My priorities are simple: putting children first, supporting teachers and staff, and managing our community’s resources responsibly.
Every decision I have made starts with one question: Does this help our kids? That is why I supported hiring a strong Superintendent, worked to finalize the teachers’ contract, and pushed for regular board meeting summaries so families who could not attend would still know what was happening. I also fought to give students a real voice by securing a seat for the student council at the table, a change of which I am immensely proud.
In terms of implementation, I believe in putting structure behind our values. I helped institute monthly budget reviews that track projections against actuals, and I have encouraged open discussions on creative ideas to offset funding gaps. I have also pushed for all grants and external funding sources to be tracked and shared with the community, so people know exactly what is being brought in to help our schools.
On top of that, I have rolled up my sleeves to do the work myself whether documenting and distributing meeting minutes or stepping in to support at school events because leadership means more than setting direction, it is also about showing up.
Budgets tell a story about priorities, and mine will always put classrooms first.
The pieces we need to protect and grow if possible are the ones that touch students most directly: core academics, special education, mental health support, and programs that inspire kids like the arts, athletics, and career/technical pathways. We also need to continue investing in teachers and staff so they feel supported and can give their best to students every day.
At the same time, there are areas we can look at more closely. Non-instructional spending, outside contracts, and duplicate services should all be reviewed to make sure every dollar counts. I believe in using shared services and smarter technology to cut costs without touching classrooms.
This is not just theory; I recently presented a paper of practical ideas to the administration on ways we can help both students and the budget at the same time. Some ideas cost nothing but can save in the long run; others require planning, but they are worth it if they strengthen classrooms while keeping finances stable.
Monthly budget reviews, along with open communication about what is working and what is not, give us the chance to plan smarter and avoid surprises. I also advocated directly at the State Assembly for fairer funding, because local taxpayers should not carry the whole burden. Fiscal responsibility is not about cutting costs, it is about protecting investments that matter most to kids. That is how we will make sure resources stay where they belong: with the kids.
Disagreement is natural, but resolution requires clarity, respect, and a focus on kids.
I would start by making sure the facts are clear, since misinformation often drives conflict. Then, I would encourage structured opportunities for dialogue forums or town halls, like the ones I have already organized with our Superintendent and community members so people can hear and be heard in a constructive way.
The conversation must always return to one question: What is best for our students? Sometimes that means piloting solutions, gathering data, and adjusting. Once a decision is made, I believe in explaining the “why” clearly and committing to review it after implementation.
Humility is key here. I do not pretend to have every answer. I learn as much from talking with parents and students as I do from my own experiences, and that constant exchange of ideas is how we move forward together.
Schools must always be a safe place for learning.
If ICE contacts the district, only designated leaders handle it through proper legal channels. Teachers and staff are trained so they are not put in impossible positions, and interactions are respectful, lawful, and minimally disruptive. Our responsibility is to make sure every family knows schools are places where children belong and can learn without fear.
Robbinsville is strong because of the variety of opportunities we offer but there is more we can do. Academically, we need to keep rigor high while closing gaps in reading and math. Expanding world languages and flexible student pathways, AP, dual enrollment, capstones give kids more real options. Career and technical education need stronger partnerships with local businesses and colleges to create internships and hands-on experiences that connect directly to the future of work.
I have seen firsthand how important student engagement is. At a recent RHS job fair, a student asked me, what is the one mandatory skill to have for the future. My answer: a positive attitude and an optimistic view of life. That one skill unlocks resilience, creativity, and leadership.
We also must protect and grow fine arts, because music, theater, and visual arts shape confidence and creativity in ways academics alone cannot. And we should continue investing in counseling and SEL supports so schools remain safe, inclusive, and welcoming for every child.
The goal is balance, making sure every student graduate from Robbinsville with strong character and academics and the chance to discover what inspires them.
My priorities for a new term on the Robbinsville Board of Education will focus on Student Achievement and Fiscal Responsibility.
Student Achievement is at the heart of what it means to be a Board member. The first question any Board member should ask themself when approaching a new situation is, how will the outcome of this topic benefit the students of Robbinsville? This is accomplished by ensuring a broad variety of curriculum offerings that foster engagement for all students.
Fiscal Responsibility is paramount to ensuring Student Achievement and monetary stability for the entire community. It is the responsibility of the Board to ensure that the district is appropriately allocating the funding provided to the schools. This oversight must be presented to the community in regular and transparent communications at the monthly Board meetings.
I plan to implement these priorities by working with the entire Board and the Robbinsville Superintendent to focus on the needs of the students in line with the values of the community.
The components that should be protected when planning the school budget are those that lead to directly developing a well rounded student and ensuring the facilities remain operational and safe for students and staff.
A well rounded student has a balance, exposure, and appreciation for academics, the arts, and sports. Funding must be protected to ensure our talented staff is preserved to instruct and mentor our students in these areas. We must also ensure that a robust curriculum remains in place to provide the tools to our educators so that our students remain challenged and engaged.
The facilities are the backbone of the school district. They provide a safe place for instruction and recreation. The administration has done a good job maintaining our aging buildings and grounds. We must protect and modernize our facilities to ensure we provide a safe and welcoming place for all school activities as well as prepare for the needs of students in the future.
