Campaign Phone
614-270-1434
Occupation
Retired
Education
B.S. Baldwin Wallace University. Masters in Educational Administration Kent State University
Qualifications for Office
Over 40 years in public schools and 31 of those years as a building principal
One of the most significant challenges facing schools is the uncertainty created by future state budgets and mandates. This unpredictability makes it difficult for schools to plan effectively. To address this, I believe the district must take a proactive approach: reevaluating priorities now, rather than under the pressure of time later. The board must lead this process collaboratively and implement thoughtful engagement strategies to ensure all stakeholders are heard. A 2nd major challenge is the growing influence of national political tensions and wedge issues. For me, teaching and learning must always be our top priority. The board must provide a focused vision of what matters most: preparing students for success after graduation.
My first priority is for the board to put in what ever time is necessary, in a culture of collaboration, to provide clear and focused direction to the administration and teachers. That direction begins with an expectation of UA being a “lighthouse” district-recognized for innovation, excellence, and leadership in education. We have the leadership in our superintendent; we have interested, supportive, and engaged parents; and we have the resources from a generous and educationally centered community for this to be our brand. The resources are here, we need to have a board of education that works well together to provide the necessary direction. This is not a criticism of our board, but a call for action.
All boards of education have fiduciary responsibilities over the budget and spending, setting performance goals and evaluating the superintendent, and for setting policies to carry our the mission of the schools and the safety of students, teachers, and all of the educational related team members. As a result of having over 40 years of experience in public education, and in five different school districts, I bring other perspectives from outside of Upper Arlington to the challenging discussions and decisions ahead. I will never claim to have the answers to any problem, but I can offer for consideration other ideas.
Throughout my campaign for the school board, I have been fortunate to have residents host focus group discussions in their homes with their friends and neighbors. These discussions have not been for fundraising or campaigning. I am there to hear parents and community members discuss the needs of the schools. My role is to listen, take notes, and to only comment when asked a question by a participant.
I have also included my phone number on all of my campaign literature and encouraged residents to call me to offer suggestions or make comments, Engagement with parents, students, and community members has been my trademark as a school principal for over 30 years,we all need to and it will continue to be my standard practice if elected.
We all need to enter discussions by reminding ourselves that regardless of our disagreements, we all want what is best for children’s learning and safety. This begins by lowering our voices and focusing on dialogue. We next avoid drawing lines in the sand and focus on finding common ground . This is not easy work. It takes time and patience and the discussions can be intense, but I have been a part of seeing it work. I was in my 1st year as principal of UAHS and a local magazine said the school was “good, but not living up to its potential.” Through the engagement of teachers, parents, students and community members, the same magazine five years later said UAHS was the best high school in central Ohio and it set the standard for others
Campaign Phone
6146361399
Occupation
In addition to currently serving on the Upper Arlington School Board, I am a public policy student at Ohio State. My previous occupation was optometry for 20 years.
Education
For my previous occupation, I earned an MS in Vision Science and a doctorate in Optometry. For this chapter, I completed a Master's in Public Health and now a doctorate in Public Policy and Management
Qualifications for Office
I am an incumbent serving on the UA School Board, running for re-election. I bring over 30 years of experience on elected and appointed boards and councils. My background includes a 20-year career as an optometrist. I am currently pursuing a doctorate in public policy and management to deepen my knowledge of evidence based ways for government to better assess and meet community needs.
I see two primary challenges. First, preparing students to be adaptable thinkers and doers for a future with multiple careers. I address this by championing evidence-based approaches like teacher AI training and experiential learning, and by building networks with leaders in the field to bring new opportunities to our district.
Second, the growing threat to public education from political attacks and disengagement. My core philosophy is rooted in action; progress can require challenging the status quo. I proactively work with local legislators, grassroots organizers, and formal advocacy groups to make our schools resilient to attacks like budget cuts and vouchers, ensuring public education's enduring excellence.
My priorities include student well-being, enhancing academics, and strengthening community engagement. I have worked on a Student Voice Policy and a community-driven strategic plan. The district's finances are primarily funded by local property taxes, but we also receive state support. I have a Certificate in Education Finance from Georgetown University and am taking a public budgeting course to bring evidence based practices to oversight of the district's finances.
The district's priorities also include an evaluation and plan for the physical spaces our preschool and middle school students use in addition to the progressive pedagogy. I am actively discussing funding sources that are less reliant upon tax dollars.
