VOTE411 Voter Guide

Southeast has recently begun its three year strategic plan to improve the school's facilities, curriculum, and general services. A plan like this is much needed, but implementing it will require continued buy-in from the community as well as consistent funding. As a member of the board, I would make myself available to the community to hear any concerns they have, but I would particularly seek feedback from Southeast's teachers who have been neglected by the board in the past. We need buy-in from teachers for the plan to work, and my own experience as a teacher would help me as an advocate for their success.

As for funding the plan, the school should definitely have the money it needs, but I have some concern for the other school programs that might be neglected while the plan is being worked on. In the past Southeast has used grants or community fundraisers to help fund projects outside of the budget, and my experience in non-profit organizing could help us to think outside the box.

I would be an effective school board member by bringing a different perspective to the table. I'm younger than other candidates for the board and can better relate to the challenges current Southeast students face in school, from safety concerns, to the effective use of new technologies. I also have a background in Southeast's non-sports extracurriculars, like band or drama club, that other board members might not have. I would use this experience to be a representative for those school activities and help the rest of the board and administration see their value.

As much as I think my perspective will be helpful to the school board, I also think that I will be effective as someone who can bring other people's perspectives forward. As a board member I intend to actively engage with teachers, parents, students and any other interested community members to see how they think Southeast is doing and what they think is well or poorly in the district.

School Board members are supposed to be the link between the community outside of the school and the faculty and staff within it. Because of this it is very important that we don't hide from controversy or try to ignore it, but we should also be responsible about how we deal with it. School boards primarily act on schools through the superintendent and other administrators that they hire, which means that we should be working with those people to resolve any controversy or consider removing them if they themselves are the problem. We also can't be too quick to resolve a controversy if it is dividing our community or else we are only going to make things worse. It is not our job to stoke the fires or pick sides, it is our job to make sure Southeast Students are getting the best education possible. This is why engaging with the community is so important, it can give us the full picture of where the controversy came from and helps us to find the solution that best serves our students.

Our district faces challenges in preparing students for both college and trades while ensuring facilities are safe and efficient. Too many students are disengaged in traditional classrooms, and we need to expand hands-on opportunities like maker spaces, carpentry, and manufacturing programs that build real-world skills and lead to high-paying careers without debt. With decades of trade experience and service on the HVAC advisory board, I know how to stretch resources, avoid waste, and improve facilities without overburdening taxpayers, as shown through projects like the track and concession stand funded by donations. I will hold administration accountable, advocate for stronger career pathways, and continue engaging the community to move our schools forward.

I would be an effective school board member by building on my past service and continuing to push our district forward. During my previous term, I worked with the school administration to explore new ideas like maker spaces and career-focused classes that keep students engaged and help them learn real-world skills. I bring 30 years of trade experience, giving me insight into practical maintenance decisions that save money and keep schools safe. I stay visible and approachable, actively involved in boosters, advisory boards, and community projects. My ability to connect students with job opportunities and to rally community support—like securing major donations for school facilities—shows I can get things done. I will continue to hold administration accountable while advocating for strong academic and career pathways for all students.

The responsibility of a board member in addressing emerging controversies is to listen to all voices—teachers, staff, students, administration, and community members—before making decisions. A strong board member gathers perspectives, asks questions, and ensures concerns are heard and respected. By focusing on transparency, accountability, and open dialogue, the board can build trust and work toward solutions that reflect the best interests of students and the community. My goal is to bring people together, not divide them, and to keep the focus on what matters most—providing a safe, supportive, and forward-moving education for every child.