DUTIES: The Board establishes specific policies that govern school system operations and has authority over fiscal year budgets, curriculum materials, textbooks, personnel appointments, capital improvements, land acquisitions, grant applications, and other policy decisions. In addition to selecting and appointing the Superintendent of Schools, the Board also employs legal counsel and external auditors.BASE SALARY: $6,000TERM: Four years.HOW ELECTED: This is a non-partisan position. During gubernatorial elections (both primary and general), registered voters may vote for one candidate for their district of residence. Only contested races (more than two candidates) appear on the primary ballot.
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As Board President, I’ve led through difficult but necessary work. Improving academic rigor requires more than talking about it; it requires leadership and follow-through. I’ve pushed for measurable goals, best-practice instruction, and clear reporting. We’ve raised teacher salaries, strengthened our leadership pipeline, expanded reading intervention, and invested in schools like the renovation of Chapel District Elementary. I bring steady, experienced, and accountable governance.
Closing opportunity gaps requires honest data and targeted action. I support directing resources to programs that show results, including early reading support, increased tutoring, and targeted academic intervention. In a rural county like ours, access matters. Every student, whether at Chapel District or elsewhere, should have pathways to rigorous coursework, CTE programs, and dual enrollment so they graduate prepared for college, career, or military service.
Student mental health directly affects attendance, behavior, and academic success. Schools should continue to maintain strong counseling services and grow partnerships with families, community providers, and local organizations so students can access help early. We have increased support through additional social workers and therapists, and every school now has a School Resource Officer to help maintain safe, structured environments where students feel connected, build resilience, and succeed.
We have significantly increased teacher salaries and must remain competitive to attract and retain strong educators. I support strengthening our “grow-your-own” teacher preparation program and developing a leadership pipeline that prepares talented educators to become future principals and administrators in Talbot County. I have and will continue to support initiatives that improve working conditions so teachers feel respected, supported, and able to focus on instruction and student achievement.
My priorities are continuing to raise academic achievement, particularly in reading and math, while building on the steady progress our schools have made over time and strengthening what is already working; maintaining modern and safe facilities like the renovation of Chapel District Elementary and SROs in every school; and recruiting, compensating, and developing strong teachers and leaders. Our students deserve excellent schools and responsible stewardship of community resources.