The school board is a policymaking body that governs the school district and serves as a liaison to the community. Key responsibilities include employing the superintendent and treasurer, setting policy and long-range goals, and overseeing the district's fiscal health. We do not manage day-to-day operations. My extensive experience on various boards and my deep understanding of public policy make me a strong candidate. I have demonstrated my ability to fulfill the role by helping the board understand its responsibilities and holding the board accountable to them, such as participating in policy and legislative platform review and conducting regular reviews of the superintendent and treasurer.
I am committed to listening to feedback and ensuring all voices are heard. I have already worked to create more opportunities for community feedback, such as making board meetings more transparent and reinstating the community finance committee. I am a proponent of a "collaborative and growth" culture and have engaged with community members through porch chats, backyard gatherings, and community events. My knowledge in Collaborative Problem Solving allows me to avoid the use of control and motivational approaches by instead focusing on empathy and cognitive skills to create sustainable, positive outcomes.
My approach is based on my belief that true progress comes from deep listening, intentional collaboration, and courageous action. I strive to build a culture of growth, seeking to bridge divides and find a shared path forward by bringing diverse perspectives to the table.
Building consensus goes beyond simple majority rule or compromise. Majority rule can leave people feeling unheard, while compromise can lead to watered-down solutions. True consensus, as I practice it, aims to weave together everyone's best ideas for creative solutions that inspire both the individual and group. This approach ensures all voices are valued, leading to stronger, sustainable outcomes and a unified community.
Campaign Phone
6145547184
Occupation
Owner Buckeye Donuts Inc
Qualifications for Office
Current Member of the Upper Arlington School Board since 2021
1: Overseeing the implementation of the new Strategic Plan to enhance academic excellence and The Facilities Master Plan to address aging infrastructure at our two middle schools and Burbank Elementary. These plans are critical for ensuring modern, safe learning environments. Funding Proposal: I support a balanced approach with community partnerships, and a targeted bond issue to fund repairs or rebuilding.
2: We need to uphold academic excellence and high standards as enrollment increases. We must ensure personalized learning and robust support systems. I’ll continue to advocate for optimizing existing budgets, seek federal and state education grants, and exploring local partnerships to fund programs, technology, and teacher training
As a candidate for Upper Arlington City School Board, my priorities are academic excellence and quality education for every student. I’ll drive the Strategic Plan’s implementation to enhance curriculum, support teacher development and ensure every child thrives. Leveraging my 16 years coaching softball and 5 years coaching wrestling at Upper Arlington High School, I understand student needs. As Buckeye Donuts’ owner, I’ll apply fiscal discipline to secure grants and optimize budgets. I’ll also continue working to advance the Facilities Master Plan to modernize our middle schools and Burbank, creating optimal learning spaces for all.
The Upper Arlington School Board governs a premier Ohio district serving 6,900 students with a $124M budget. As a board member since 2021, I’ve helped deliver five-star ratings, passing a critical levy, and have been a part of hiring a new superintendent. My priorities for the next term are the implementation of the Strategic Plan and advancing the Facilities Master Plan to rebuild aging schools. As a UAHS ’89 grad, longtime coach, and business owner, I bring deep community ties and fiscal discipline. I’ve supported programs like structured literacy and mental health services, and I’ll continue advocating for cost-effective solutions, grant funding, and strong partnerships to keep UA Schools excellent and responsive to all students.
As a candidate for re-election to the Upper Arlington School Board, I’m committed to engaging residents and representing their voices. Since 2021, I’ve delivered on promises—raising test scores, restoring full-time learning, passing the 2022 levy, and hiring a new superintendent. As a UAHS ’89 grad, parent, and coach for 16 years, I understand our community’s values. I’ll continue attending board meetings, listening sessions like our Coffee and Conversations discussions, and school events to hear concerns. I actively engage parents, staff, students, and community groups, using surveys and forums to guide decisions. My experience as a business owner and coach makes me accessible and responsive to residents who can reach me anytime.
As a School Board member, I have worked to foster consensus by actively listening to diverse stakeholders—parents, teachers, students, and residents. My approach emphasizes transparency, data-driven discussions, and shared goals like academic excellence and safe facilities. To resolve disagreements, I facilitate respectful dialogue, seeking common ground while addressing concerns. My 16 years coaching and serving on many boards in Upper Arlington while raising two UA graduates give me insight into community needs. I’ll ensure all voices are heard, using collaborative decision-making to align solutions that benefit our students.
