Looking Ahead: Building on Stability and Progress

Our work continues. The next four years will require sustained focus on improving student achievement and well-being, strengthening long-term financial stability, building on the strong partnerships that support our schools, and preparing our district for the challenges ahead.

Improve Student Achievement Through Continuous Improvement

With new core curriculum implemented in key academic areas and additional curriculum investments ahead, our focus must remain on effective implementation, ongoing evaluation, and measurable results.

I will support:

  • Analyzing student achievement data and growth over time.

  • Measuring the impact of curriculum investments and using results to guide continuous improvement.

  • Ensuring educators have the training and resources needed for successful implementation.

  • Identifying achievement gaps and focusing resources where they can make the greatest difference.

  • Providing transparency with our community about progress and areas for improvement.

Support Student Well-Being and Success

Student success is about more than academic achievement. Students learn best when they feel safe, supported, connected, and ready to engage in learning. As student needs continue to grow more complex, districts must have the resources and flexibility necessary to provide meaningful supports.

I will support:

  • Policies and programs that promote student mental health and well-being.

  • Learning environments where students feel safe, valued, and connected.

  • Strong relationships between students, educators, mentors, and trusted adults.

  • Meaningful opportunities for students to share their experiences and provide input on decisions that affect them.

  • Partnerships that support students’ academic, social, and emotional needs.

  • Efforts that help every student see a path toward success.

Protect Long-Term Financial Sustainability

Responsible financial stewardship means ensuring we can provide excellent opportunities for students today while strengthening the district’s long-term financial stability and maintaining accountability to taxpayers. A strong financial foundation requires thoughtful budgeting, responsible reserve planning, and continued focus on providing programs and experiences that families value.

I will support:

  • Advocating for adequate and sustainable state funding, including full funding of state mandates placed on school districts.

  • Using priority-based budgeting to align resources with district goals and student needs.

  • Making data-informed decisions that balance student needs with long-term financial sustainability.

  • Making strategic investments that improve student achievement and support district priorities.

  • Strengthening the district’s financial position by responsibly rebuilding reserves while prioritizing student learning and essential services.

  • Supporting enrollment through family retention, strong academic programs, meaningful student experiences, and engagement with families.

  • Evaluating responsible options that sustain and enhance opportunities for current and future students.

Statewide Legislative Advocacy

An important part of effective school board leadership is advocating for policies and resources that allow local districts to meet the needs of students and families. I advocate for state mandates to be accompanied by the funding and flexibility necessary for districts to implement requirements without placing additional pressure on local taxpayers or diverting resources from student learning.

As Chair of the Association of Metropolitan School Districts (AMSD), a coalition of 50 member school districts, I collaborate with school leaders across the metro area to advocate for strong public schools, local decision-making, and sustainable education funding.

This role provides an important opportunity to bring our district’s perspective into broader education conversations, collaborate with leaders across the state, and ensure that the challenges and opportunities facing our students are represented in policy discussions.

I will focus on:

  • Advocating for sustainable state funding and policies that support local decision-making.

  • Ensuring the voices and needs of our district are represented in broader education policy discussions.

  • Collaborating with school leaders and legislators to address challenges facing public education.

  • Bringing research, data, and best practices from statewide conversations back to support thoughtful local decision-making.

Transparent, Collaborative Leadership

The challenges facing public education are significant, and addressing them requires listening, collaboration, transparency, and a commitment to finding common ground. Throughout my service on the board, I have worked to listen to students, families, staff, and community members while making thoughtful decisions that balance many perspectives and the long-term needs of our district.

I will continue to lead by:

  • Engaging with students, families, staff, and community members to understand perspectives and experiences.

  • Providing clear, timely information, including board meeting summaries, that helps community members better understand district finances, challenges, discussions, and decisions.

  • Creating meaningful opportunities for families and community members to engage with the work of our schools.

  • Building partnerships that strengthen connection and pride across our district.

  • Developing policies that reflect best practices, support student success, and respond to evolving educational needs.

  • Seeking solutions grounded in facts and focused on students.

  • Making thoughtful decisions based on student needs, available resources, and the long-term success of our district.