VOTE411 Voter Guide

I decided to run for school board because I could not sit back and watch my generation be failed by a system meant to set them up for success. I have seen my generation struggle with stress, uncertainty about the future, and a lack of direction, and I believe schools must do better both academically and practically.

To prepare for this role, I have attended school board meetings, reviewed district policies and budgets, met with educators, parents, and community leaders, and studied the key issues facing our schools. As a graduate of Manatee County schools, I also bring firsthand experience with the district and an understanding of the challenges students face today.

The greatest challenge facing Manatee County Schools is the reading crisis. Nearly half of our students are not reading at grade level, and when students struggle to read, every other subject becomes more difficult. Reading proficiency is one of the strongest predictors of future academic success, graduation, and career readiness.

As a board member, I will make literacy my top priority. On day one, I will introduce a resolution declaring a Reading Emergency to create urgency around this issue. I will advocate for early intervention, evidence-based reading instruction, and additional support for struggling readers during the school day. If we can ensure every child can read proficiently, we will create a stronger foundation for success in every other area of education.

Parents have the right to know exactly what their child is learning in school. As a school board member, I will advocate for a 100% Transparency Dashboard that gives parents easy access to curriculum content, instructional materials, supplemental programs, and information on how instructional time is allocated. I will also hold regular community listening sessions and make myself accessible to parents and stakeholders. Parents deserve clear information, honest communication, and a meaningful voice in the decisions that affect their children.

To provide an excellent education for every student, we must put students first. Our school system should be guided by three core principles reflected in the C.A.M. Plan: Common-Sense Academics, Accountability & Transparency, and Mastery of Real-World Skills. Together, these priorities focus on strengthening instruction, improving transparency, and ensuring students graduate with the practical skills needed for life after school. This starts with a fresh perspective on the board, and I'm ready to bring that.

I am running because I care deeply about the future of Manatee County and believe every student deserves access to a high-quality education. As the son of two retired elementary school teachers, a parent of two daughters in our public school system, a small business owner and an involved citizen, I bring perspectives from education, family, and community leadership.

To prepare, I have watched many School Board meetings and met with current School Board members, as well as teachers, administrators, parents, and many other community leaders. I have reviewed district policies and budgets and studied Florida education law and governance. I also understand that there is a lot that I still need to learn and that effective board service requires continuous learning, thoughtful analysis, and continuous collaboration. My goal is to make informed decisions that prioritize student achievement, support parents and teachers, and ensure responsible stewardship and oversight of taxpayer dollars.

I believe the greatest challenge facing Manatee County schools is ensuring that every student not only graduates but is prepared for success after graduation. Strong reading, writing, and math skills remain the foundation for all future learning, yet many students still need additional support to reach grade-level proficiency, and I have a plan to provide greater support through increased community involvement. At the same time, we must prepare students for a variety of pathways, including college, technical training, military service, and the workforce.

As a board member, I will focus on helping students achieve their goals, no matter what pathway they choose, through focusing on teaching essential skills, retaining excellent teachers, and expanding parental involvement. I also believe strong partnerships between schools, families, businesses, and community organizations are essential to helping students succeed and preparing them for the real world.

Transparency and communication are essential to building trust between the school district and the community. Parents, teachers, and taxpayers should all be able to understand how decisions are made, how resources are allocated, and how those decisions impact students and schools.

As a board member, I will communicate regularly through school visits, community meetings, and social media. I support making board agendas, budgets, policies, and supporting documents easier for families and the community to access and understand. I also believe board members should be visible and approachable, not just during meetings but throughout the community. Most importantly, transparency is not only about sharing information—it is about listening. I will actively seek input from parents, teachers, students, and community members, as I have throughout my campaign and ensure their perspectives are considered before making important decisions.

Providing an excellent education begins with high expectations and ensuring every student develops strong skills in reading, writing, math, science, and civics. These foundational subjects are essential for success in school, the workforce, and life.

At the same time, students have different strengths, interests, and goals. Our schools should provide multiple pathways to success, including college preparation, career and technical education, industry certifications, and workforce training. Every student should have opportunities that align with their talents and future plans.

We must also support and retain high-quality teachers, because no school-based factor has a greater impact on student achievement. Finally, strong partnerships between schools, families, businesses and community organizations are critical. By setting high standards and creating opportunities for all students, we can ensure all children reach their full potential and graduate prepared for their next step in life.

I believe we have a strong and successful district in many ways. My own kids have received an excellent education at our traditional public schools so far. There is always room for reflection and improvement, and I am running for School Board to ensure we stay on a good trajectory for ALL of our students and teachers.

Studying pedagogy in college, teaching English abroad, and serving as a middle school substitute teacher have given me classroom experience and insight beyond my career as a translator. Observing School Board meetings and attending meetings featuring expert guest speakers as part of the LWV Education Issues Action Team, serving on a local public education board, and reporting education news on "Education Matters in Manatee County" on Facebook since 2022 have enabled me to learn extensively about the financial, legal and policy matters that impact our district, making me well-prepared for this position.

Public education today faces multiple challenges, such as efforts to siphon funding away from public schools, rapid growth that strains our facilities and staff, and societal and political influences that impact parental choices, academic curriculum, and student behavior.

Our state constitution mandates a safe and high quality system of free public schools for all, yet nevertheless there are forces trying to chip away at public education. We must be vigilant as we safeguard public education, communicate with voters about legislative proposals and underfunded mandates, ensure we have qualified teachers, manage growth responsibly, provide excellence in both vocational and advanced collegiate pathways, and meet the needs of the diverse student population that our district serves.

I started "Education Matters in Manatee County" specifically to enhance communication about education issues with families and community members, from practical pointers and upcoming events to in-depth data dives and reports from a variety of sources. I intend to continue to offer this resource and to work with district staff to further expand communication reach throughout the district.

School Board members should be visible and accessible to the communities they serve. As a School Board member, I would welcome the opportunity to attend school events, meet with teachers, hear from parents, address questions and concerns, learn from this feedback what constituents need most, and advocate for our schools in Tallahassee.

I consider the position of a School Board member to be a tremendous responsibility and a full-time job, and communications play a large role in that. My sole focus is education and I have no further political aspiration.

We want well-rounded students with a desire for lifelong learning and critical thinking skills at graduation as they embark on their next chapters, and that means giving each and every student the opportunity to achieve their highest potential. This starts with investing in our earliest learners, increasing hands-on play-based learning and active parental engagement, providing adequate supports for ESE and ELL students, ensuring access to counselors and resources to support mental and emotional well-being, ensuring that all students feel represented in materials, supporting school choice, and listening to teachers to learn how the systems and policies currently in place need to be optimized. This takes adequate funding, prudent financial oversight, partnerships with parents and community organizations, out of the box thinking, and advocacy at the local and state levels.

My focus, above all, is on our students, their families, and teachers.