My father was a volunteer firefighter for 50 years, so the idea of serving our community was instilled upon me throughout my childhood. My brother wound up becoming a career firefighter and I leaned towards education as a way to make a difference. For several years I co-organized a non-profit which focused on advocating for misjudged breeds and helping pet owners train their furry family members in positive ways. At the same time, I had been teaching for many years in the classroom and was starting to develop the desire to have a more global impact on the system.
When I shifted into an administrative role, I thought that I would be able to make a quick and notable impact within my district. But what I soon realized is that public school districts are complex organizations which are pulled in all directions by parents, staff, administration, school boards, and external stakeholders. We all know change is hard! So imagine how challenging it is to balance the needs of the entire community a school district serves and to make improvements. What became clear is the importance for districts to make sure the students are always the priority when decision making.
I am eager to work with our district towards continued growth and improvement. My professional background gives me a unique understanding of the complexities involved with running a school district, and has provided me with the tools needed to successfully collaborate with various stakeholders. This is why I believe that I am the best candidate to represent parents and taxpayers on the Howell on the Board of Education.