VOTE411 Voter Guide

I’m seeking a seat on the Denton ISD School Board because I believe strong schools build strong communities. I’ve spent my entire career serving and protecting the people of Denton. From law enforcement to emergency management, special education to city and non-profit leadership, every chapter of my life has centered on safety, service, and supporting families. At this time, this is an excellent opportunity to add additional value to the Board of Trustees.

I've served 37 professional years of service to this community. My background is unique because it brings together safety, education, and public leadership — the three things our schools need most right now. I began my career as a police officer and later spent 13 years in OSH/ESH, emergency and risk management and training, which taught me how to protect people, manage crises, and make decisions that keep students and staff safe. I was a sped teacher for Denton ISD. I am a mom of two Broncos.

1.Academic disparities across campuses. Some schools are thriving, while others are working hard to close persistent gaps. When students start behind or experience frequent transitions, it becomes harder for them to build the confidence and curiosity that lifelong learning requires. To fulfill our mission, we must stabilize struggling campuses, support strong instructional leadership, and ensure every child has access to high‑quality teaching and a safe, supportive environment. 2. Teacher recruitment and retention. Lifelong learning starts with great teachers, and we cannot empower students if we cannot keep the educators who inspire them. Teachers need competitive pay, manageable workloads, the respect and support that allow them to build fulfilling careers in Denton ISD. Despite challenges, I believe Denton ISD has the strength and community support to empower students to thrive.

First, we can strengthen academic equity by adopting policies that ensure every campus has the staffing, resources, and instructional support needed to close gaps and keep expectations consistent across the district. Second, we can support student well‑being by expanding access to counselors, reinforcing anti‑bullying protections, and promoting safe, welcoming environments for all students. Third, focus on teacher recruitment and retention. Policies that protect planning time, support manageable workloads, and invest in professional development help us keep great teachers in our classrooms. Fourth, responsible budget and resource policies ensure that funds are directed where they have the greatest impact — especially on high‑need campuses and growing areas of the district. And finally, we can keep classrooms focused on learning by adopting policies that support evidence‑based curriculum, protect teacher professionalism, and encourage respectful family engagement.

I am seeking this office because strong public schools are essential to a strong community. Through volunteer work, committee service, and substitute teaching in Denton ISD, I have seen both the strengths of our schools and the challenges they face. I want to use my experience in data-driven decision making, financial stewardship, and organizational leadership to help ensure Denton ISD provides excellent opportunities for all students while responsibly managing taxpayer resources.

I spent more than four decades in business and retired as a management consultant with Ernst & Young where I helped organizations improve performance through better use of people, process, data, and technology. I now teach data analytics at SMU’s Cox School of Business. In Denton ISD, I’ve served on the 2023 Bond Committee and the 1925 Committee, am active with the Denton Public School Foundation, chaired the Vote for Denton ISD Kids PAC, and serve as a substitute teacher in the district.

One of the greatest challenges facing Denton ISD is ensuring that every student, regardless of their zip-code, has access to the opportunities and support needed to succeed in an increasingly complex world. Our district is growing rapidly and serves a diverse student population whose needs can vary significantly from campus to campus. At the same time, school districts must operate, with safety in mind and within a state funding system that limits local flexibility while costs continue to rise. Balancing enrollment growth, maintaining strong academic outcomes, supporting and retaining effective teachers, and responsibly managing taxpayer resources are ongoing challenges. Meeting the district’s mission will require thoughtful planning, strong partnerships with families and the community, and a continued focus on preparing students for college, career, the trades, or military service.

Policies should focus on clear priorities, responsible financial stewardship, and the use of data to guide decision making. Policies that support strong instruction, attract and retain effective teachers, and expand opportunities such as career and technical education, dual credit, and advanced coursework help ensure students are prepared for life after graduation.

Equally important is maintaining safe and welcoming schools where every student feels respected and supported. In today’s digital age, bullying can extend beyond the school day through social media and online communication. District policies should promote a positive school culture, educate students about the impact of bullying - especially with available technology - and set clear expectations for respectful behavior.

Transparency, community engagement, and regular review of programs and outcomes help ensure resources are aligned with student needs while keeping student success at the center of every decision.