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Kenneth Allen (Indiana)

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Kenneth Allen
Image of Kenneth Allen

Nonpartisan

Prior offices
Indianapolis Public Schools school board At-large
Successor: Deandra Thompson
Elections and appointments
Last election

November 5, 2024

Education

High school

Gary Roosevelt High School

Personal
Birthplace
Gary, Ind.
Religion
Baptist
Profession
Nonprofit management
Contact

Campaign Facebook

Campaign Twitter

Campaign Instagram

Personal YouTube

Personal LinkedIn

Kenneth Allen was an at-large member of the Indianapolis Public Schools school board. He assumed office on January 1, 2021. He left office in 2024.

Allen ran for re-election for an at-large seat of the Indianapolis Public Schools school board. He lost in the general election on November 5, 2024.

Allen completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Kenneth Allen was born on September 9, 1983, in Gary, Indiana. He has attended classes at Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis, Ivy Tech Community College Indianapolis, and Georgetown University, McCourt School of Public Policy. His career experience includes working as a social entrepreneur and a not-for-profit leader. Allen has also served on multiple local and state boards.[1][2][3]

Elections

2024

See also: Indianapolis Public Schools, Indiana, elections (2024)

General election

General election for Indianapolis Public Schools school board At-large

Deandra Thompson defeated Carrie Harris and incumbent Kenneth Allen in the general election for Indianapolis Public Schools school board At-large on November 5, 2024.

Candidate
%
Votes
✔
Image of Deandra Thompson
Deandra Thompson (Nonpartisan) Candidate Connection
 
56.2
 
45,365
Silhouette Placeholder Image.png
Submit photo
Carrie Harris (Nonpartisan)
 
22.2
 
17,947
Image of Kenneth Allen
Kenneth Allen (Nonpartisan) Candidate Connection
 
21.6
 
17,450

Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source

Total votes: 80,762
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

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Endorsements

Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Allen in this election.

2020

See also: Indianapolis Public Schools, Indiana, elections (2020)

General election

General election for Indianapolis Public Schools school board At-large

Kenneth Allen defeated incumbent Elizabeth Gore, Kendra McKnight, and Ellis Noto in the general election for Indianapolis Public Schools school board At-large on November 3, 2020.

Candidate
%
Votes
✔
Image of Kenneth Allen
Kenneth Allen (Nonpartisan) Candidate Connection
 
40.2
 
34,471
Image of Elizabeth Gore
Elizabeth Gore (Nonpartisan)
 
38.3
 
32,861
Image of Kendra McKnight
Kendra McKnight (Nonpartisan)
 
16.8
 
14,427
Silhouette Placeholder Image.png
Submit photo
Ellis Noto (Nonpartisan)
 
4.6
 
3,950

Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source

Total votes: 85,709
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Campaign themes

2024

Video for Ballotpedia

Video submitted to Ballotpedia
Released October 15, 2020

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Candidate Connection

Kenneth Allen completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Allen's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Expand all | Collapse all

I'm Kenneth "Biz" Allen, a native of Gary, Indiana, and I've called Indianapolis home for the past two decades. I currently serve as the Vice-President of the Indianapolis Public Schools Board of Commissioners, where I’m committed to advocating for equitable educational opportunities for all students.

My background is in youth services and engagement, and I’m proud to be the Chief Engagement Officer at the Indiana Youth Services Association. Over the years, I've been heavily involved in initiatives to support youth entrepreneurship and community service. I founded the Kenneth Allen Foundation for Entrepreneurship, which focuses on empowering young people to become the next generation of business owners and engaged civic leaders.

Public service has always been a passion of mine, and I have had the privilege to serve in several leadership roles, including as a former Chair of the Indiana Commission on the Social Status of Black Males and currently as the Vice Chair of the Indianapolis Commission on African American Males. My commitment to community and public service has earned me recognition, including a Lifetime Achievement Award from President Joe Biden in 2023.

As an advocate for public education and a proud product of public schools myself, I believe in the power of education to transform lives. I've visited every school in our district, engaging with students, teachers, and parents to understand their needs and aspirations.
  • Commitment to Equity and Access in Education: "I am dedicated to ensuring that every student in our district, regardless of their background or circumstances, has access to high-quality education and the resources they need to succeed. By addressing disparities and advocating for equitable opportunities, I aim to create an environment where all students can thrive."
  • Strong Community Engagement and Accountability: "I believe that effective leadership starts with listening to the needs of our students, parents, educators, and community members. I have visited every school in our district and will continue to engage with all stakeholders to make informed decisions that reflect the voices of our community. Transparency and accountability will remain the cornerstones of my approach as your representative."
  • Safe and Inclusive Learning Environments: "Every student deserves a safe and inclusive environment where they can learn, grow, and be themselves. I will continue to focus on policies and initiatives that promote mental health support, anti-bullying measures, and resources to create a welcoming atmosphere for all students, regardless of their race, gender, or socioeconomic status."
Youth Entrepreneurship: Advocating for opportunities and resources that empower young people to develop entrepreneurial skills and become future leaders in business and their communities.

