Bonnie Kallis, a retired middle school teacher from Crawfordsville, is running for a seat on the North Montgomery School Board in the 2026 election.

Kallis, 67, is the mother of three and is affiliated with the American Solidarity Party. Her community involvement includes volunteer work with Indiana AID and St. Stephen Orthodox Church, as well as past service as a fellow and teacher consultant with the National Writing Project.

In her campaign statement, Kallis said public education remains vital even as more families explore alternatives such as homeschooling or unschooling. She said conversations with North Montgomery families have repeatedly raised concerns about bullying and the growing role of screens in schools.

Kallis pointed to the increased use of computers and tablets since the COVID era, questioning whether heavy reliance on classroom technology is best for students. Citing concerns similar to those raised by social psychologist Jonathan Haidt in The Anxious Generation, she said excessive screen time and reduced face-to-face interaction can contribute to anxiety, isolation and weaker social development.

Kallis said she supports a “human-first” approach to education, with technology used as a tool rather than a substitute for hands-on learning, mentorship and personal interaction. She said she wants North Montgomery schools to emphasize safety, civic virtue, the arts and strong relationships so students can learn in an environment rooted in community and care.

Kallis also holds a leadership role within the American Solidarity Party’s Indiana affiliate, where she is listed as the state chair. The Indiana chapter identifies Steve Hays as vice chair and treasurer and Aurora Verkamp as secretary.

The party’s ballot-access status in Indiana remains limited, with the ASP listed as a certified write-in option for the 2024 election cycle. In the presidential race, the party reported 1,347 votes in Indiana in 2024, up from 895 votes in 2020, suggesting modest growth for the party’s presence in the state even as it continues to operate outside the two-party mainstream.