Why are you running for school board?
I want to ensure our schools stay strong and focused on student success as our community grows. I’m a business owner and parent who’s lived in our district since 2000. I know how to listen, build trust, and balance budgets. I use data to solve problems. I’ve seen how great schools change lives—and I want to make sure every student has that chance. I’ll bring common-sense leadership and a parent’s heart to every decision.
How will you use your experience and background to approach your role as a member of the school board?
I’m a longtime resident of the district, a parent, and a business owner with over 30 years of experience in operations, finance, and data analytics. I’ve built businesses and created jobs. I’ve built teams, mentored young people, and supported students through internships and jobs. I’ve seen firsthand how a strong school system changes lives.
I’ll use my skills to help the board make smart decisions, listen to parents, and support teachers. I bring practical leadership and a deep commitment to our community’s future.
If you had to pick one, which do you believe is more important for achieving higher academic achievement: greater fnding or better reforms?
Better reforms. While funding is important, simply increasing budgets doesn’t guarantee better outcomes. What matters most is how we use the resources we already have. We need to focus on smart, targeted reforms—like early literacy interventions, high-dosage tutoring for struggling students, and classroom discipline policies that allow teachers to teach. Strong leadership, clear academic goals, and accountability for results will have a greater long-term impact than pouring money into a system without making meaningful changes.
Name 1 or 2 changes or policies you will support that will raise the academic achievement of all students in your district?
First, I support strengthening early reading programs using evidence-based instruction grounded in the science of reading. If students aren’t strong readers by third grade, they struggle across all subjects. We need to make sure every child has a solid literacy foundation early.
Second, I’ll champion expanding work-based learning and career pathway programs in middle and high school. Not every student learns the same way, and not every path leads through college. Giving students real-world experiences in trades, business, healthcare, and technology connects learning to life and boosts engagement and achievement across the board.
What changes should be made at schools to make the classroom a more effective environment for maximizing learning and instruction (teaching)?
Creating a safe, focused classroom starts with setting clear expectations—for both behavior and learning. Teachers need consistent support from the administration when enforcing rules. I would support stronger classroom management training, more restorative tools for early intervention, and timely consequences when needed. In addition, we must ensure every classroom is equipped with the tools and technology that truly support instruction—not distract from it. A calm, orderly learning environment benefits everyone, and it begins with strong leadership, high expectations, and respect for the teacher’s role as the classroom leader.
Many educators say that not all parents are engaged enough with their children's education. How can the school board create policies that help forge a closer relationship and involvement among parents, their children and educators?
Parents are essential partners in a student’s success; too often, they feel left out or overwhelmed. The board can help by encouraging schools to offer multiple ways for families to engage—not just through formal meetings but through flexible options like online updates, evening events, and clear two-way communication.
We should also respect the role of parents in decisions about curriculum and student support. When parents feel heard and welcomed, they become more involved, which improves student outcomes across the board.
Recent federal executive orders for K-12 schools prohibit schools from promoting gender and radical ideologies. Another order prohibits boys from girls' sports and restrooms. If schools don't comply, they could risk federal funding.
How do you believe the school board should respond to these orders?
The board should take a calm, case-by-case approach. Broad, one-size-fits-all policies rarely work at the local level. We must follow the law while also protecting student privacy, supporting staff, and respecting parental rights. In our district today, one of the most debated issues—such as transgender athletes in girls’ sports—is not currently an active concern. That gives us the opportunity to lead with clarity instead of reaction. I believe in making decisions that protect the rights and well-being of all students while preserving fairness and common sense. Roughly 8% of the district’s funding comes from Federal sources.