Campaign Phone
8165074218
Public Elected Offices Held
None
Incumbent? YES or NO
No
Strategic facility improvements to support 21st-century learning, Project-Based Learning, and Career Technical Education programs
Fiscal responsibility to maximize resources for students and staff
Increased student engagement
Retention of our exceptional teachers and staff
As a dedicated parent of two current students and one graduate of the Independence School District, I have a deep, personal stake in ensuring every child receives an outstanding education. With 25 years of service to the district as an architect, I have played a key role in improving our schools by helping pass critical bond issues and designing/overseeing facility enhancements that create safer, more modern learning environments for students and staff.
I bring a strong foundation of relevant experience in teaching, administration, finance, non-profit work, and community leadership. Holding a Master's in Architecture, I combines technical expertise with practical skills in communication and facility improvements—essential for addressing the district's infrastructure needs responsibly and effectively.
Passionate about preserving what makes Independence a great school district, I am motivated to drive meaningful progress through thoughtful new policies.
I know there is tension with taxes and finding right now in our state. I believe that we will find ways to work with state and local officials to maintain support for public education. I look forward to having these conversations and maintaining the great fiscal position that the ISD is currently experiencing.
I believe the family plays a major role in the education of our ISD students. Our teachers are fantastic, but they only have so much time each day with students. Providing access to at home learning activities, books, worksheets etc. for parents to be able to work one on one with their students is very important. I believe that analog work, work not dependent on screen time or a devise, is also important. Family conversations can help hone some of the soft skills and social skills that many students struggle with.
ISD currently has Hanthorn and the Sunshine Center along with early childhood option at several elementary school and Truman High School. I believe the ISD does a great job supporting our youngest learners. I know there is always a need to support more, and as a BOE member I would look for these opportunities to expand ECC opportunities as finance and facility availabilities allow
Campaign Phone
8169183082
Incumbent? YES or NO
NO
One of the most important issues facing our district is student mental health and rising suicide concerns. Addressing this requires a proactive approach by strengthening access to school counselors and mental health resources, while ensuring staff are trained to recognize warning signs early. Building strong partnerships with parents, community providers, and local organizations is also critical. By creating a school environment where students feel safe, supported, and comfortable asking for help, we can better identify concerns early and ensure every student has the support they need to succeed both academically and emotionally.
I am running for the school board because I have dedicated much of my career to serving and supporting students. For 16 years, I supervised police officers assigned to schools, working closely with students and staff every day. During that time, I mentored students, taught safety programs, and was present for both difficult moments and important milestones like prom and graduation. In addition, I am the parent of four children who all graduated from the Independence School District. These experiences have given me a deep understanding of our schools and a strong commitment to helping ensure every student has the support and opportunities they need to succeed.
If the state budget does not provide adequate funding for increasing needs, the district must take a strategic approach. This could include leveraging additional revenue from local initiatives, seeking support from private donations and foundations, tightening budget priorities to ensure funds are used efficiently, and exploring available federal programs. By combining careful fiscal management with community partnerships, we can help ensure that essential programs and services for students continue without compromise.
Families play a critical role in a student’s education by reinforcing learning, supporting growth, and staying engaged in their child’s academic and extracurricular experiences. One opportunity for the district to strengthen this partnership is through innovative programs that bring parents into the learning process, such as weekly “study and game nights” where students and parents collaborate on fun, educational activities. These events not only make learning engaging but also help parents better understand how subjects like math, science, and reading are taught, fostering stronger connections between home and school.
The district already has an effective early childhood program, which I have personally seen the benefits of. To address early childhood needs more fully, I would focus on improving affordability and accessibility so all families can participate. Additionally, I would advocate for expanded program hours, increased availability of resources such as literacy and social emotional development materials, and partnerships with community organizations to support families. Providing staff with ongoing professional development ensures children receive the highest-quality instruction and a strong foundation for lifelong learning.
Campaign Phone
8166165769
Incumbent? YES or NO
No
First, we must stay focused on student outcomes by using clear, transparent data to guide decisions about curriculum, resources, and support. We need to know what’s working, what isn’t, and respond with urgency and clarity.
Second, recruiting and retaining great educators is essential. Competitive pay, meaningful planning time, and strong professional support create the stability students need to succeed.
Finally, we must strengthen community engagement and trust. Our schools are strongest when families, staff, and students feel heard and valued.
I’m running on the principle of informed choices and empowered voices — using good data to guide decisions while listening carefully to the people most affected by them.
I'm a father to one (soon to be 2) students in ISD. I’m running for school board because I care deeply about the future of our students and our community. Strong public schools are one of the most important investments a community can make, and I believe our district deserves thoughtful, informed, and collaborative leadership.
Professionally, I serve as Assistant Vice President of Academic Affairs at Graceland University, where I work every day with students, faculty, data, and strategic planning. My career has been centered on education, leadership, and building systems that help people succeed.
I bring experience in governance, budgeting, and collaborative decision-making, along with a deep commitment to listening to educators, families, and students.
My priorities regarding the budget will always be focused on students, teachers, and ensuring taxpayer dollars are used as efficiently as possible. Public funding is dynamic and can't always be counted on.
To maintain a sustainable budget, the board must prioritize long-term financial planning, transparent budgeting practices, and strong advocacy at the state level to ensure adequate funding. Difficult decisions may be necessary, but they should always be guided by data, community input, and a commitment to protecting the core mission of our schools - educating and preparing students.
Families are essential partners in a student’s education. When schools and families work together, students are more engaged, supported, and successful. Parents and caregivers bring important insight about their children that helps educators better meet each student’s needs.
The district should create meaningful opportunities and pathways for families to stay informed, provide input, and engage with schools — through transparent communication, accessible school events, and regular opportunities for feedback. Strong partnerships are built on trust, listening, and shared responsibility.
When families and schools see themselves as partners in the same mission, we create the conditions for every student to have the support they need to succeed.
Early childhood education is one of the most important investments we can make in long-term student success. Strong early learning experiences help build the academic, social, and emotional foundations that students carry throughout their education.
ISD already has some wonderful programs and opportunities for early childhood education, and as a board member, I would support expanding access to high-quality early childhood programs, strengthening partnerships with community providers, and using data to ensure students enter kindergarten ready to learn. Addressing early childhood needs requires collaboration between schools, families, and community organizations so that every child has a strong start.
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