Home municipality
Village of Mt. Horeb
Home ZIP code
53572
Preferred pronouns
she/her/hers
In the most recent DPI report card, the MHASD received an overall score of “exceeds expectations.” Although the district has on average high achieving students, they can continue to strive to improve student achievement as detailed in their strategic plan. A few of the ways the district can continue to improve student achievement include continuing to meaningfully engage in practices they have identified: supporting highly effective teachers and principals, providing high quality instructional materials, using data to identify areas of need, and strengthening students’ sense of belonging.
I was a board member in 2024 when the unthinkable happened. Before the incident, and since, the district has implemented and refined a detailed, well thought out safety plan. From hiring an SRO who was an educator, to investing in secure buildings, to maintaining well practiced safety procedures, the district has worked to ensure that students and staff feel safe and are safe. Climate is shaped by leadership behavior and policy decisions. A board can positively contribute through inclusive policies, the way it conducts itself, their presence in schools, and their responsiveness to feedback.
It is impossible to avoid adjustments in response to declining enrollment. Adjustments should be both responsive and responsible, striving to minimize the impact on services and programs provided to students. All financial decisions should align with policies and the strategic plan. Related, the funding formula in WI is not meeting the needs of districts. Per pupil funding continues to be below the rate of inflation, and it does not reflect the rising costs of operating a district. Declining enrollment and funding challenges are creating hardships for districts.
One way I can make a difference is by leveraging my six years of experience as a board member. Across the state of Wisconsin, and within our own district, many individuals are new to school board service. While six years is not an extensive amount of time, I have learned a great deal during that period. Serving on a school board comes with a steep learning curve. I have devoted considerable effort over the past six years to strengthening my understanding. Using this experience and knowledge positions me to make a positive and meaningful impact on the MHASD Board of Education.
I have six years of experience on the MHASD Board of Education, including service as president, vice president, and treasurer. I also bring eighteen years as a qualitative education researcher at the UW–Madison Wisconsin Center for Education Research, where I work with educators and partners from across Wisconsin. My background also includes two decades with a national nonpartisan research organization, volunteer involvement in local school activities, and the perspective of a parent with three children in the district. These experiences provide a broad understanding of district operations, community needs, and educational practices, and have prepared me to continue serving as an effective member of the MHASD Board of Education.
Home municipality
Village of Mt. Horeb
Home ZIP code
53572
Preferred pronouns
she/her
Student achievement in our district already exceeds expectations on the Department of Public Instruction report card. The opportunity ahead is ensuring all students thrive, including those in the middle of the achievement spectrum who can be overlooked. By investing in strong staff–student relationships, using data to guide curriculum adjustments, and offering engaging, appropriately challenging instruction, we can keep students motivated, supported, and progressing at every level
The events of May 2024 made clear that school safety in Mount Horeb is not theoretical—it is real and deeply personal to our community. Keeping students safe requires more than security measures; it means prioritizing mental health, maintaining open communication among families and schools, engaging students beyond digital devices, and preparing them with the skills needed for future careers or education.
I support the decision to replace one of the district's outdated school buildings. One of the initiatives taken to reduce cost was planning and designing the facility in-house as part of the construction process.
Our schools are in a hard place, positioned with inflationary costs, and revenue caps in state funding tied to enrollment. This makes retaining students a priority as well as attracting new open enrollment students by delivering a high quality, and relevant education experience. Providing our students safe, modern, and updated facilities helps move the needle in the right direction.
My hope is to support the district to achieve the objectives of the district's strategic plan and provide oversight. I offer an opportunity to assist the school board to consider incorporating tenable sustainability practices in a fiscally responsible manner. As a member of the village Sustainability and Natural Resources committee and Green Team, my role is to provide education outreach on practices and programs to conserve energy usage, reduce waste-stream input, in a manner that benefits the health of our residents, and supports the local economy.
I am engaged in our community through civic and local government groups, working alongside students, educators, and community leaders. My public service includes serving as President-Elect of the Mount Horeb Rotary Club. Currently I volunteer with student organizations and activities focused on natural resources.
I serve on the Village of Mount Horeb Sustainability and Natural Resources Committee, the Village Tourism Committee, and facilitate the Mount Horeb Green Team. The Green Team is a newly formed citizen-led community group focused on service projects and initiatives to enhance sustainability.
I also have coached middle school cross country and high school track & field, volunteered and performed with community musical groups.