Racial Equity: Working towards creating fair and just systems that eliminate racial disparities and ensure equal opportunities for all, regardless of race or ethnicity.

Literacy: Promoting literacy initiatives to ensure that every individual has access to the tools and resources needed to develop strong reading and comprehension skills, which are critical for personal and professional growth.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFnMTHhKdkw
As an elected official, I believe that several key principles are essential to truly serve the community effectively:

Communication: It's crucial to listen to the concerns and ideas of the community and to communicate openly about decisions and policies. Engaging with people and keeping them informed builds trust and ensures that their voices are heard.

Consistency: Staying consistent in my actions, decisions, and principles is important to build credibility. People need to know that I will always stand by my commitments and follow through on my promises.

Collaboration: Working with others—whether they are community members, colleagues, or other stakeholders—is essential for making meaningful progress. I believe in the power of collaboration to solve problems and create lasting, positive change.

Transparency: Being transparent about the decision-making process, intentions, and outcomes is vital. I believe that accountability to the community starts with being open and honest about what is happening and why.

Integrity: Above all, integrity guides everything I do. It's about doing what is right, even when no one is watching, and always leading with honesty, fairness, and respect for everyone.

These principles are the foundation of my approach as an elected official, and I strive to embody them in everything I do to serve the community effectively.
As an elected member of the Indianapolis Public Schools Board of Commissioners, I believe the core responsibilities are centered on effective governance, ensuring student outcomes, and being an excellent steward of district resources. It’s about setting clear policies, supporting academic success, and responsibly managing resources to create a positive impact for all students.
I want my legacy to be one of empowerment, where every student, regardless of their background, had the opportunity to succeed because of the policies and initiatives I helped put in place. I hope to be remembered for championing equity in education, supporting youth entrepreneurship, and creating a community that values literacy and lifelong learning. Ultimately, I want my work to have opened doors for the next generation of leaders and change makers.
OJ Simpson trial-preteen
Owner of K.S. Candies a neighborhood Candy Store in my Grandfather's garage.
One of my favorite books is "The Autobiography of Malcolm X" as told to Alex Haley. This book has always resonated with me because of Malcolm X's journey of transformation, resilience, and his relentless pursuit of truth and justice. His story is a powerful example of personal growth, self-education, and the courage to stand up for one's beliefs, no matter the cost. It inspires me to stay committed to advocating for equity and social change.
In my view, the primary job of a school board member is governance, hands down. It’s about setting the vision, policies, and goals that guide the district while ensuring that the superintendent is held accountable for achieving those objectives. Effective governance requires a focus on student success, resource management, and maintaining a strong commitment to the community's needs and expectations.
As a member of the Indianapolis Public Schools Board of Commissioners, my constituents include all students, parents, teachers, staff, taxpayers, and community members within the district. My responsibility is to serve the diverse needs of everyone who has a stake in the success of our public schools, ensuring that every voice is heard and that our decisions reflect the best interests of the entire community.
As a board member, the best way to support the diverse needs of students, faculty, staff, and the community of Indianapolis Public Schools is by focusing on the following:

Active Listening and Engagement: Make a continuous effort to engage with all stakeholders, listening to their concerns, ideas, and experiences. Understanding their unique challenges helps guide decisions that are inclusive and responsive to the community's needs.

Promote Equity and Inclusion: Advocate for policies that address disparities in resources, opportunities, and outcomes. Ensure that every student, regardless of their background, has access to a high-quality education and that staff receive the support they need to thrive.

Data-Driven Decision-Making: Use data to identify areas where gaps exist and to create targeted strategies that support underrepresented groups. Focus on solutions that directly impact student outcomes and the well-being of faculty and staff.

Support Professional Development: Invest in ongoing professional development for teachers and staff to equip them with the tools and skills needed to address diverse learning styles and cultural backgrounds.

Transparency and Accountability: Be transparent about the board’s decisions and hold the administration accountable for implementing strategies that serve the needs of all groups within the school district. Clearly communicate the impact of these efforts to the community.

Build Partnerships: Collaborate with local organizations, businesses, and community leaders to bring additional resources, mentorship, and support to our schools. Strong partnerships can create opportunities that benefit students and educators alike.

Advocate for Student Voice: Empower students by giving them a platform to express their opinions and ideas on matters that affect their education. Encourage their involvement in decision-making processes to ensure their needs are met.
I will continue building relationships with the broader community by engaging regularly with parents, local businesses, community organizations, and faith-based groups. I will specifically target partnerships with youth organizations, advocacy groups, and civic associations focused on education and equity. My goal is to collaborate with stakeholders who share a commitment to improving student outcomes and supporting the diverse needs of our schools.
Indiana/Kentucky/Ohio Regional Council of Carpenters
The ideal learning environment for students in the IPS district is one that is safe, inclusive, and student-centered, where every learner feels valued and supported. It fosters creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration with access to modern technology and resources. This environment encourages cultural awareness, equity, and academic excellence, led by passionate educators who inspire and challenge students to reach their fullest potential.
To build stronger relationships with parents in the district, I will continue my school visits to engage directly with families, attend neighborhood association meetings to stay connected with community concerns, and partner with fellow commissioners to host coffee hours. These efforts will create more opportunities for open dialogue, allowing parents to share their insights and ideas while fostering a collaborative approach to improving our schools.
As a commissioner, my role is to focus on governance and to set clear expectations and policies that support strong recruitment and retention efforts. I believe in empowering the superintendent to manage day-to-day operations, including hiring, while holding them accountable for implementing effective strategies that attract and retain top talent for our faculty, staff, and administration.
I believe financial transparency and government accountability are essential for building trust with the community. Public officials have a duty to ensure that resources are managed responsibly and that decisions are made openly. I am committed to clear, honest communication about how funds are allocated and spent, and I hold myself accountable for the outcomes of those investments.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

