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Phone
989-859-2591
Photo
Yes
Occupation/Current Position
Independent Consultant
Education
Ferris State University, Big Rapids, MI Bachelor of Science in Information Systems
race
White
I bring nine years of school board experience, serving Midland Public Schools as President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Trustee from 2013–2021. During that time, I chaired committees overseeing finance, facilities, operations, curriculum, instruction, and assessment. I helped oversee an $81 million annual budget, increase the district’s fund balance from 5% to 22%, and secure and oversee $121 million in capital improvements. I also led superintendent evaluations, district improvement planning, and efforts to strengthen communication with families and the community. I am a Michigan Association of School Boards Certified Board Member and received the MASB Award of Merit.
I am running for the Central Lake Board of Education because I believe my experience can help our district provide the best possible opportunities for every student. I care deeply about strong educational outcomes, supporting our educators, responsible stewardship of community resources, and preparing students for success after graduation. I believe effective school boards listen, ask good questions, work collaboratively, and keep students at the center of their decisions.
1. Quality Education and Opportunity for Every Student.
My top priority is ensuring every Central Lake student receives a high-quality education and opportunities to succeed. As a small district, we should collaborate with neighboring schools, community organizations, and businesses to share resources and expand academic, career, and extracurricular opportunities. We must also support our educators and give them the resources they need to help students succeed.
2. Student Safety and Well-Being.
Students learn best when they feel safe, supported, and valued. I would support policies, programs, and resources that promote physical safety, student well-being, and a positive school environment where every child has the opportunity to thrive.
3. Responsible Stewardship.
Our community recently invested in our schools by approving a millage for much-needed improvements. The Board must ensure these funds are used responsibly and as promised, with strong oversight, transparency, and communication with the community.
I believe student mental health and safety are strengthened when young people feel known, supported, valued, and connected. I am a strong believer in Search Institute’s 40 Developmental Assets framework, which emphasizes the relationships, experiences, and supports young people need to thrive. I would encourage our district to build these protective factors by strengthening student relationships with caring adults, creating meaningful opportunities for students to participate and lead, supporting families and educators, and ensuring students know where to turn when they need help. Prevention and connection should be important parts of our approach to student well-being and safety.
In the short term, the School Board and educators need to educate themselves about AI—its benefits, risks, and appropriate use—and establish clear expectations that protect student privacy and academic integrity. Students must continue to build strong foundational skills in reading, writing, math, and critical thinking without relying on technology to do the thinking for them.
Long term, AI will be part of our students’ lives and careers. Our responsibility is to create an environment where students can be curious, explore new technology, and learn to use AI responsibly and ethically while developing the knowledge, judgment, and independent thinking they will need to be successful in life.
Schools should prepare students for success whether their path leads to college, technical training, the military, or directly into the workforce. This starts with a strong curriculum that builds a solid foundation in reading, writing, math, communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving. We should make the most of students’ time in school by creating engaging learning environments that challenge students, connect learning to the real world, and help them discover their strengths and interests. We also need to support our educators with the training, resources, and tools they need to continuously improve and help every student succeed.