When policies are in place that impact our children, it is expected that parents will become passionate about how those policies impact their children, which in turn lead to disagreements.
The first step that I would take to resolve the issue would be to bring representatives from each group together so that the issue could be discussed respectfully. The meeting should be led by the Superintendent in association with subject matter experts from the district so that the facts can be discussed by those knowledgeable on the topic in an open and transparent manner. Once the situation has been presented by both sides, the focus must remain on what is best for students. I remain steadfast in my belief that we must make decisions that minimize negative impacts to the students of Robbinsville. With this in mind, I would collaborate with the Superintendent to provide a solution to the situation so that both sides accept the outcome. I would then work with my fellow Board members to ensure that the solution is implemented by the administration.
Schools must serve as trusted community locations where all students should feel safe and welcome. If interactions with ICE are encountered, they must be carefully managed and guided by both the law and policy in place to avoid negative interactions for students and staff. The Robbinsville Administration has developed policies for how to handle these interactions and all faculty and staff are trained so that they end in a proper outcome for all.
As a district, we should keep strengthening the three key areas of academics, vocational programs, and the arts. In academics, that means keeping our courses rigorous and relevant while closing gaps and adding practical skills. In vocational education, we need to modernize pathways, build partnerships, and promote them as equal to college prep. For the arts, we must protect funding, broaden opportunities, and make sure every student has access. These steps will ensure all our students are prepared to thrive and contribute positively in future careers and in society.
My priorities for the Robbinsville Board of Education focus on three pillars: student success, fiscal responsibility, and staff support.
Every Child at the Center
Our children’s success, safety, and well-being will always come first. Every decision I make will be grounded in the belief that each Robbinsville student deserves to feel seen, supported, and inspired to thrive.
Transparency and Fiscal Responsibility
Public trust is built on honesty. I will continue to manage our budget wisely, ensuring tax dollars go directly toward programs that benefit students. During my first term, we managed budget shortfalls without sacrificing core student opportunities, and I will keep asking the hard questions to ensure transparency and accountability.
Investing in Teachers and Staff
Robbinsville’s teachers and staff are the foundation of our schools. I am proud to have helped settle the teachers’ contract during my first term, which strengthened retention and morale. Moving forward, I will continue to advocate for investments in our educators so we can build classrooms where learning is joyful, lasting, and rooted in strong relationships.
Implementation
I will implement these priorities by collaborating with my fellow board members, our superintendent, and the Robbinsville community. My experience as an assistant superintendent, principal, and teacher to understand the role board members play in ensuring a quality education for our students. That perspective allows me to ensure every decision reflects what matters most, Robbinsville’s children.
When it comes to the school budget, my priority is to protect and, where possible, increase the areas that have the greatest direct impact on students.
Protected and Increased: Core academic programs, special education services, mental health supports, and opportunities in the arts, athletics, and career pathways must remain strong. These are the programs that not only prepare our students for the future but also make them feel connected, supported, and engaged in school. Investments in teacher professional development and staff retention are also essential—because strong schools start with the people leading our classrooms every day.
Reduced or Reevaluated: I believe we need to carefully evaluate non-instructional spending, outside contracts, and duplicative services to ensure every dollar is used efficiently. If there are areas where technology or shared services can reduce costs without impacting students, we should pursue them.
Transparency and collaboration will guide this process. As a board member, I will continue to ask tough questions, require clear justifications for spending, and communicate openly with the community about how tax dollars are being used. My experience as an assistant superintendent and principal has taught me how to balance tight budgets while maintaining student programs. In Robbinsville, I will use that experience to protect classrooms first and ensure every dollar advances student success.
Disagreements are natural in any community, especially when it comes to education. Beyond listening to both sides, my role as a Board of Education member is to ensure that discussions remain respectful, fact-based, and focused on what is best for students.
My steps would include:
Clarifying the Facts – Many disagreements arise from misinformation. I would work to make sure accurate, transparent information is shared with all stakeholders.
Facilitating Dialogue – If needed, I would encourage structured opportunities—such as forums or committee discussions—where parents can express concerns and hear differing perspectives in a constructive environment.
Focusing on Students – Ultimately, I will bring every decision back to its impact on students’ success, safety, and well-being. That shared priority helps bridge divides.
Collaborating with the Superintendent and Board, I would work with district leadership to identify possible solutions, compromises, or phased approaches that address concerns while maintaining the integrity of board policy and fiscal responsibility.
Conflict is an opportunity to build trust. By being honest, transparent, and student-centered, I believe the board can not only resolve disagreements but also strengthen confidence in our schools and our community.
Schools must be safe havens where every child can learn without fear. Our role when interacting with ICE is to protect students’ rights and well-being while following the law. Robbinsville’s superintendent and principals are well trained and knowledgeable about the legal requirements, ensuring that any request is handled properly, with student safety always the top priority.
I believe one of the most important roles of our schools is to help students discover and explore their passions. Robbinsville should provide a wide variety of courses and activities in academics, career and technical education, and the fine arts so every student has the opportunity to find what excites them. By offering these diverse opportunities, we help students build confidence, develop skills, and prepare for success in college, careers, and life. Partnering with local businesses and colleges can create hands-on experiences that connect students to real-world opportunities and career pathways. Protecting and expanding these programs ensures that every child feels supported, challenged, and inspired to reach their full potential.
