VOTE411 Voter Guide

I have worked at Ingham ISD for the past 13 years. Initially as a speech-language pathologist and most recently as a technical assistance provider, which is essentially a monitor for special education compliance across Ingham county. I have a special interest in literacy, dyslexia, executive functioning and the use of Personal Curriculum. I have three children; two have graduated from Williamston and one is a current Sophomore. When my family moved here in 2010 it was because of the school district. We have not regretted that decision.

To listen to concerns from community members, families, administrators and staff and to assist in problem solving to reach equitable solutions. I believe everyone has the right to be heard.

Michigan has a new literacy law going into effect in the 2027-28 school year. I know this will be a challenging time for many districts across Michigan. I believe I can assist with that transition and supporting our learners and staff. Outside of that, I think the priority is to listen to members of the Williamston community and take all concerns seriously.

If elected, this will be my second six-year term on the Williamston School Board. During my first term, I have served as a trustee, Vice President, the chair of the Policy Committee, and the liaison to the Williamston Schools Foundation.

I have also taken advantage of numerous training opportunities offer through the Michigan Association of School Boards (MASB), focusing on policy and finance.

The School Board sets the priorities for the district and allocates funding for them. Our job is to focus on the strategic goals, with administration hashing out the details.

My priority is to continue providing world-class education opportunities for students in the district. The outstanding schools in Williamston are why my family decided to move here, so anything I can do to continue the tradition of excellence, I will.

Candidate has not yet responded.

Candidate has not yet responded.

Candidate has not yet responded.

Since earning my B.S. in 2004, I have served as a High School Language Arts Teacher, a University Adjunct Instructor of English as a Second Language, a College and University administrator, and even, at times, a substitute teacher. I am also a parent of two students who have each attended every school in Williamston, and I am an engaged member of my community. I am currently employed by Albion College, where I provide support to students and faculty through my role in the Registrar's Office. In my 22 years as an educator, I have seen the best and the worst of policy decisions. To put it simply: I have seen what works, and I have seen that which does not work. I am capable of reviewing the landscape of Williamston Community Schools, and also of determining how best to serve the students, faculty, and administrators of WCS, while also providing appropriate resources to members of the community.

A member of the Williamston School Board is one of seven representatives who is responsible to speak and listen on behalf of community members. The school board must make decisions, and those decisions will enact policy for the school district. With the knowledge that it would be impossible to enact policy that 100% of the community will support, it is the job of each school board member to gather as much information as possible, to listen to the voices of community members, and to arrive at the most pragmatic and logical conclusion possible *before* voting on anything. I believe strongly in representative government as it was designed by America's founders: it is not the job of any elected official, at any level, to simply enact their personal preference; on the contrary, it is the sacred responsibility of each representative to ensure that they are speaking for their constituents, with the full knowledge that a constituency will hold a wide range of beliefs and opinions.

As indicated in the previous response, my top priority will be to listen to, and engage with, the community. Realistically, for every single issue, there will be division, and there will be voices on multiple sides. I will hear everyone, and I will determine the best path forward that considers and respects all of their concerns, with the knowledge that some may be disappointed. A second overarching priority will be to maintain the strong academic standing of Williamston Community Schools. Williamston enters 2026 with recognition from US News and World Report for having some of the best public schools in the State of Michigan, a reflection of the dedication and focus of our teachers and administrators. It should be incumbent upon any board member to learn how to effectively continue to support those professionals, allowing them to build upon their successes. Finally, with all matters, I promise to review all available information with clear eyes, and to listen to the community.