. It has never been easy to raise children. Today, the challenges are greater than ever before, with drugs, alcohol, firearms, and social media creating additional pressure on young people. A strong community can play a vital role in supporting what our educators do every day.

What do you enjoy most about being a WTEF board member?

As someone who has been out of school for a long time, I enjoy the opportunities WTEF has given me to get back in school buildings and see the wonderful things going on in Wayne Township’s schools and appreciate the great students and teachers we have.

ABOUT THE WAYNE TOWNSHIP EDUCATION FOUNDATION
The Wayne Township Education Foundation (WTEF) provides community leadership to enrich, engage, and stimulate teaching and learning in the Metropolitan School District of Wayne Township. WTEF accomplishes this by supporting school programs and resources, while recognizing excellence among students and staff. To learn more about WTEF, call 317-988-7966, visit wtef.wayne.k12.in.us, or follow us on Facebook or Twitter @WayneTwpEdFound.