VOTE411 Voter Guide

I am an educational leader and advocate for equity and innovation in public education with 30 years of experience in school leadership, teacher development, math education, and supporting diverse learners. My family relocated to Ashland after a yearlong journey across the country searching for a school system that would support our twice-exceptional son. With shrinking budgets and big decisions ahead, we need leaders on the Board who understand how school systems work and who keep students at the center of every conversation. I’ve spent my career as a teacher, administrator, curriculum developer, and parent. That full-spectrum view allows me to speak clearly about what’s working, what needs attention, and why our schools matter so much.

Of course districts must comply with state and federal laws, but the United States also has a long history of local control over schools. Education is not one of the powers specifically granted to the federal government in the constitution. That is why most of the influence of the federal government on schools is via funding streams where funding is tied to compliance. State laws and policies impact the day-to-day functioning of schools much more directly. I am proud of Oregon’s commitment to upholding our state laws with regard to school governance, particularly those that value and honor the ability of Oregon educators and students to be their authentic selves in our classrooms and schools.

I want to help Ashland schools not just survive this next chapter, but emerge stronger. That means protecting what makes our district great while being bold about what’s next. I’ll focus on 3 key areas: -Innovative educational opportunities that offer choice and flexibility, expanding Ashland’s in-district educational options and offering more flexibility in programming, attracting more families to Ashland -Strategic and transparent budgeting that protects programs that kids need most, including career and technical education, the arts, and extracurriculars -Stronger community partnerships that expand what’s possible for our students through internships and mentorships Above all, I want every student to feel seen, supported, and inspired.

For over a decade, my professional career has focused on improving the financial health and core outcomes of public institutions. My skills and experience include:

• Bringing large institutions back into financial compliance • Correcting revenue projections for long-range planning • Linking dollars spent to key outcomes • Repairing and building partnerships to provide better service • Sharing information in formats that are accessible in all formats

School districts are legally required to comply with both federal and state education laws. At the federal level, this includes setting academic standards, assessing student performance, providing opportunities for students with disabilities, and complying with Title VI and Title IX of the Civil Rights Act prohibiting discrimination. At the state level, this includes curriculum standards, minimum instruction hours, graduation requirements, and additional special education and access requirements.

Not complying with federal or state education policies may result in the loss of funding. However, the current difficulty is that districts and states are receiving contradictory information, particularly at the federal level.

The most pressing issue for Ashland School District is our short term-financial crisis due to overspending of funds, and our long-term financial crisis due to declining enrollment.

The District has taken steps to adjust our short-term financial crisis, including cutting 27 staff positions and taking out an $8 million emergency loan. But more systemic change is needed. I would work with the Board to adopt financial guidelines, a financial strategy, and a financial reporting policy to prevent future mismanagement of funds.

For the long-term financial crisis, I propose boosting enrollment by establishing a pre-K program to connect families to our schools early and providing an alternative education program that enrolls students countywide.