VOTE411 Voter Guide

Aurora City Schools are outstanding, with top educators and a highly rated education. The most pressing challenges I hear from the community are infrastructure-related. We face overcrowding at Miller and Leighton, crumbling roads and parking lots, a failing Craddock, and safety concerns at Harmon. Solving these complex problems will require creativity and partnership, not just higher taxes. If elected, I’ll push for a 10-year plan and closer collaboration with the city to create win-win solutions. For example, instead of paying a $1M private bid for paving, partnering with the city could keep that money local and benefit citizens twice. Short term, we need a new K–3 school to replace aging facilities. Building it on the Craddock property, where the outdated bus garage stands, would address overcrowding and infrastructure needs at once. At Harmon, the open-concept design with glass and removable walls simply isn’t safe, the practical fix is permanent walls.

To serve effectively on this board, members need three key traits: the time and energy to commit, the ability to work with all people to represent our families, and the creativity to solve challenges responsibly. I’m at a stage in life where I can dedicate the time this role demands. While I run a small business, I don’t work full-time, which allows me to research board issues and stay engaged with the community. I have a strong record of service—8 years on the Aurora Schools Foundation board, active volunteer work in my neighborhood, church, and schools. I am also the mother of 3 children in the district, aiding my understanding of what is happening inside our schools from the student's perspective. As Aurora grows, my ability to build relationships and foster collaboration will be a real benefit to our district. I’m excited for the opportunity to improve the experiences of our students and staff, and to ensure every Aurora resident feels the pride of being a Greenmen!

I believe addressing an emerging controversy successfully as a member of the board involves 3 steps, acting quickly, transparently, and empathetically. My role in acting quickly may mean pushing the board for an emergency meeting. Working transparently might involve measures to make sure the public is aware of the situation at hand, when the public may be able attend a meeting, and how they can access board minutes. Communication is key to transparency and needs to be readily available to the public online. Lastly, my job as a board member would be to hear the thoughts and concerns of citizens empathetically and make sure the administration takes those concerns into consideration. I believe a school board member’s responsibility is to listen carefully, act responsibly, and always put students first. My commitment is to ensure every decision reflects both the needs of our families and the long-term success of Aurora Schools.

One of the main challenges for Aurora City Schools is balancing aging facilities with a growing student population. As enrollment increases, space has become a significant concern, especially in elementary schools already operating beyond capacity. At the same time, years of declining state funding have placed a greater burden on local taxpayers to maintain the high quality of our schools.

To address these issues, we need a proactive and strategic plan. This includes assessing the condition and capacity of our facilities to ensure they remain safe, efficient, and capable of supporting student learning. Working closely with the administrative team, we can develop a long-term facilities master plan that sets priorities and outlines a realistic, phased timeline for improvements.

On the funding side, I will continue advocating for fairer support from the state by maintaining open dialogue with legislators. Locally, I’m committed to ensuring every taxpayer dollar is used responsibly.

For me, leading starts with listening and learning. I prioritize being present in our district and community. When I’m not cheering for my kids on the sidelines, I’m often found at school or community events. Taking time to listen helps me serve more effectively.

Learning is just as important. I’ve completed nearly 60 hours of professional development through the Ohio School Boards Association (OSBA) and local ESCs. This training provides a strong foundation for understanding the role of a board member and helps me stay informed on best practices to support Aurora City Schools.

During my two-year term, I’ve seized every opportunity to lead, serving as OSBA Legislative Liaison, OSBA Student Achievement Liaison, a member of the Policy Committee, and Co-Chair of the Communications Committee. Through these roles, I’ve continued to advocate for what’s best for our district. Given the opportunity to continue, I will build on this momentum and keep advocating for our schools and community.

Public education is a non-partisan issue. We all have a stake in ensuring our youth are prepared to be active citizens and productive members of our communities. School boards should aim to serve the needs of all students and families, and as school board members, it is our duty to establish a clear vision for the district and oversee student outcomes.

