School Board MemberSchool board members are elected for a four-year term by voters within the school district during the general election in even-numbered years. Qualifications include living in the district for at least one year, being a registered voter, and a candidate may not be an employee of the district when assuming office or have a spouse or dependent employed by the district.School board members are nonpartisan and are responsible for broad, forward-thinking, and decisive action in all areas that affect students and staff in their schools. School board members have no individual authority, but their authority rests in casting a vote at required governing board meetings.Responsibilities of the board include hiring and evaluating the superintendent, providing input in budget development to ensure funding is provided to meet goals and monitoring and approving the budget, setting salaries for employees, approving purchases, establishing and approving policies, approving curriculum materials, adopting the school calendar, reviewing regulations for compliance with policy, approving personnel actions based on superintendent recommendations, closing or constructing schools; assessing board effectiveness, monitoring progress toward goals.Why you should care:The school board’s role is to advocate for public education in the community and ensure the school district is well run. The board, as a whole, monitors performance to meet academic, financial, and operational goals. The collaborative decisions made by school board members will affect children and their parents, the livelihood of school district employees, and the economic well-being of an entire community. This position is unpaid and requires time, a willingness to learn about issues affecting the school district, and a passion for a positive culture and public education system committed to providing the best and most appropriate education for all children.For additional information:https://www.azk12.org/media/yjvlpkfo/district-school-board-duties.pdfMiembro de la junta escolarLos miembros de la junta escolar son elegidos por un período de cuatro años por los votantes del distrito escolar durante las elecciones generales en años pares. Los requisitos incluyen haber vivido en el distrito durante al menos un año, estar registrado para votar y un candidato no puede ser un empleado del distrito al asumir el cargo o tener un cónyuge o dependiente empleado por el distrito.Los miembros de la junta escolar no son partidistas. Estos son responsables de acciones amplias, progresistas y decisivas en todas las áreas que afectan a los estudiantes y al personal de sus escuelas. Los miembros de la junta escolar no tienen autoridad individual, mas bien, su autoridad se basa en emitir un voto en las reuniones requeridas de la junta directiva.Las responsabilidades de la junta incluyen contratar y evaluar al superintendente, brindar aportes en el desarrollo del presupuesto para garantizar que se proporcionen fondos para cumplir con las metas y monitorear y aprobar el presupuesto, establecer salarios para los empleados, aprobar compras, establecer y aprobar reglamentos, aprobar materiales curriculares, adoptar el calendario escolar, revisar los reglamentos para el cumplimiento de las políticas existentes, aprobar acciones de personal basadas en las recomendaciones del superintendente, cerrar o construir escuelas; evaluar la efectividad de la junta, monitorear el progreso en función de las metas.Por qué debería importarle:El papel de la junta escolar es interceder por la educación pública en la comunidad y garantizar que el distrito escolar esté bien administrado. La junta, como un todo, supervisa el desempeño para cumplir con las metas académicas, financieras y operativas. Las decisiones colaborativas tomadas por los miembros de la junta escolar afectarán a los niños y sus padres, el sustento de los empleados del distrito escolar y el bienestar económico de toda una comunidad. Este puesto no es remunerado y requiere tiempo, disposición para aprender acerca de los problemas que afectan al distrito escolar y pasión por una cultura positiva y un sistema de educación público comprometido con brindar la mejor educación posible y la más adecuada para todos los niños.Para información adicional:https://www.azk12.org/media/yjvlpkfo/district-school-board-duties.pdf
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Public Policy Priorities
As a candidate for the HUSD Governing Board, my top priorities are fiscal responsibility, academic excellence, and school safety. I believe in smart, efficient spending, ensuring every dollar impacts education quality. My focus is to strengthen core academics—enhancing STEM and CTE programs while improving reading, writing, and math. Safety is critical, and I’m committed to implementing practical, cost-effective measures to protect students and staff without increasing taxpayer burdens.
Qualifications and Experience
With 20 years of military service in the U.S. Air Force specializing in force protection and cybersecurity, I’ve developed leadership skills that are essential for decision-making and strategic planning. My experience also includes managing budgets and resources, as well as solving complex issues under pressure. I’ve had the privilege of working with diverse teams, and I bring a practical, solutions-driven mindset to challenges faced by our schools. As a parent with children currently in the Higley Unified School District, I am deeply invested in the success of our students and schools.
