Each decision a school board member makes affects the children. Those decisions also affect a family’s livelihood whether they are a teacher, a staff member or a parent. While this is a heavy burden to carry, the Board of Education must be willing to carry that burden. The BOE members must be able to speak civilly and professionally to all parties involved in school district matters. They must be willing to have a conversation with even those stakeholders that may disagree with them

The Woodland Park School District is made up of many different stakeholders, including our residents and business owners who need us to have a vital and thriving school system. It affects their businesses, their home values and the overall pride they have in our community. The teachers and the staff need to know they have the full support of the School Board and the superintendent. We need to ensure we have a competitive pay scale and advancement plan in place. We cannot say that the kids are the future without recognizing those directly responsible for that success, involved parents and a positive and encouraging teachers and staff.

All students in the Woodland Park School District should be treated equally and equitably with the funds provided by our revenue streams.

Merit Academy continues to provide positive choices for parents and students for academic and extracurricular opportunities. We need to encourage all the schools in the Woodland Park School District to try and find cooperative opportunities within the district. Whether it be a shared sporting event or science project. This would allow the students to broaden their relationships with students their own age, outside of those in their class. We are a small town, we are a small district, let’s embrace that, not regret it.

BOE members should have diverse backgrounds and experiences. They should be independent decision makers. A board member should be able to take all the facts presented and vote as if they were in the room by themselves. There should never be an appearance of a predetermined decision by a group of board members who vote as one. BOE members should respect each other even when there are differences, seeking compromises and solutions that benefit our children.

Board members need to have high level negotiating skills, be able to review and understand complicated contracts, and provide excellent financial oversight of taxpayers money.

Finally, BOE members should focus on the welfare of each and every student. In addition to being a parent, I have had a focus on children for many years. The experience of being the Kiwanis International President has given me a perspective on board leadership, and how to navigate very difficult discussions with people from diverse backgrounds. My experience will help me navigate tough discussions with diverse groups, listening deeply, and respecting perspectives even in disagreement. I vote by conviction but honor others’ views.

I am humbly and respectfully asking for your faith and confidence and for your vote – I will not disappoint you.