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I believe that public education is the cornerstone for democracy.

To me this means:

That we have a responsibility to educate students, to create independent thinkers; so they can be successful in society, and become the leaders of tomorrow.
We must teach them the skill sets to think outside the box and for themselves; so that they can evolve and learn, decipher information for fact and fiction, and make positive decisions.
We must encourage one to search for “more” information, to ensure that every perspective is heard and brought to the table before making decisions.
We all must seek to understand before we respond.

Leading is about listening more than we talk and establishing a shared commitment to do what is right. It is about what WE can do together for the benefit of kids/families/and our future. It is about respecting other perspectives and hearing what others contribute to the conversation, as it may bring new information to light. Finally, it is about working with each other, rather than against, and being united when decisions are made; trusting in each other and in the people that we hire.

A strong public education system lays a solid foundation, empowering youth to become engaged citizens through confident decision-making that affects their lives. By nurturing critical thinking and encouraging diverse perspectives, we prepare students; equipping them with the tools to challenge the status quo and advocate for positive change. Success means upon entering “the real world” students can have a better understanding of this world around them and their place within it.

I believe a strong education system is essential for a healthy, functioning democracy and for every student to be successful.

As an elected School Board member, my goals will include:

Informed Citizens: Equipping ISD 728 students with the knowledge and skills needed upon graduation to participate effectively in the democratic processes, such as voting, understanding laws, and engaging in public discussions.
Equal Opportunity Education: Create a level playing field for all students; regardless of background, every child has access to public educational resources.
Community Engagement: Encourage involvement to shape educational policies and priorities, to ensure reflection of values and needs of students within ISD 728.
Civic Responsibility: Ensure that ISD 728 fosters students who understand the importance of community involvement, and their rights and responsibilities as a citizen.
Protection of Public Education: Safeguard and enhance our public institutions, ensuring they serve the collective interest and are accessible to all students within ISD 728.

A vote for me means you seek a candidate who:

Supports policies that include diverse voices and perspectives, ensuring that our district reflects and respects the community’s philosophies and opinions.
Seeks to provide all students with access to quality education, eliminate disparities and promote inclusion, creating and fostering a more unified community.
Values transparency and accountability.
Makes decisions that benefit our entire community, now and in the future.
Prioritizes civic responsibilities, critical thinking, and seeks to create a generation of informed, engaged citizens who contribute positively to society.

I will uphold the principles of democracy by ensuring that public education remains a tool for making sure students have what they need to be successful, empowerment, and civic engagement.

I believe that all students have a right to a free and appropriate public education.

To me this means:

Every student that wants to learn should feel welcome and safe in public schools.
Every student should be able to be their authentic selves without trying to “fit a mold” or be someone different when they come to school.
Public education is a fundamental right, which means all students should have equal opportunities to succeed and thrive.

Our goal should be to turn kids into the best versions of themselves. Beginning with the strategic plan and trickling down through each interaction with students, everyone should be able to see where they fit in our system. We must strive to create inclusive, supportive learning spaces where diversity is celebrated, and every student can reach their full potential. Every student should feel valued, included and known.

As an elected board member, I will actively work to create an educational environment where every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed. My areas of focus will include:

Commitment to Every Child: Ensure that the education system is inclusive, offering opportunities for all students, regardless of their background, abilities, or socioeconomic status.
Address Barriers: Identify and work towards eliminating barriers that prevent students from accessing quality education, such as language barriers, disabilities, or financial hardships.
Maintain Education Standards: Work to ensure every student receives a quality education that prepares them for the future.
Tools and Support: Diligently work to address funding needs for required resources like strategic plan initiatives, teachers, and facilities, so students can thrive.
Safety and Support Services: Implement policies to protect students from bullying, discrimination, and other harmful behaviors. Along with access to counseling, special education, and health services, to meet the needs of our diverse student population.
Uphold the Law and Practice Ethical Decision-Making: Ensure no student is denied access to education and advocate for every student’s right to learn, grow, and thrive in the public school system.
Be a Community Advocate: Engage with parents, students, and community members to understand the diverse needs of the student population and advocate for policies that uphold every student’s right to education.
Plan for the Future: Anticipate the evolving needs of the student population and adapt policies and resource needs appropriately.

