My priority is the primary reason as to why I'm running for the Omaha school board. I will use my small business experience, being a veteran, and my strong Christian values, in executing the duties and responsibilities as a board member into being fully accountable to the students, parents, teachers, and the taxpayers.
A school board member's role and responsibility as well as a superintendent or anyone in the administration, all have the same responsibility to the students, parents, teachers. School board members additionally are also responsible to the taxpayers.
I believe that the best way to get this goal accomplished is to encourage the parents to spend more time and energy in getting involved in their child's education.
Education
B.A. Economics - Colgate University; J.D. - University of Nebraska College of Law
Current Public Office, dates held
Omaha Public Schools Board of Education 2020-2024
Volunteer experience
NE Bar Association - House of Delegates; Educators Health Alliance - Board; Omaha Healthy Kids Alliance - Board; Foster Care Revew Organization - Local Review Board; Nebraska Children and Families Foundation - Board; Project Harmony - Service League
I believe strongly that education should be something every child can count on to provide a strong foundation for success in life. There are still many challenges to overcome, but over the last 18 months, I’ve seen OPS shift its focus toward improving outcomes through data-driven decision making, research-based practices, a renewed sense of accountability and caring, and strengthening relationships with parents, staff, and community.
Nebraska doesn’t have mountains or oceans — we have what we build. We’ve built solid public schools that serve both students who struggle to graduate and national merit scholars. As a board member, it’s my job to make sure that’s true for the next generation.
The board plays three key roles: 1) Leading and collaborating for better student outcomes, 2) representing the voice of the community in shaping the education of our children and the decisions that will affect the lives of our students, families, and community as a whole, and 3) providing oversight for the efficient and effective use of our community’s resources. It is the board’s job to guide, advise, and evaluate the Superintendent, not to make decisions about the day-to-day operations of our schools.
Family support for their students and schools is critical to ensuring students get the most out of the educational opportunities they receive at OPS. Communication is key. OPS is a large district, and it can sometimes feel like one voice can get lost. But whether advocating for their student or helping us identify what is and isn't working well for students and families, our community should never hesitate to reach out to their teacher, principal, board member, or the superintendent - we truly value their voice and their assistance.
