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In early 2023, I learned of an opening on the Three Lakes School Board. I had previously been interested in the position, as it was an opportunity to give something back to the community where my children have grown. The Three Lakes School District has given so much to my family, and I knew it was the right time to step up and provide a service back. I was appointed to the Board in April, 2023. I was further inspired to seek appointment and return for reelection due to my full-time role at an adjacent school district. Working with students and staff every day, I have a newfound appreciation for our teachers and the roles they play in our children’s lives. I want to be involved with ensuring they have the resources and support they need every day. I also have a passion in the safety and security of our students and staff. The access our children have to dangerous substances and toxic environments continues to grow, and we need to ensure collective knowledge to keep our schools safe.

My entire adult life has been spent in the military and now in law enforcement roles grounded in structure and law. I am intimately familiar with operating in an environment centered on legal requirements, and the research needed to ensure compliance. Working in a team environment is something I truly appreciate, especially when the purpose is for the betterment of the organization and community. Since 2022, I have served as a High School Resource Officer. This position has afforded me the opportunity to research and grow in understanding of the operations of a school district. I am honored to work every day with support staff, teachers, administrators, and students with a focus on development and continuous improvement. Although primarily focused on safety and security, I have been able to participate in many district processes including supporting students with disabilities, mental health concerns, child welfare, substance abuse, and policy updates.

As a rural school district, we must always be prepared to do more with less. From funding to extracurricular activities, we have to capitalize on every opportunity to provide our students the same level of development as much larger districts with vast resources. Safeguarding our youth and schools should always be of the utmost priority. Violence and other concerns in our world do not seem to be slowing, and we must ensure we prepare staff and students in the event of an emergency situation. Additional priorities, include but are certainly not limited to student and staff needs relating to school culture, mental health resources, substance abuse prevention, curriculum development, environment updates, and facility maintenance.

Funding is always a concern. Providing quality education, environment, and resources to our youth comes with a significant cost. As does hiring and retaining quality staff to execute the mission and vision of the school district. I feel lucky to be a member of a community that places a significant priority on our school district, and who are willing to come together and support all aspects of our student’s journey to adulthood. We continuously weigh the balance of the financial burden on the community and the quality of instruction and facilities provided by the district. As the cost of doing school business increases, we have to be prepared to make difficult decisions as to additional resources that may be necessary to maintain the high standards expected of the Three Lakes School District.