What do you see as the basic purpose of public schools and what is the role of the School Board?

The basic purpose of public schools is to provide a safe environment that fosters the ability of students to learn, grow socially and emotionally, and assist with helping them find their path in life. The School Board’s role in fulfilling that purpose is to provide the policy and funding allocations to allow this to happen. The School Board is a governing body that uses laws, data, and stakeholders’ feedback to make decisions that are in the best interest of students.

What would you like to accomplish as a School Board Member?

My appointed time will be short, so I must be realistic about what I want to accomplish. First, I want to advocate for an increase in academic and mental health support for our students. And second, I want to promote collaboration and communication between the Board and Stakeholders.  

What strengths do you bring to the School Board?

First, I am concise in my speech and actively listen so that I avoid asking questions that have been previously answered. These strengths are golden for any type of meeting. My education has allowed me to build the strengths of analysis, operation design and evaluation, and interpretation of dense laws and regulations. Finally, I pride myself on my strengths of advocacy, working within a team, and empowering others to be the best version of themselves.

Identify a recent School Board decision that you felt strongly about.

A situation that comes to mind is the recent group testing issue, though it was not a school board decision, it can be inferred to coincide with Policy 0470: COVID-19 Mitigation Plan under section “Health Screening of Students.” I will generalize that as a School Board Member, data and the presence of strategic planning will determine how I vote on this and any issue before me. As a social worker, I understand the importance of separating my values and beliefs from my professional role. Overall, with any decision or vote it is important to not only ensure that all governing laws are abided, by but that a decision is done considering community concerns and impact on students.