VOTE411 Voter Guide

Our schools face several challenges. One of the biggest is the failure of the state to fully fund public education in Ohio and now the efforts by the Legislature to hamper the ability to raise funds locally. To address this, I believe we need to do a better job of informing our community and engaging them in honest, proactive conversations about how we fund our schools and how they can help advocate. I also believe the Board should advocate with our legislators on behalf of our community and our schools. Another challenge is keeping our kids engaged in a quality education that is honest and thorough in this age of AI, censorship, and ongoing pressure to “teach to the test.” Allowing our teachers the freedom to use their expertise and to collaborate with each other is key. I believe it is also important that Board members are aware of what is going on in our schools—talking with parents, teachers, students, and our community about ways we can foster real excitement and engagement.

Board members represent the community in overseeing the district. Doing this means striking a good balance between two extremes: trying to micromanage the administration & staff on the one hand and just rubber-stamping whatever the administration presents on the other. That balance represents the values of our community and allows the best schools for our kids. Asking questions & listening to the answers is critical, especially on big issues with differing stakeholder perspectives. Holding our administration & staff to a high standard is important to ensuring that the district follows the law, adheres to our contractual obligations, supports our students and staff, and values our community. It is also imperative that board members collaborate. My career as a union rep has taught me how to balance the importance of sticking to principles & values and knowing when to compromise for common goals. I will bring that experience and a high level of preparation to the Board here in Kent.

I believe that every conflict or controversy is an opportunity to learn, grow, & do better. In individualized cases, trusting our staff & administration to handle things appropriately and with compassion is essential. But it is also important to follow up to make sure we have done the best job possible. In larger issues, one key responsibility is to listen and to do so with an open mind. Sometimes what seems to be the “controversy” actually stems from deeper concerns or fears, and the only way to address the real issues is to actively listen & value what you hear. Sometimes, though, there is a clearer path forward for the board and the district. In such cases, I would work to make sure that our students and district are protected, that we uphold due process for all, and that we follow the law and, where appropriate, any contracts we have negotiated. Doing this ensures that if a difficult decision needs to be made, we have done the right thing all without having to "fix" it later.

There are many external challenges that are affecting the key goal, in my opinion, is to provide a great educational experience in a safe and encouraging environment. The few that come to mind are the consistent funding challenges that are being sent from Columbus. This is an ongoing item that will take time and much thought to address. Also, the ever changing political landscape, creates challenges on curriculum that as a state funded public school system we have to address and follow. We have done so and will continue to follow state guidelines while maintaining the identity that makes Kent Schools so great.

An effective school board member is a good listener. As a representative of the district, it is important to be open and available for concerns and comments of our community. Furthermore, a board member needs to be a strong steward for the students and keep them in the forefront of our minds in all decisions that may arise at the board. Being able to foster a positive education for all students is very important.

Again, I feel that a board member needs to be open to the thoughts and concerns of the greater community.

The greatest challenge we face is continual budget cuts to public education from politicians in Columbus. These short-sighted decisions shift the burden onto local taxpayers and starve our schools of the resources students and teachers need to succeed. I would advocate for transparent, long-term budgeting that prioritizes classroom needs and holds state leaders accountable. Beyond funding, we must expand access to mental health supports for students and staff and ensure our curriculum and technology keep pace with a changing world. By building partnerships and advocating relentlessly, I will work to give every student in Kent the resources they need to thrive.

I would be an effective school board member because I have spent my adult life serving on progressive advocacy boards that engage young people in politics. This includes six years with the Portage County Young Democrats, two years as national Chair of the Rural Caucus for the Young Democrats of America, service on the board of the United Way, and current membership in the Sons of the American Legion. Through this work, I have regularly communicated with policymakers across the country, gaining the experience needed to advocate for initiatives that strengthen access to resources in education. Kent deserves a strong voice at the table, and I would be proud to represent our community in Columbus while ensuring every decision I make on the board is transparent, collaborative, and focused on what is best for our students.

A board member’s job is to face controversies head on and be honest with people about what is happening. Trust breaks down when problems are hidden or decisions are made behind closed doors. That is why I believe in following the Ohio Sunshine Law and making sure our community is kept informed every step of the way. I will listen to all perspectives, create space for respectful conversation, and keep students at the center of every decision. Controversies are not something to run from. They are a chance to show leadership, build trust, and make the district stronger. By being transparent, communicative, and collaborative, I will help turn tough situations into opportunities for our schools to grow.

Changes to our funding model is resulting in a decrease in overall funds coming into the school district. The board and the district needs to be creative, strategic, and effective in addressing shortfalls while not letting it impact the quality of the student learning experience. This is done through relentless collaboration with administrators and teachers alike to identify opportunities for improvement.

I will continue to work closely with our central administrators to ensure our district is focused on excellent academic and personal growth of our students. This requires good and constant transparency and communication with the community which I will continue provide.

The school board must work as a unit to keep our district on the proper path. Board members must be able to come together in a collaborative way, able to disagree, but still able to come to solutions that put our district and more importantly, the students in our district, in the best place to succeed.