Stephanie Braden, a registered nurse and longtime Fishers resident, has announced her candidacy for the Hamilton Southeastern School Board in District 4.

Braden, who has lived in the community for more than a decade, said her decision grows out of both her family’s experience in Hamilton Southeastern Schools and a career built around service. She has worked as a registered nurse for over 16 years, including as a charge nurse leading teams, coordinating patient care and mentoring staff.

She is also a member of the United States Army Reserve, where she has served for more than 25 years and held a number of leadership positions. “These experiences have strengthened my commitment to service, accountability, teamwork, and leading with integrity,” she said in her announcement.

A mother of five, Braden said all of her children have attended HSE schools. Three have graduated — including one who recently earned an engineering degree and another now serving as a cadet at West Point — while her two younger children remain in the district. She pointed to her family’s experience as the reason she wants to focus on keeping and recruiting strong teachers and welcoming new families to HSE.

“Strong teacher support and community investment are essential to maintaining the academic excellence that attracts families to our district and strengthens our public school system,” she said.

Braden noted a history of community involvement, including health education for mothers, volunteering as an elementary math tutor, and serving as a room parent and classroom volunteer.

If elected, she said her priorities would include supporting academic excellence, investing in public schools, fiscal responsibility and empowering educators. She framed her approach as collaborative, emphasizing input from families, students, staff, taxpayers and community leaders.

“Our community deserves transparent and honest leadership that values diverse perspectives, seeks common ground, and remains focused on what is best for students,” she said. “I would be honored to earn your support and serve our community as a member of the Hamilton Southeastern School Board.”