Much of my professional career has been dedicated to public education, and I bring experience as a teacher, instructional coach, administrator, and state educational specialist to the board. As a former Newberg educator I am familiar with the day-to-day challenges and opportunities in our schools and district, and my current role has made me familiar with state policies, rules, and statutes that govern public education. I am a deep listener and critical thinker, and take seriously the responsibility to better understand the needs of our families and uplift our children. I love the Newberg and Dundee communities and believe our children deserve the best possible public education we can give them.

School districts, like any public agency, are required to carry out federal and state laws in responsible and transparent ways. School Boards set and implement policy for the district, hire and supervise the Superintendent, approve the district’s budget, and provide oversight related to finances and curriculum. I personally believe that School Boards serve as a bridge between our schools and our communities. Staying connected with the diverse perspectives in communities as we make decisions is critical.

Moving forward, our most critical issues are (1) stabilizing the budget by rebuilding a healthy ending fund balance with sustainable oversight and safeguards, (2) attracting and retaining excellent leaders and educators (including hiring a superintendent in 2025-26), and (3) rebuilding trust within the community. School Board members must connect with the community as we create policy, strategy, and measurable outcomes around academic excellence. I have and will continue to participate in school events, am committed to listening to diverse community perspectives, and will continue to ask questions of district and school leaders to bring a more complete understanding of the district's and board's work to our general public.

Extensive Business and Board Leadership Experience Experience as a Civic Leader as the Mayor of Dundee

Many decisions that should belong to the local Board were usurped by the Federal and State governments over the last several decades. While the Federal Department of Education will be releasing that oppressive control over the people, the State of Oregon has expressed a strong interest in continuing to tell local municipalities how they should manage the education of their children, and what the curriculum will be.

The biggest thing any Board Member can do to address the issues facing the District’s schools is to ensure that parents are properly informed about what is happening and being taught in their children's schools. The current Board and District staff have been doing a very good job of obfuscating, hiding, and refusing to disclose that information in our District. While I do not expect that to change, I do plan to do what I can individually to get information to the parents.