VOTE411 Voter Guide

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I have served on the BOE for the last fifteen years and have built strong relationships with our staff and administration. My commitment to public education and our community has strengthened during my tenure as a board member. I have served on numerous district committees and community boards where we work collaboratively to problem solve and implement new initiatives. In my career as a family law attorney and guardian ad litem I have sharpened my advocacy skills and I have been a fierce advocate for children.

The highest priority in our district is maintaining the exceptional educational experience afforded our students while navigating all the changes continually coming at us from the state and national level. We want to ensure that our students leave our buildings prepared to enter the next phase of their lives. Budgetary issues are always at the forefront for any BOE member as the state continues to cut funding and costs continue to rise. It's remains a challenge. As a board we listen to our administrators, teachers, staff and community and we work collaboratively with each other to make the best decisions we can for our district.

I was appointed to the Sylvania Schools Board of Education in early 2021 and elected to a four-year term in November, 2021. During my tenure, I have served as both Board President and Vice President, and have been involved with a variety of committees including finance, facilities, communications and policy. Through my service, I've learned about public school financial forecasting, budgeting and revenue, curriculum development, student achievement measurements, special education regulations, career tech programming, HR and labor matters, facilities management and the ever- evolving legislative framework under which Ohio's public schools operate. I have supported good governance while not being afraid to ask tough questions and challenge the status quo when appropriate. There is a huge learning curve to this role, and I hope to bring my wealth of prior knowledge and experience to my next term.

My priorities are guided by one question: how can Sylvania Schools provide the best possible education for our students while acting as a careful steward of our financial resources? I am incredibly proud of our District. We have been fortunate to attract and retain talented and dedicated teachers, administrators and staff, who have enabled the District to produce generations of well-educated, well-informed and highly contributing members of society. But great schools require appropriate funding. I have supported our District in efforts to reduce expenses wherever that can be achieved without a loss in quality of education. These efforts have yielded efficiencies. However, the District is facing a reduction in state funding, as well as various other initiatives that could further reduce revenue. While I understand and appreciate concerns about tax burdens, I will continue to work for appropriate funding. It is essential to our students' success.