Organization Memberships and Affiliations
HUSD, American Legion, VFW
Endorsements
I am supported by fellow veterans, community leaders, and parents who align with my vision of fiscal responsibility, academic excellence, and safety for HUSD. My campaign focuses on grassroots support, with endorsements from individuals who believe in my practical approach to education and governance. I aim to stay focused on the needs of local families, taxpayers, and students, ensuring that the district thrives without imposing additional financial burdens.
Community Service
Since retiring from the U.S. Air Force in 2018, I’ve been active in local veterans' organizations, helping support veterans and their families. I’ve served on my HOA board for two years and, as a parent of three HUSD students, I regularly volunteer for HUSD Events. I’ve also helped improve financial literacy within the community, empowering individuals to make better financial decisions. My commitment to service drives my dedication to improving HUSD for students, families, and staff alike.
Occupation
I work in the financial services industry, specializing in financial literacy and budgeting. This role has given me valuable experience in risk management and protecting critical assets—skills directly transferable to the safety and well-being of HUSD students and staff. I’ve gained expertise in resource management, allowing me to approach the district’s budgeting process with a focus on maximizing efficiency and making sure that every dollar spent directly benefits the classroom.
Education
I hold an Associate of Science degree in Communications Applications Technology, which has provided me with a strong foundation in technology and communication. This background has proven invaluable in my work with cybersecurity and force protection. Throughout my career, I’ve also participated in numerous professional military education courses that have further developed my leadership, decision-making, and strategic planning skills, all of which will help guide my service on the HUSD Governing Board.
My vision for the Higley Unified School District is to foster an environment where every student, regardless of background, has access to a high-quality education that prepares them for life beyond graduation. I believe the key to valuing diversity is ensuring that all voices are heard and represented. I will prioritize engaging with parents, students, and teachers to understand their unique needs. By focusing on core academic excellence and providing diverse learning pathways like STEM and CTE programs, we can support students from all walks of life. My goal is to create an environment where every student feels valued, respected, and empowered to succeed.
When recruiting or evaluating the district superintendent, I will prioritize qualities like strong leadership, clear communication, and a proven track record of improving academic performance. The ideal candidate should have experience managing a diverse student population, with a focus on promoting both academic excellence and student well-being. Expertise in fiscal responsibility will also be essential to ensure the efficient use of district funds. Additionally, the superintendent must demonstrate a commitment to transparency and collaboration with the board, staff, and community. Above all, they should be student-centered, with the ability to implement innovative programs that prepare our students for the future.
Addressing the costs of special education evaluations and proportionate share services for ESA (Empowerment Scholarship Account) students requires a balanced approach. I would prioritize collaboration with the state to ensure fair funding and resource allocation for special education evaluations, making sure that the district's financial burden is minimized while still providing necessary services. To offset costs, we could explore partnerships or grants aimed at supporting special education.
For ESA students wishing to participate in district sports, I believe they should have the opportunity, but policies must ensure fairness and accountability. Participation fees should be structured to cover the associated costs without placing an additional financial burden on the district, aligning them with what public school students pay.
Academic Excellence: Ensuring students are well-prepared for life after graduation by focusing on core subjects like math, reading, and science, as well as expanding STEM and CTE programs. I would prioritize funding to enhance curriculum development, teacher training, and student resources that directly impact academic outcomes.
School Safety: Physical and digital security are paramount. Resources need to be allocated to upgrade security systems, improve emergency preparedness, and bolster cybersecurity measures to protect student data. Safety spending should focus on cost-effective solutions that enhance the well-being of students and staff.
Fiscal Responsibility: Maximizing the value of each dollar spent by addressing inefficiencies and reducing waste. I’d emphasize scrutinizing operational costs, ensuring funds go directly into classrooms and programs that benefit students the most, without asking the community for additional taxes.
