Campaign Phone
414-502-7388
I believe a school board member, in partnership with their fellow board members, should set the strategy and direction of a school district's administration. They are responsible for setting budget priorities that reflect that strategy and hiring and evaluating the District Administrator to enact that strategy. Board priorities should always be what's best for students, while being good stewards of public resources.
First, because most school funding challenges stem from failures at the state level, I believe it is important to spread awareness of these challenges to the community and our legislatures, and to advocate for solutions that properly fund public education. Second, any local referendums undertaken should be the result of painstaking research, due diligence, and community involvement so that tax payers can have confidence that their taxes will be spent wisely.
In our district, we pride ourselves on hiring and retaining the highest quality education and mental health professionals. Ultimately, school policies are the responsibility of the school board, but should be developed thoughtfully, utilizing the subject expertise of education and mental health professionals in the district. Curriculum review should similarly be thoughtful and systematic, including diverse input to arrive at the best possible educational tools for our students.
The district is responsible for our students' safety and security, so each adult needs to understand the risk of violence and what measures are available to prevent and prepare for such unfortunate circumstances. Our district has a regularly updated, comprehensive Crisis Response Plan that is reviewed by all staff members and our schools undergo regular safety and violence drills. Mental health resources, curriculum, and professional training are also critical to preventing school violence.
When designing curriculum, educators have to contend with many factors - evolving best practices, state-mandated standards, and available resources, to name a few. I believe that curriculum design should be thoughtful, systematic, and include the perspectives of educators, subject matter experts, parents, and even students, to ensure we are teaching our children what they need to thrive and succeed in our ever-changing world.
The role of a school board member is to provide principled, strategic governance with students at the center of every decision. Board members set vision and policy, steward resources responsibly, and ensure accountability while supporting the District Administrator. Priorities should align with the Focus Plan to be an Exceptional Place to Learn, Work, and Engage, emphasizing student growth, equity, safety, fiscal stewardship, and strong partnerships with staff, families, and the community.
Ensuring sufficient funding requires disciplined stewardship, long range planning, and transparency. The board must align resources with student needs to support learning, safety, and well being. As the district seeks voter support for a $135.6 million facilities referendum, trust is built through clear communication and accountability that connects investments to maintaining Whitefish Bay as an exceptional place to learn and ensuring long term district stability.
Education and mental health professionals play a central role in determining curriculum and informing school policies. Their expertise ensures instruction is evidence based, developmentally appropriate, and responsive to student needs. While the board sets policy direction, it should rely on professional knowledge, data, and best practices to educate the whole child in safe, caring, and inclusive learning environments.
School safety requires a comprehensive approach that emphasizes prevention, preparedness, and strong relationships. The district has established safety policies and emergency plans that support positive school culture, access to mental health services, and early identification of concerns. Continued coordination with law enforcement, regular training and drills, clear protocols, and transparent communication help ensure schools remain safe and welcoming.
Parents are essential partners in education. While curriculum is developed by educators using standards and professional expertise, parents have opportunities to provide input, including serving on the Teaching and Learning Committee that reviews and recommends curriculum. Transparency, communication, and mutual respect strengthen trust, support student success, and align with the Focus Plan’s emphasis on meaningful community engagement.
