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Always funding and now Jackson county property tax fiasco. To address these issues is to be totally upfront about saving money and where cuts may be needed
I’ve been a member of Fort for the past 39 years. Having served on many different boards and committees, gives me different perspectives.
By reduction in force. I don’t know that will happen, but you want to be prepared. Also you might need to run a levy.
My role is to stay out of the way and let teachers teach. Make sure parents know of all the opportunities that they have.
Hopefully we can stress that our early childhood schools, we are able to screen the kids.
Campaign Phone
8167169568
Public Elected Offices Held
None
Incumbent? YES or NO
No
The changes in property tax assessment in Jackson County have left Fort Osage with financial challenges that will need to be addressed. While Fort Osage isn't alone in this situation, many other districts are better prepared to face the deceased revenue over the next 3 years. As a board member I will have more access to the school districts financial statements and budgeting practices. With the limited information provided through on line access it isn't hard to see there are some problems that must be addressed immediately.
Student test scores aren't at the same level as some surrounding school districts. State standardized test scores show room for improvement in the district. Determining when and where the students are falling behind in their academics can help us better evaluate what type of assistance like remedial learning is needed. Working with educators to find curriculum that keeps students engaged in their learning would be imperative.
For the past few school years I've had the pleasure to work directly with students at the high school, the Career Training Center and Fort Connect. This experience has left me with the desire to be even more involved in the district and school board was the next logical step. As a small business owner I have developed strong teamwork and communication skills, a professional demeanor, and a commitment to investing the significant time required for meetings and community engagement. I have a deep understanding of the time commitment required by school board members. I also realize that wherever I am in the community I must always represent the district in a positive way.
I believe the first step is implementing strategic cost-saving measures by reviewing all expenses line by line. Use proven strategies, optimizing operational efficiency, utilizing federal grants, finding and building on community partnerships, and restructuring staffing models. Seeking corporate sponsorships, philanthropic donations, and private grants for specific projects or programs.
Our district has made a substantial investment in sports facilities that can attract regional conferences and tournaments. Consider renting out school facilities during non-school hours to sports organizations, community groups or businesses to generate revenue. Evaluate data to determine where staffing reductions or restructuring will have the least impact on student achievement.
Parental involvement in a child's education has declined since I was student. While contributing factors may vary, economic challenges that often require both parents to work provides fewer opportunities for families to participate in their students education. Most school districts offer evening events on a regular basis. These events aren't limited to parent teacher conferences. Parental involvement like PTA offerings and more evening and weekend events that interest parents to become more active in their students education. Giving parents and students access to remedial learning options that engage families is a must. Expanding on events such as "curriculum night " that gives parents a comprehensive overview of what their students will be learning in a classroom setting. Parents understanding what their students are learning in school gives them more tools to stay involved in their education.
Early childhood education is a must, this builds their education foundation. Children retain much more information at an early age. Preparing them how to behave in a class setting, take instruction and work with others prior to starting kindergarten leads to a more productive learning environment for the classroom. Offer more early childhood programs, less restrictions on qualifications, more actual class time and encouraging enrollment. Promoting the advantages of a school setting versus a daycare environment with age appropriate curriculum.
Public Elected Offices Held
School Board Member
Incumbent? YES or NO
YES
1) Smaller Class Sizes & Stronger Behavioral Support
Work to reduce class sizes and ensure each school has access to a behavioral specialist. This will help create calmer classrooms, strengthen student-teacher relationships, and provide more individualized support for both students and staff.
2) Stronger Academics & Early Intervention
Expand reading and math intervention support in every building and improve early identification of students who may need IEPs or other intervention services. Early, targeted support helps students build confidence and achieve long-term success.
3) Less Screen Time, Healthier Options & More Outdoor Learning
Promote hands-on learning, increased physical activity, healthier meal choices, and more opportunities for outdoor learning. These approaches support student well-being, engagement, and overall academic success.
As a Fort Osage alumna and parent, I am deeply passionate about our district and community. With two children currently attending Fort Osage schools, I see firsthand both the strengths of our district and the areas where we have opportunities to grow and improve.
I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Business from Graceland University and my Master of Business Administration from Baker University. During my first three-year term on the Board of Education, I also earned both my Advanced and Master’s Board Member certifications. These certifications require extensive professional development, including completing credit hours, studying educational leadership and governance, and reflecting on that learning through written work.
First, I will continue advocating with our state representatives to ensure public education is fully and responsibly funded. When new legislation creates additional requirements for schools without providing adequate funding, it places unnecessary strain on districts and limits our ability to best serve students.
When financial challenges arise, I believe we must prioritize students by managing resources responsibly. This includes using natural attrition and carefully evaluating vacant positions before filling them, while ensuring student learning and support remain the top priority.
Families play a vital role in the education of their children. Parents and caregivers are a child’s first and most important teachers. However, in today’s world, many families are working second or third shifts or balancing multiple jobs, which can make involvement more challenging. That is why it is especially important that we support families in meaningful ways. Literacy is the foundation of all learning, and children benefit tremendously from being read to and engaged in language-rich environments as often as possible.
Schools can partner with families by providing clear, consistent communication and creating opportunities for meaningful family engagement. Fort Osage already demonstrates strong leadership in this area through programs such as Bright Futures and Parents as Teachers, which help connect families with resources and support. Continuing to strengthen these partnerships ensures that families feel supported and empowered, and ultimately helps students succeed both academically and personally.
This is an important question, and one I am actively engaged in. I recently reached out to my state representative to advocate for free, universal early childhood education because I believe every child should have access to early learning opportunities before entering kindergarten. Early childhood education plays a critical role in preparing students academically, socially, and emotionally.
In the meantime, I would like to see continued growth and expansion of programs such as Parents as Teachers to reach more families. Strengthening early childhood partnerships with parents and caregivers helps ensure children enter school ready to learn and sets a strong foundation for long-term success.
