1)Support and Retain Quality Educators

Competitive pay, manageable class sizes, and more planning time to attract and keep the best teachers and staff.

2)Fiscal Responsibility and Transparency

Careful budgeting, open communication, and responsible spending to ensure taxpayer dollars are used effectively.

3)Reliable and Efficient Transportation

Improve bus driver pay and working conditions to recruit and retain staff.

Ensure safe, timely, and dependable transportation for every student in the district.

I am an engaged parent and community leader at Auburn-Washburn. I’ve volunteered at school events, advocated for staff, and promoted youth sports and extracurricular programs that enrich student experience. As a father of children currently enrolled in our schools, I have a personal stake in the continued success of our district. My professional background is in government relations, labor advocacy, and transportation policy. This experience has equipped me with the skills to navigate complex systems, advocate effectively, and work collaboratively across differences. What sets me apart is my commitment to transparency, accountability, and doing right by our students, teachers, and taxpayers. I believe in leading by example and centering decisions on the long-term success of our children and community. A major difference between other candidates and me is my commitment to spending time in every building across the district.

Board members must be responsible stewards of our local budget and proactive advocates for funding. I will work to ensure every tax dollar is spent wisely. Our district's goals should guide these spending decisions. I will also collaborate with legislators to advocate for full and fair school funding. I plan to attend legislative hearings and participate in public education coalitions. I will keep our community informed about how funding impacts our schools.

Academic Excellence for All All students deserve the opportunity to learn and grow to their potential. Advanced learners should be challenged, and extra time & resources are vital for those who need them. An ideal educational system pairs high expectations with individualized support, so every student can achieve meaningful academic growth.

Safe, Respectful Learning Environments School administrators & educators must be empowered to create safe, respectful environments. Students deserve a school day free of fear. This requires focusing on policies that address threats or violence, bullying or disrespect, and disruptive behavior that impairs instruction.

Leadership that is Student-Focused An optimal learning environment balances the needs of parents, teachers, & administrators while focusing on practical goals that help students thrive. This involves emphasizing policies fostering meaningful growth for learners, in partnership with all stakeholders in each child’s education.

My qualifications for the USD 437 School Board come from professional experience, community involvement, and a personal connection to the district as a lifelong Topekan and Washburn Rural graduate. I am also raising my children in the district.

As a Vice President in human resources, I have firsthand knowledge of workforce needs and the skills students must develop to succeed beyond graduation. My service on the state board of Jobs for America’s Graduates–Kansas (JAG-K) has given me insight into efforts supporting students who face barriers to educational and career success, and programming that promotes equity and opportunity. As a Rotarian, I mentor youth and contribute to literacy programs. Previously, I served on the board of Child Care Aware of Eastern Kansas, advocating for early learning initiatives.

These experiences equip me with a well-rounded perspective on education from early childhood through workforce readiness and a strong commitment to supporting all students.

I believe one of the most important responsibilities of the board is to help establish and uphold a unified vision for the school district, one that reflects our community’s values and puts students first. That means setting clear goals, supporting student-forward policies, and reviewing them regularly to make sure we’re truly meeting the needs of our students. The board should encourage a culture of innovation, hold high instructional standards, and stay focused on outcomes that prepare students for success in life.