As a Little League coach, I've seen the value of investing my time and energy into my local community and the personal fulfillment and satisfaction that pouring into others brings me. I would like to bring my creativity, passion, and character to the school board role. I have experience as an award-winning public speaker, a collegiate professor, and a committed spouse to an elementary educator.

Our school district has many amazing teachers and support staff who care deeply for their students. Most of the schools also perform well on test scores at both the state and national levels. However, enrollment district-wide has been declining, along with rising behavioral issues in the classroom.

I want to increase opportunities for parents to sit on advisory committees, make their voices heard and acknowledged, and create events that make them feel empowered and part of their child's education.

A recent bond is scheduled to address school entrances, which I support. In addition to these changes, I believe that classroom behaviors needs increased attention with additional support staff and committees, hearing solutions from our community, and working with educators and parents to address underlying issues.

I am running for a board seat because I’m a civic-minded individual that wants to serve as a bridge between local families, educators, and district leadership. As a proud graduate of Vicksburg Community Schools, I want to give back to my community. I have a heart for public service and a genuine desire to make a positive impact on student learning and achievement. I believe that my analytical mindset and collaborative approach to solving problems will serve me well in this role. I’m a proven leader that has demonstrated my ability to leverage these strengths to foster trust, teamwork, and open communication across multiple organizations.

Vicksburg Community Schools is frequently recognized for academic performance and student achievement. Many buildings across the school district regularly earn state and national performance honors. This would not be possible without a strong commitment to empowering our educators, delivering high-quality instruction, and having unparalleled community support. However, the school district has been presented with several challenges in recent years, including declining student enrollment, a rise in student behavioral problems in the classroom, and a widening performance gap in student achievement test scores.

Vicksburg Community Schools provides parents with access to online platforms that allow families to stay informed of their students’ academic performance and upcoming events. Still, every school leader must continually consider how we can improve parent engagement in our school district. Increased parent involvement leads to higher grades and better attendance. We must take steps to ensure parents feel that they are true partners in their child’s education. I want parents to have a seat at the table by forming advisory councils that solicit their feedback on curriculum development, academic programs, and activities across the district.

The school district plans to use funds from the recently approved bond proposal to build security vestibules that will create a controlled buffer between the exterior entrance and the rest of the building. Moving forward, the school board must focus on the safety of our students and staff in other ways. Most notably, we must address student behavioral challenges in the classroom that disrupt the learning environment. We must work together by soliciting input from our teachers, behavior specialists, student behavior specialists, intervention paraprofessionals, counselors, and parents to address the root causes of student behavioral problems.

Students First. For 15 years, I’ve shown up for VCS because I believe our students deserve strong schools, dedicated staff, and leaders who listen. As a 1999 Vicksburg High School graduate, VCS parent, and longtime community leader, I bring a unique perspective and a proven record of service through the PTSO, VCS Foundation, and Athletic Boosters. I know leadership isn’t about recognition—it’s about listening to every side, asking tough questions, and doing what’s best for all students. I’m running because I care deeply about VCS and want to help leave this district stronger for the next generation.

VCS is strongest when we put students first. Our dedicated teachers and staff, supportive families, and engaged community create an environment where students can learn, grow, and feel connected. Strong academics, athletics, arts, and extracurricular opportunities help develop the whole student.

Our focus must be more consistent and intentional. We can strengthen academic achievement, improve communication and accountability, address student behavior proactively, and better support teachers and staff. By listening, using data, and working together, we can build on what VCS already does well and continue making it better for every student.

I will focus on building stronger relationships between our schools, families, and community. Parents should feel welcomed, informed, and confident that their voices are heard. I will encourage more direct communication between families and our schools, create opportunities for parents to share their ideas and concerns, and help build a culture where community members feel connected to our students and their success. Strong schools happen when we work together, listen to one another, and keep students at the center of every decision.

Student behavior is one of the most important safety issues facing our schools. When disruptive or threatening behavior is not addressed consistently, it can affect the safety, learning, and well-being of students and staff. The board should support clear expectations, consistent consequences, and strong communication between administrators, teachers, students, and families. We must also ensure staff have the training and resources to respond effectively. Safety means creating an environment where every student can learn without disruption or fear.

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I am very appreciative of the education our children received in Vicksburg Schools. I want to not only maintain the excellence of our schools but help them to improve and adapt. My familiarity with educational issues both broadly and locally and knowledge of local resources give me a unique perspective to improve our schools. I have enjoyed finding ways to leverage the unique culture of our community and schools, a robust VCS Foundation and the Vicksburg Foundation to attract families and attract and retain superior educators. I continue to be present in the schools as a history resource at VMS and as a mentor at SLE and VHS.

VCS offers many programs to help students find their niche in the world. We have superb fine arts programs, a robust AP program, language proficiency certification, CTE programs, robotics teams, drone clubs and athletic opportunities. There is a place for everyone. We need to continue to attract and retain excellent educators. We need to adapt to changes in CTE education, collaborating more with local businesses. We need to make sure families are involved and support educational and behavioral goals for their students. We need to educate students on the proper use of artificial intelligence.

Our community has always been supportive and engaged with our schools, attending school events, involvement in PTOs, athletic and fine arts boosters, strategic planning and support of bond issues. We need to continue these opportunities for input. We need to make sure we are informing the public clearly both online and in print. Families receive information from classroom teachers, building principals and central administration. We need to make sure there is consistency in messaging at the classroom, building and the district levels. Families need to know how to engage at all three levels.

Passage of the recent bond will result in the construction of secure vestibules at each elementary school. This will reduce risk of external threats. In addition, staff and administration receive regular training in crisis response. Internal threats are addressed by making sure behavioral expectations of students are clear and enforced at each building. Administration reviewed student handbooks at each building this past summer. The prohibition of cell phones in the elementary and middle schools and the use of signal blocking pouches at the high school have greatly reduced bullying.

My experience as a parent and current Board Trustee gives me the expertise, connections, and commitment needed to continue serving Vicksburg Community Schools. Throughout my professional career, building strong relationships with students and their families has been my main focus. I come to the Board table focused on putting students first, working toward consensus, and leaving cultural and political distractions at the door.

VCS has so many strengths that support student achievement and personal development, including class sizes that are among the lowest in the county. Our new and experienced teachers have strong mentoring support. Education grants encourage our teachers to think creatively and find new and exciting ways to teach our students. Our robust and active theater and band programs provide valuable opportunities for students to grow beyond the classroom. We have also seen steady improvement in test scores and student participation. Continued focus on academic growth and expanding opportunities for all students will help us build on these successes.

I believe School Board trustees should be visible and engaged in the community beyond our meetings. Attending athletic events, theater performances, open houses, and other school activities helps build relationships, strengthen communication, and show our families that the Board is accessible and invested in our schools.

One of the most significant safety issues facing our schools is assisting students who are struggling before their behavior escalates into disruptive or unsafe behavior. Strong communication between parents, teachers, administrators, and support staff is essential. The Board should support resources that address student needs while maintaining a safe learning environment. Consistency in discipline, expectations, and consequences is also important so students understand what is expected and expectations are applied fairly.