The school board’s role in curriculum development should be to provide oversight and ensure that the curriculum aligns with community values, state standards, and prepares students for success after graduation. The board should not micromanage the process but instead work closely with educators and curriculum experts to approve materials that prioritize core academic subjects like math, reading, and science.
It’s essential for the board to foster open communication with parents, teachers, and stakeholders, encouraging transparency and input from the community. The board should ensure that the curriculum is continuously reviewed and updated to keep pace with changing educational demands while balancing academic rigor and practical skills like STEM and CTE programs.
Public Policy Priorities
Public Education should be a public good. In Arizona, serving on a Governing Board is non-partisan and that means a dedicated public servant should make the best decisions for students, staff, parents and the community. I am committed to working with stakeholders to make Higley the premiere choice for education in the East Valley. I would also like to encourage civility with regard to school board meetings. We should set a good example for the students we are raising and the families we serve.
Qualifications and Experience
I have been a public school teacher for almost 30 years. I’ve been a teacher of many grades (from Kinder to 12th grade), a Curriculum Coordinator, Coordinator of Instructional Technology, a librarian and a technology integration specialist. I served successfully on the Higley Unified School District Governing Board from 2017-2021. I am married to a teacher and have a son studying to become a teacher. Teaching is my life's work and I want to give back to the community in which I live.
Organization Memberships and Affiliations
NEA, AEA and GEA member
Endorsements
Save Our Schools Arizona, Higley Education Association and Pro-business designation from the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce
Community Service
Served on the HUSD Governing Board from 2017-2021. As a teacher and citizen, I have helped get favorable, education focused governing board members elected. I have worked on numerous campaigns to get school bonds and school overrides passed. I’ve mentored numerous teachers over the years and helped create a large annual summer professional development program for teachers.
Occupation
Proud public school teacher
Education
B.A. from University of Richmond (History and Political Science major) M.A. from Ohio State University (Secondary Social Studies Education) Certifications: 7-12 Secondary Social Studies, K-6 general education and K-12 Media Specialist
Public schools in the United States accept everyone. That’s the power of what we do and the thing that once made our schools the envy of the world. Opportunities for all. In Higley, we begin with having outstanding pre-school programs and we continue with a variety of offerings including a traditional school and dual language programs beginning in elementary school. In addition to robust course offerings, we offer a multitude of outstanding extracurricular activities such as sports, the arts and music at our middle and high schools. At our high schools, we offer excellent dual credit, Advanced Placement, Career and Technical Education and foreign language programs. I also am proud of our special education programs. I would like to build on our successes.
One of the three things a Governing Board member does under state statute is hire and evaluate the Superintendent. First, a Superintendent should have a deep understanding of Arizona school funding. They also must have a dynamic personality, boundless energy and a passion for public education and be able to interact with many groups-parents, students, faculty and staff. One metric I value is staff retention and satisfaction. Happy teachers and staff equate to good things happening in the classroom which means good things happening for our students.
I would work with the Governing Board and Superintendent to develop a framework and clear policies to address ESA special education evaluations and sports. I would also encourage working with the state of Arizona and our local legislators to refine state policies so that they are fair for all. Right now, public schools are taken advantage of by other actors who use public school resources but contribute little to nothing. The laws need to better reflect the realities facing our public schools, which are being starved of much needed funding while private schools take advantage of lopsided laws.
Funding is always an issue in the state of Arizona. State law requires public schools to get local budget overrides reauthorized every five years whereas charter schools are simply granted extra money without having to ask for public support. We have to do the best we can with the resources we are allocated while always advocating for necessary funding, including maintaining all of our facilities. As an example, in the past when I served on the governing board, we used the School Facilities Board very effectively saving our taxpayers millions of dollars. We must look for opportunities wherever we can to ensure we can provide the best possible opportunities for students.
The other two issues that aren’t unique to Higley post-COVID are attendance and discipline. We must develop clear policies so that our students, families and staff can maximize success. I’ll add that it is important that we elect board members who are non-partisan and interested in making public schools work.
One of the other three things a Governing Board does is set policy. The Governing Board sets policies for the adoption of curriculum as well as supplemental resources. Those policies should be clear and easily followed. Governing boards also set an annual budget, which include approving the purchase of primary and supplemental materials.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