A vote for me means you seek a candidate who:

Is committed to providing equitable opportunities for all students to be successful.
Strives for social cohesion and unity among community members.
Believes we should prepare all students with the skills needed to be successful within the workforce. Whether that be helping students be college prepared or through Career Technology Training (CTE) for those immediately joining the workforce.
Seeks to obtain a high-quality public education system to attract families to our district.
Encourages community involvement helping to cultivate informed and engaged citizens.
Works to create a diverse pool of future leaders who can contribute to positive social change and community development.
Believes in fairness, justice, and the well-being of all.

I will support policies and decisions that shape the educational landscape and ensure that public schools serve as a true public good.

I believe we have to be financially responsible with taxpayers’ dollars.

To me this means:

Financial responsibility in public education is about transparency and accountability.
We must live within our means. We cannot deficit spend while at the same time we need to invest into our people and facilities.
We have and want to keep a reputation of spending dollars wisely and conservatively. We need to hold and protect that reputation by aligning spending to our communicated priorities.
District spending should reflect the community’s strategic plan, district policy, and state statute. ISD 728 should remain a district people want to come to and one that leads through innovation and opportunity.

Being a steward of taxpayer dollars requires thoughtful, strategic decisions that balance the needs of today with the demands of tomorrow. We must prioritize investments that yield the greatest benefits for students and the community, without compromising our financial integrity.

As an elected board member, I will commit to being financially responsible with taxpayers’ dollars, knowing from experience the importance of financial accountability in public service. I will do so by focusing on:

Efficient Use of Resources: Overseeing budget priority planning, approving the annual budget, and ensuring that we have a strong financial team in place that can make the difficult decisions on approving expenditures, and ensuring that every dollar is used efficiently to support students’ education.
Maximizing Educational Impact: Making financial decisions that are aligned with the district’s strategic plan and educational goals, district policy, and state statute.
Prioritizing Essential Services: Make tough decisions to ensure resources are directed toward high-impact areas that support student learning and well-being.
Transparency and Accountability: In my time serving on the school board, ISD 728 received awards for its transparency in school district finance. Together with administration, I would continue that trajectory by maintaining open communication with the community.
Equitable Resource Distribution: Consider both immediate and long-term funding requirements, and evaluate all their requirements, when making all financial decisions to maintain a financially stable school district.
Investment in Future Growth: Complete a thorough evaluation of all new programs or projects to ensure they are cost-effective and keep our district competitive.
Making Budget Decisions: Act with integrity when allocating resources and making financial decisions.

A vote for me means you seek a candidate who:

Is financially responsible and has experience managing public funds.
Will prevent wasteful spending on unnecessary or ineffective initiatives, ensuring that dollars are put to good use.
Will support investments to maintain and improve school facilities in order to provide students a safe, and well-equipped learning environment.
Work hard to ensure our school district remains financially stable and can continue to meet the needs of students, now and in the future.
Is committed to prioritizing financial transparency in budgeting and decision-making.
Will balance the need to invest in education with the need to avoid unnecessary tax burdens on our community.
Seek equitable Advocate for allocation of funding across the district, so all students have access to the same quality of education and athletics. Advocate that funding is distributed across the school district so all students have a similar school experience.
Prioritize essential services, such as special education, transportation, and student support services, to meet the needs of all students.
Have experience planning for potential economic downturns and ensuring that the district can continue to provide high-quality education even in challenging times.
Can identify and plan long-term investments that will benefit the community, such as innovative educational programs or technology upgrades, ensuring that the district remains competitive and forward-looking.

I am committed to being financially responsible with our taxpayer dollars, with the experience to balance our district’s budget and to meet the needs of the current and future generations.