Position/philosophy statement
My philosophy is to listen, work collaboratively, and always keep students, families, and the future of our schools at the center of every decision.
Current Occupation
Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Age (optional)
63
Campaign Phone
828-707-6847
I believe my commitment to students, families, teachers, and staff makes me a strong candidate for this office. I understand the importance of creating schools where every student feels safe, supported, and encouraged to reach their full potential. I also recognize that teachers and staff are the heart of our schools and deserve to feel valued, respected and appreciated.
My ability to listen, collaborate, and keep the needs of students and families at the center of decision-making would help me serve this office effectively. I am committed to working with our school community to make thoughtful, responsible decisions that strengthen our schools and support their future.
I believe the most important responsibilities of a School Board member are to keep students’ well-being and educational success at the center of every decision, listen to the concerns of families and the community, and provide thoughtful oversight of the district’s policies, budget, and long-term direction. A School Board member must also support and respect teachers and staff, promote safe and inclusive schools, ensure resources are used responsibly, and work collaboratively with fellow Board members and district leaders.
My commitment to students, families, teachers, and staff makes me a strong candidate for this office.
The critical needs of our school district are student safety, well-being, strong academic support, qualified and supported teachers and staff, responsible financial management, and equitable access to resources for every student to succeed. We must also maintain our facilities, address technology and transportation needs, and ensure that families and the community have a meaningful voice in the future of our schools. Within available state and local funding, I would prioritize these needs by first protecting essential services that directly affect student safety, learning, and daily operations. This includes maintaining safe and welcoming schools, supporting classroom instruction, providing needed academic and mental-health services.
I would prioritize competitive compensation within available funding, strong benefits, and a supportive working environment. Teachers are more likely to stay when they feel respected, have manageable work loads, receive meaningful professional development, and have the resources and support needed to be successful in the classroom.
I believe a high-quality pre-kindergarten program is an important investment in our students and the future of our schools. Early learning helps children develop the academic, social, and emotional skills they need to enter kindergarten ready to learn and succeed. It can also provide families with valuable support and help identify learning needs early, when additional services can make the greatest difference.
I believe serving on the School Board is an important responsibility and an opportunity to help shape the future of our schools and community. I am running because I care deeply about providing every student with the opportunity to succeed and ensuring that our schools remain safe, welcoming, and focused on learning. I believe effective School Board leadership requires listening carefully to students, families, educators, staff, and community members; asking thoughtful questions; reviewing information responsibly; and making decisions based on what best serves students.
As a School Board member, I will continue to work to support high-quality instruction, strong early-learning opportunities, dedicated teachers and staff, responsible financial planning, and clear communication with the community. I understand that School Board decisions affect students, families, employees, and taxpayers, and I would approach this role with respect, transparency, collaboration, and accountability.
