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I am the only candidate or board member offering a conservative perspective and bring 13 years of experience on the school board. As a small business owner with a strong background in finance, I have served on the finance committee throughout my tenure, helping deliver balanced budgets every year without seeking an excess levy. I’ve worked collaboratively on several construction projects including Tech High School—all completed on time and under budget—and with Apollo’s major renovation underway, my experience is invaluable. I’ve also represented the district at MSBA and before the state legislature. Beyond time and service, my business and I have donated over $60,000 to District 742 programs in the past five years.
As a board member, my top responsibility is hiring, supporting and retaining strong leadership. Our last two hires—Willie Jett, now Minnesota’s Commissioner of Education, and Dr. Laurie Putnam, the 2025 Minnesota Superintendent of the Year—reflect our district’s excellence. I am committed to giving educators the tools to provide a world-class education, maintaining financial discipline, and ensuring quality results during Apollo’s construction process.
Budgeting requires a conservative approach and careful planning to maintain balance. While I don’t expect revenues to decline, they may not keep pace with inflation, making it essential to live within our means. If cuts become necessary, I will work to ensure they remain as far from the classroom as possible, protecting students and learning first.
I’m proud of the incredible work happening in St. Cloud schools. Our staff serves students facing challenges like poverty, homelessness, special needs, and learning English—yet they deliver dignity, respect, and high-quality education to sudents every day. We challenge our top learners with AP and Talent Development, support those who struggle, and help every child grow to be the best they can be. Our kids are resilient, our staff is dedicated, and our community is stronger because of them.
As a board member, my role is to provide oversight and leadership while the superintendent and her team manage daily operations. I am always available to listen to teachers and community members, but it would be a boundary violation to bypass the chain of leadership. While I cannot act alone or speak for the entire board, I listen carefully and share perspectives so all voices help guide board decisions.
I am a strong believer that public education is a building block in the foundation of our society. Our public education system addresses the needs of our young people now and in the future. Without it, we become weaker in every aspect of day-to-day life.
I have supported my belief through active participation in bond and levy teams, PTA leadership, District 742 committees, employment by the District and as a member of the 742 School Board.
I am not someone with a single issue focus. My focus is on the goal of providing all our students the education they need – and deserve – to thrive as a student and in life after high school.
Student and Staff Safety. Our entrances are safe and secure. Student and staff safety while inside the building will always be a focus. We need to continue to implement processes that insure everyone is safe inside our buildings
Fully Funding Special Education. The state is obligated to fund Special Education mandates – it’s time that they do so.
742 is a Destination. We must continue to celebrate our strengths and share those stories.
My strategy would be to follow a fact-based process that includes discussions among all stakeholders. There needs to be some agreement as to what areas are off-limits to cut (think anything that directly impacts student learning) along with areas that could be trimmed back. The emphasis would be on agreements among all involved.
I have faith that the staff of the Department of Equity Services is doing everything possible to address these concerns in 742. As an individual, I alone cannot change a system. But through conversation, collaboration and cooperation, I can be part of the process that works to address such disparities.
My “door” is always open. I’m happy to meet in person or have a phone conversation. I’m open to attending PTA or site council meetings. I will never claim to have immediate answers but instead will listen. I will research answers and follow-up when asked to. One of the greatest qualities of a Board member is listening – a quality I’ve shown in the past and will continue to show.