2020

Video for Ballotpedia

Video submitted to Ballotpedia
Released August 20, 2020













Note: The contents of the following Candidate Connection survey response were disputed by WFYI on October 12, 2020. Click here to read their article.

Candidate Connection

Kenneth Allen completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2020. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Allen's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Expand all | Collapse all

Over the last 20 years, Allen has trained and taught over 10,000 youth entrepreneurs in Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Nigeria, Senegal, and all over the US states through his foundation the Kenneth Allen Foundation for Entrepreneurship, Inc. (KAFFE, Inc.)

In addition to his work at KAFFE Inc he also serves as the Chief Operating Officer of Young Biz USA, the Director of the Indiana Trafficking Victims Assistance Program (ITVAP), Managing Partner of the Grindery an Urban Business Incubator for adult entrepreneurs.

Allen annually volunteers for such organizations like the Indiana Black Expo, Prince Hall Mason and Prince Hall Shriners. He is the current Chair of the Indiana Commission on the Social Status of Black Males, a board member of the Indianapolis Department of Public Works, and he also serves as a lay minister for the First Baptist Church North Indianapolis. Allen is the recipient of over 200 hundred awards for his dedication to community service. He is also the proud father of two school-age children.
  • I will fight for Racial Equity
  • I will push for more Community Engagement
  • Push for financial literacy and entrepreneurship education
1. Vocational Training & Entrepreneurial Education

a. Growing up in a single-family household, I began to be creative and innovative in finding ways to support my family. Got with African American Achievers Youth Corp. and learned how to start my own business. A Candy Store. Mom noticed my math and comprehension improved, as well as my friends, who I hired to help sell candy with me.
2. School Innovation & School Choice for Parents
a. I'm a parent and I believe in choice and no teacher or administrator knows my children better than I do. We must uniquely design our educational landscape so that all children can find a quality option that works best for them.
3. Racial Equity
a. I believe school leaders should represent the students they serve. Students of color are more likely to be successful when they have Teachers and school staff that look like them, so it becomes that much more important to the education of Black and Brown children to see themselves on many levels in their education. Secondly, I will support plans to invest in curriculum that celebrates and highlight the different backgrounds represented in the district.
4. Hiring & Retaining Quality Teachers

a. To attract and retain quality teachers, compensation package must be competitive, Teachers must fill supported by their school leaders, and we must ensure that teachers and students have the necessary resources in order to be successful.
As a Christian I look up to my Lord Savior Jesus Christ first and foremost. Secondly to my late Mother who raised me and was educator for over 30 years.
https://youtu.be/SFnMTHhKdkw
Accountability, transparency, and fiscal responsibility.
I'm a parent, I'm relatable, board governance experience, and I'm proud product of the public school system
parent/community engagement
At age 15 I became the youngest certified entrepreneur instructor in the country.
My very first was a candy store owner at age 12. I owned and operated it for about five years.
The Bible because it is filled with wisdom.
Superman so I could save and serve people.
Say her name #BeeonnaTaylor
Purpose: The School Board exists for the purpose of a governing system for providing a free, public education in grades K-12 for children within the boundaries of the Indianapolis Public School Corporation. ref. I.C. 20-26-5-1
All the parents, teachers, students, and tax payers in the district.
I believe school leaders should represent the students they serve. Students of color are more likely to be successful when they have Teachers and school staff that look like them, so it becomes that much more important to the education of Black and Brown children to see themselves on many levels in their education. Secondly, I will support plans to invest in curriculum that celebrates and highlight the different backgrounds represented in the district.
I think parents, children, and grassroots community based organizations need to be at the table when discussing the future of our children. I will attend and host listening session with these types of organizations and individuals.
Communication is key. We can always improve our communication. In addition to that we need to make sure we host meetings at different times of days and make certain we have interpreting services available.
Yes. To attract and retain quality teachers, compensation package must be competitive, Teachers must fill supported by their school leaders, and we must ensure that teachers and students have the necessary resources in order to be successful.
Often time adults get in the way doing what is best for our children. I plan to always lead with is this the best and right thing for the majority of our children.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

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    Footnotes

    1. ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on September 23, 2020
    2. ↑ Ballotpedia staff, "Email communication with Kenneth Allen," October 1, 2020
    3. ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on October 8, 2024
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