*** In 2025, only one candidate has filed for this open seat, so no election will be held in Milford. ***In Delaware, school board service is an unpaid elected position with a term of 4 years (5 years for board members elected prior to Dec 2021). School board elections are nonpartisan, and are held on the second Tuesday in May each year.In Milford School District, seven Board of Education members are elected on a rotating basis (with one or two seats open each year). One member must reside in each nominating area A, B, C, D, while three additional members may reside in any area of Milford School District.There is one at-large seat available this year; this race is for that at-large seat.
Campaign Phone
3022283353
Neighborhood/area of residence
Houston
Are you currently a school board member? (Y/N)
N
How many school board meetings did you attend last year?
3
My background in public health, social services, workforce development, policy and advocacy, postsecondary education administration, youth mental health first aid, and community engagement equips me to be an effective school board member.
My leadership on national and local boards has provided experience in policy development, budget oversight, and stakeholder engagement.
With a focus on staff and student support services and community collaboration, I am committed to strengthening family engagement and enhancing student outcomes. My diverse skills and lived experiences position me to effectively advocate for policies that promote a thriving educational environment across the district, communities, and households.
The district faces a serious challenge with literacy rates, reflecting broader trends across Delaware. Recent data shows that only 33.9% of Milford students are proficient in reading. Statewide, 41% of eighth graders scored below basic proficiency in reading in 2024.
Early intervention is crucial to identify students struggling with reading as soon as possible. Family and community engagement, one of my key priorities, is essential. Creating a space for parents who also face literacy challenges and providing needed resources can help improve their skills.
Most importantly, decisions must remain data-driven. This approach allows the district to evaluate what’s working, identify where more support is needed, and make adjustments as necessary.
The school board is elected by the community and serves at the community’s pleasure. We should create a safe, less formal space than a school board meeting. Some community members may feel uncomfortable speaking in front of a large audience but would be more willing to share their concerns in a smaller setting. The board should provide a platform for them to express their concerns and explain why the issues mentioned above should be addressed.
After hearing from concerned parties, the board should take these concerns into executive session to discuss and strategize the next steps.
As a current board member for the National Association of Community Health Workers, I specialize in supporting community health workers by placing them where their unique skill sets are needed. CHWs serve in roles ranging from support navigators to medical professionals. Gaining parents’ buy-in is crucial to ensuring equitable access and successful outcomes.
I have a 16-year-old son on the spectrum who has received services since pre-K. If I hadn’t been involved in his educational journey from the start, his progress over the last 13 years in the district might have been different. It takes a team, his team includes parents, the special education department, teachers, paraprofessionals, principals, and many others.
Strongly disagree
Disagree
Neither agree nor disagree
Agree
Strongly agree
I cannot provide a response at this time, I have not reviewed any financials at this time, I would love to follow-up at a later date.
To improve student achievement and elevate our state’s national ranking, I would focus on three key areas: early intervention, family and community engagement, and data-driven decision-making. Implementing mentorship programs, peer-to-peer groups, and securing funding to support student attendance at local and national conferences are essential steps. It’s also critical to provide ongoing support to our staff.
Our staff are the key players in our students' lives. While we hold them to high standards, we must also recognize that they need support, from parents, the community, and the board. By providing this support, we can help them continue to make a lasting impact on our students’ success.
