Position/philosophy statement
My philosophy is simple: students come first, schools should be supported, and every decision should be grounded in facts, accountability, and fiscal responsibility. A school board should provide leadership and oversight while respecting the expertis
Current Occupation
Finance Iredell Statesville Schools
Age (optional)
51
Campaign Phone
828-312-3618
I bring a unique combination of K–12 education, school finance, coaching, and community experience. I have lived in the Newton-Conover community for 25 years and have been involved in our schools as a parent, coach, band booster, Education Foundation board member, and community advocate. I have more than 10 years of experience working in K–12 school finance and understand budgets, funding, staffing, and accountability. As an assistant basketball coach at Newton-Conover High School, I work directly with students, families, and staff. I know the importance of listening, asking tough questions, managing resources responsibly, and keeping students at the center of every decision
The most important responsibility of a school board member is to put students first while providing responsible leadership for the entire school system. Board members should set clear policies, provide strong oversight of taxpayer resources, approve and monitor the budget, and hold the district accountable for student outcomes. They must listen to parents, students, teachers, staff, and the community while making decisions based on facts, data, and what is best for students. A board member should also support the superintendent while maintaining appropriate oversight and accountability. Most importantly, board members should work together respectfully, ask difficult questions, and make decisions with integrity and transparency.
Our district’s critical needs include maintaining strong academic outcomes, recruiting and retaining quality teachers and staff, school safety, and making sure resources reach the classroom. With limited state and local funding, I would prioritize needs based on student impact, urgency, available data, and measurable outcomes. My experience in K–12 school finance gives me a strong understanding of how funding decisions affect staffing, programs, and students. I would carefully evaluate existing expenditures, maximize available state and local resources, pursue appropriate grants and partnerships, and avoid spending that does not directly support student success. Every dollar should have a purpose.
I would focus on making our district a place where qualified teachers want to work and build a career. That starts with competitive compensation and benefits, but retention also requires strong leadership, manageable workloads, meaningful support, and a positive school culture. I would prioritize mentoring for new teachers, professional development that is relevant and practical, and opportunities for experienced teachers to grow into leadership roles without leaving the classroom. I would also look for creative ways to use available funding for hard-to-fill positions and recruitment incentives. Most importantly, I would listen directly to teachers and staff to understand what is working and what needs to change.
I believe a strong Pre-Kindergarten program is an important investment in our students and our community. Quality early education can help children develop the academic, social, and emotional skills they need to enter kindergarten ready to learn. I support maintaining access to high-quality Pre-K for families who need it while ensuring the program is financially sustainable. I would prioritize available state and local resources, seek additional funding opportunities, and regularly evaluate enrollment, outcomes, and student needs. Preparing children for success should begin before kindergarten, and our district should work to provide opportunities that give every child a strong foundation for their education.
I am running for the Newton-Conover Board of Education because I believe our students, teachers, families, and community deserve a board member who understands both the heart of education and the numbers behind it. I bring 25 years of connection to this community, more than 10 years of K–12 school finance experience, and firsthand experience as a parent, coach, band booster, Education Foundation board member, and advocate for our schools.
I am not running to advance a personal agenda. I am running to listen, ask the difficult questions, understand the facts, and make responsible decisions with students at the center. I understand that every dollar matters and that decisions made in the boardroom have a direct impact on classrooms.
I will bring experience, accountability, transparency, and a willingness to work with others. Most importantly, I will always remember who we are serving: our children. I am ready to work hard, and represent our community.
Position/philosophy statement
Provide a safe and secure place where students can be well educated for the future, provide staff with necessary tools, and seek guidance and input from parents when making educational decisions for their childre.
Current Occupation
Police Officer
Age (optional)
54
Campaign Phone
828-850-9504
I have served on the Newton-Conover Board of Education for 12 years. During this time, Newton-Conover City Schools has achieved the rank of the #1 school district in Catawba County. All schools have a letter grade of A, B, or C. Newton-Conover is 1 of 12 districts out 115 to achieve this accomplishment two years in a row. Newton-Conover is ranked 5th best place to teach in North Carolina and 5th with the best teachers in North Carolina.
Provide a safe and secure learning environment for students, while ensuring staff are preparing students to be career or college ready.
Support for students who require additional services to address learning loss. We are constantly looking internally to do more with less as it relates to allotted funding.
We must continue to support our beginning teachers while balancing the needs of our veteran staff. Telling our story and celebrating the successes of our district should always be used to attract and retain qualified talent.
NC Pre-K provides an important on-ramp for a student's educational career. Having the Pre-K early support also helps to identify developmental delays that can be addressed, resulting in less future learning loss.
I have been in public service for 38 years. I believe that everyone has a calling and the ability to serve mankind.
