Are you currently a school board member? (Y/N)
N
How many school board meetings did you attend last year?
1
* BS in Chemical Engineering, Univ. of Delaware
* MS in Chem Eng, University of Idaho.
* Technical Director for Lewis Research which is an international testing lab and machine supplier for the plastics industry.
President of Lewes Little League, 2006-2012.
District 3 LL staff, 2009- present
District 3 LL Administrator, 2017-present
LL East Region advisory board, 2021-present
Boardgame Players Association, board member since 2000, and Chairperson since 2016
Cape Henlopen School Board, 2009-2019
Cape Henlopen Citizens Budget Oversight Committee, 2019-present
Having been a board member on a variety boards for 25 years, I understand the role and challenges of being a board member. My background with numbers is also an asset.
Growth - This puts a strain on the budget and physical space. We need to better educate the public when we ask for additional funding so they will respond positively as they have done in the past. We need to make it clear how the requests will benefit students.
They should listen to the reasons and discuss with the public and the administration who are responsible for these selections. Removal of any material should be very carefully considered and only under extreme and very valid reasons should it be done.
The board can only affect this through policies and budgets. Having been involved in both for the last 15 years, it is making sure we are considering ALL students in decisions.
The resource officers question needs the ability for explanation. I picked neither because it's actually both, agree and disagree, based on the district. Cape Henlopen has a strong mix of constables and resource officers in every building so would disagree unless additional funding was provided to completely cover their cost.
Strongly disagree
Disagree
Neither agree nor disagree
Agree
Strongly agree
Never. We could always use more funds to do better for our students. Fortunately, we can currently fund locally all the teacher and support staff units provided by the state.
I do not have any suggestions for improvements as that is not my area of expertise.
The school board can only facilitate through policies and budget. The administration is responsible determining the best methods for student achievement within the funding available. They are the experts in education. Therefore, the board should consider any requests from the administration carefully and not be the obstacle.
The other key is they board needs to acknowledge the achievements of the students but never go "we're good enough". We should always be striving for more for ALL our students.
Neighborhood/area of residence
Area C
Are you currently a school board member? (Y/N)
No
How many school board meetings did you attend last year?
participated by zoom
As a Cape graduate and dedicated Cape parent for 23 years, I have first hand experience with not only regular education but also our special education program. I have served as President of the Cape Band Boosters for 3 years, volunteer as a Mentor to a Middle School and High School student, and have helped with our districts Holiday Program with our homeless liaison. My experience as a parent and community member has provided me with the knowledge, skills, and understanding necessary to effectively serve as a member of the Cape Henlopen School Board. I am confident that my background has prepared me to make informed, thoughtful decisions and advocate for the best interest not only for all students but for our staff.
Mental Health is undoubtedly one of the most critical issues facing not only our schools, but schools all over the country. When students struggle with their mental health, it impacts their ability to learn, build relationships, and succeed both in and out of the classroom. Ensuring that students have access to proper mental health resources, support systems, and a safe, inclusive environment is essential for their overall well-being and academic success. We must prioritize mental health by providing adequate resources for students, training for staff, and fostering a culture that promotes understanding and support. Addressing mental health is not just an option, it's a necessity for the success and well-being of our students.
I feel it is important to listen to the parents, have a very honest discussion about the topic and then decide if the curriculum is going to cause harm to students. That being said, I feel banning curriculum/books/and programs historically has not been beneficial to students or educators.
This is a very important topic to me, as a mother of daughters of color who also receive special education services. Ensuring equitable access and meeting the needs of ALL students, especially traditionally underserved populations, requires a commitment to inclusivity, advocacy, and accountability. If given the opportunity I would support policies that allocate resources based on student needs, ensuring that every student, regardless of their background, has access to quality education, support services, and opportunities for success. I believe in listening to families and students to understand their experiences and always ensure that their voices are represented in decision making. My priority will always be the students.
Strongly disagree
Disagree
Neither agree nor disagree
Agree
Strongly agree
Yes, I believe our current system of funding provides a strong foundation for our district, but there is always room for improvement. It's essential to ensure that funds are being allocated equitably, with focus on meeting the diverse needs of all students, especially those who require additional support, such as students with disabilities, English language learners, and students from low income families. Most importantly I believe in being transparent and accountable about how funds are spent to ensure they directly benefit student learning and well-being. I will make sure to advocate for continued evaluation of our funding to ensure it remains aligned with the growing needs of our district and that no student is left behind.
As an elected board member, I would focus on several key areas to help improve student achievement and contribute to raising our states national ranking. First, I would advocate for strong academic support systems, ensuring all students have access to high-quality instruction, intervention services, and enrichment opportunities. This includes expanding access to tutoring, mental health services, and personalized learning to meet the diverse needs of every student. My goal would be to make sure very student has high-quality education that prepares them for success, ultimately helping to elevate our district's performance and our states national ranking.
Campaign Phone
5404214104
Neighborhood/area of residence
Area C
Are you currently a school board member? (Y/N)
N
How many school board meetings did you attend last year?
4
I’m a '12 grad of Thomas Jefferson University with a degree in nursing, having previously earned a degree in International Business from James Madison University. I worked at Bayhealth before welcoming 3 sons between ’13 and ‘18. In '20, I opened Parsons Aesthetics. I provide cosmetic treatments while personalizing client experiences to enhance confidence and well-being. I’m very involved in my kid’s education, having been a parent in the district for 6 yrs and looking forward to 12 more. I’m able to see firsthand how school policies affect students and seek to contribute to their success. I actively balance family, a successful business, and community involvement while aiming to enhance the educational policies and safety of our district.
Funding (lack of resources) and rapid growth.
Implementing impact fees on developers can help cover costs related to increased school enrollment. These fees can fund school expansions and other educational projects that benefit the community. Holding developers responsible for their impact ensures new projects help meet local needs.
It’s important to have high-quality education that is inclusive and diverse. I trust the schools and teachers to determine which topics and materials are age-appropriate for the students. I believe in comprehensive sex education and I do not support book bans and curriculum restrictions that largely impact content concerning racism, gender, and sexual orientation.
Schools must ensure that immigrant and underserved children have fair access to education and necessary support. These students encounter challenges like language barriers, cultural differences, and discrimination. Social/emotional support and English language assistance should be available, along with staff training for understanding each child's needs. Students with disabilities should receive tailored instruction. Classrooms must be inclusive, with collaboration between special education and general education teachers, varied teaching methods, assistive technology, and extra support when necessary.
All materials sent home to parents must be in multiple languages. All parents should feel included and welcomed in the school community.
Strongly disagree
Disagree
Neither agree nor disagree
Agree
Strongly agree
No. Government budgets can not meet ever increasing demand, which in turn strains the school’s finances and personnel. Two suggestions for improvements include: no unfunded mandates from the state and impact fees from local developers. More unit funding from the state (ex 80% as is in New Castle County vs. 60% Sussex) would be greatly beneficial.
Making sure that all districts have the resources for current curriculum while the standards we place on teachers align with what we’re teaching. Also, ensuring that state tests cover what teachers are teachers is critical. Because teachers are graded on student achievement, we need to ensure that healthy student/teacher ratios are achieved and that there are special, individual, supports for students while decreasing teacher burnout by providing the necessary supports and resources they need. Ensuring that current curriculum is keeping up with evolving technology standards is a must. We’re preparing children for jobs in the future that we can’t even fathom so we need to be sure children have the tools they need for the evolution.
