Biographical Information
phone
913-390-3565
Campaign Phone
913-390-3565
Instagram
amyd4boe
Personal Biography
Originally from Western Shawnee, I live in Olathe with my husband and three children. I am a former elementary music teacher and founding member of the KC Perthes Kids fundraising event. In addition, I have spent time volunteering with local community groups including being a precinct leader for my precinct in Olathe.
Community/Public Service
Founding member of the KC Perthes Kids Fundraising event, Precinct Leader
Education
BA in Elementary Music Education
Ballot City
Olathe
County
Johnson County
What makes you the best candidate for this position? What skills, expertise, or competencies qualify you?
I bring both a teacher’s and a parent’s perspective to the Kansas State Board of Education. I spent seven years teaching elementary music in Junction City and Western Shawnee, so I understand what teachers need to help students succeed. When my daughter was diagnosed with a rare mobility disease, our family worked closely with our district to navigate her 504 plan. Through that experience, I saw how educators and administrators worked together to create the right learning environment for her.
These two roles, teacher and parent have shown me what schools can do for students when resources are in place and when teachers are able to collaborate with families to make decisions in the best interest of the child. It’s this perspective I plan to
What are Kansas's three most important issues in education, and how do you intend to address them?
After meeting with educators, administrators, and families across District 3, three priorities consistently rise to the top:
1. Supporting strong public schools. Schools need stable resources, adequate staffing, and safe learning environments. I will support policies that help schools meet these needs so students can learn and grow.
2. Preparing students for the future. Students benefit from rigorous standards, quality curriculum, and opportunities to explore a variety of different careers. I will support efforts that help students graduate ready for whatever path they choose.
3. Supporting educators and fully funding special education. Teachers are essential to student success. I will support straightforward licensure pathways, meaningful
What's the most important factor for success in the classroom?
A strong, supported teacher is the most important factor in classroom success. When teachers have manageable class sizes, adequate support staff, access to training, and a safe, welcoming school environment, students thrive. Positive teacher–student relationships create the foundation for academic growth and long term success.
What role can the state board or its members play in assuring that the state’s public K-12 schools, including special education, are adequately funded?
The State Board of Education plays an important role in supporting adequate funding by:
• Setting clear expectations for what students need to succeed
• Providing data driven recommendations to the Legislature for full funding of public schools
• Advocating for full special education funding to reduce the need of districts to pull money from their general education budgets.
• Elevating the voices of educators, families, and communities
• Ensuring resources are used effectively and transparently
As a board member, I will advocate for funding that meets the needs of every Kansas student, regardless of zip code or learning needs.