A Voice of Reason

Adlai Stevenson is attributed as saying that “patriotism is not short, frenzied, outbursts of emotion, but the tranquil and steady dedication of a lifetime.” I have served in many ways throughout my life - including on the Arizona Governor’s Youth Commission, Utah State Workforce Development Board & as Youth Committee Chair, and as a youth minister, among others. These experiences have taught me the power of a steady and thoughtful approach to public service, especially in a time when the voices shaping our schools are too often polarized.

I am running for the Lakota School Board because I feel I can be a voice of reason during these critical times.

Meeting the Needs of a Growing District

Lakota is at a pivotal juncture. The district faces many challenges—overcrowded classrooms, aging buildings, and a pressing need for thoughtful, student-focused infrastructure improvements. The bond and tax levies on the November ballot aim to address these very issues by funding new school construction, renovating existing facilities, and easing overcrowding using a modernized K-5, 6-8, 9-12 model. I have heard people with strong points of view on both sides of this issue.

I am grateful the public will have a chance to voice their opinion on this proposal. If the measures pass, I stand ready to be the pragmatic steward our district needs—requiring transparency, productivity, and accountability for the funds. If the measures fail, we will still need to address these critical issues and I am committed to working across stakeholder groups to ensure we can find reasonable solutions which enable student success and in a fiscally responsible way.

Shaping Education for the Future

The education landscape is rapidly changing in the United States and in Ohio. Addressing modern challenges like technology use in classrooms and supporting an increasingly diverse student base requires a willingness to listen, learn, and work the problems. I believe that a clear focus on student outcomes and teacher development, partnered with transparent and collaborative stakeholder relationships, will clarify the decisions we’ll need to make as they come up

I believe in strengthening academic foundations, empowering and supporting families, and ensuring school environments which adapt responsibly and thoughtfully to student, teacher, and community needs.

Bridging Divides, Building Consensus

I believe public schools are a public good which should focus on student outcomes, and that the school board exists to ensure those ends in a financially-responsible and non-partisan  way. I refuse to be boxed into extreme positions, and commit to listening to learn and working to find common ground that benefits our students. I believe we don’t see things as they are, but as we are. Accordingly, the ability to listen, learn, and find common sense solutions is imperative. 

I am an HR executive with 13+ years experience doing this type of work in high-stakes situations and I have confidence I can use these skills to benefit the students and families of Lakota. I commit to open dialogue, to prioritize policies that benefit all students, and to collaborate with all stakeholders to build better schools. Especially in an era marked by contentious debates over parental rights, DEI, and educational policy, our district deserves someone who can break through gridlock and act with the best interest of students foremost in mind.

As the only registered Republican candidate in the race, and one who was rejected for a party endorsement because of my centrist values, I bring to the table a well-reasoned, community-first approach which places students above politics.

Why I’m the Right Choice

• Thoughtful Leadership Instead of Extreme Posturing

  I am guided by the principles I have outlined - finding solutions which work for our children, teachers, and community stakeholders.

• Focused on Results, Not Rhetoric

  Whether it’s facilities, literacy programs, or equitable access, I believe in data-driven decisions and practical solutions.

• Rooted in Community Trust

  I answer only to the families in Lakota, and I’ll always put their voices first. I have four children in the district (3 current, 1 future) so I have an immediate feedback loop and am vested in the health and wellbeing of the district.

In choosing a representative for the Lakota School Board, our community deserves someone with the maturity, independence, and vision to make decisions—not political maneuvers. I believe in bringing people together and delivering real progress.

I’d be honored for your vote and to represent you with a voice of reason on the Lakota School Board.