Many potential emerging controversies can be managed by listening, understanding multiple perspectives, and ensuring all decisions are made in the best interest of students with respect to our community’s aspirations for our youth. Ultimately, it's up to board members to avoid fueling controversy and instead guide the district through tough times with transparency and clear communication. This way, trust is preserved, and our schools remain a place where students can thrive.

The greatest challenges currently facing the Aurora School District are aging infrastructure and capacity issues. Craddock Elementary School is over 100 years old and with that there are many concerns including outdated mechanical systems and limitations with building design. There are trailers at Miller and Leighton Elementary Schools to help with over-crowding. We plan to address these issues along with a list of high-priority renovation and maintenance needs throughout the district by asking the community to support what we are calling the "Essential Plan." There will be more information forthcoming regarding the cost and timing of this plan. Tied with the challenges of critical infrastructure is the problem of how public education is funded in Ohio. Aurora receives about 19% of its total funding from the state and the remainder falls to the taxpayers. Dealing with unfair school funding is difficult because it reflects larger systemic issues involving the state legislature.

I will continue to be an effective board member by prioritizing what is best for our students. Putting aside political and personal agendas is extremely important in this regard. Studying all that is presented to us by our superintendent and treasurer as they seek approval in matters of policy, staffing, curriculum, etc. is critical. Overseeing while not micromanaging is the role of an effective board member. Keeping in contact with the community at large, with parents, students, and staff is essential in order to ensure that everyone's voice is heard. As a board member, I will continue to make sure that I stay visible and approachable within the schools and our community. Aurora values its traditions and so I will work to preserve those traditions while welcoming innovation and progress. Finally, it is important to collaborate with fellow board members and to speak with one voice when decisions are made.

The responsibility of a school board member in addressing emerging controversies is to continue to prioritize students, ensuring that the law and district policy are taken into account. Seek accurate information from the superintendent, legal platforms, etc. that can be used to make the best decision. Secure legal counsel when necessary. Always be transparent with the community. Remember that board members are elected to represent the community. It is important that a small group of loud voices does not sway decision making. A special effort must be made to reach the entire community for input on matters of controversy. Make sure that everyone understands what the board can and cannot do and proceed with consistency and stability. Respect the final decision of the board on any controversial matter and support it publicly.

Our district faces three major challenges. First is funding. Ohio’s system still relies heavily on local property taxes, forcing us to return to our community with levies. While Aurora families have always supported our schools, this cycle is not sustainable. We must continue to advocate for equitable state funding while remaining transparent, so taxpayers see exactly how their dollars benefit students. Second is facilities. Craddock is aging, and repairs are becoming too costly. We need to determine, with community input, whether to renovate or replace. Third is organizational consistency. Practices differ from building to building, including whether the Pledge of Allegiance is recited each day. This highlights the need for a clearer district-wide strategy, so students experience unity and continuity across all schools. With thoughtful planning, open communication, and strong community involvement, we can overcome these challenges and strengthen Aurora Schools for the future.

Effectiveness as a board member requires balancing listening, leadership, and accountability. Aurora is fortunate to have strong community support, and my role is to honor that trust through action. On funding, I will advocate both locally and in Columbus for equitable state funding, while ensuring residents see exactly how levy dollars are used to benefit students. On facilities, Craddock and other aging buildings need proactive planning. I support expert assessments, community input, and fiscally responsible choices that give students safe, modern schools. On organizational strategy, we must unify practices across building such as daily recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance and align curriculum and expectations so every child experiences continuity. I will listen to parents, staff, and students, collaborate with colleagues, and make transparent decisions that always put students first.

As a board member, my duty during controversies is to stay focused on good governance and the success of our students. The board provides policy and direction, while the superintendent and administrators handle daily management. When challenges arise, I will listen to parents, staff, and residents, gather facts from reliable sources, and ensure issues are handled through established board processes rather than quick or personal reactions. I also believe in leading with transparency and respect. Aurora’s strong tradition of community support is built on trust, and maintaining that trust requires clear communication, fairness, and calm leadership. By working together as a board, and by following both state law and local policies, we can resolve even difficult matters in ways that strengthen our schools. My goal is to keep the focus on safe, effective classrooms, consistent practices across buildings, and providing the excellent educational opportunities Aurora families expect.