Previous Offices Held
n/a
Top Three Priorities
My top three priorities are improving academic achievement, supporting student success and being strategic and thoughtful with our school budget.
Why are you running?
Our schools are one of the most important investments we make in our community. Although I have a personal interest in our schools’ success as a parent, my interest extends far past my own family. I want to see every student have the opportunity to succeed, ensure our teachers and staff have the support and resources they need and make informed decisions about how we invest taxpayer dollars. I hope to bring an open-minded approach and make decisions that put our students first
What is the biggest challenge facing your area’s schools? The biggest opportunity?
Winthrop has seen significant improvements in many areas over the past several years, but I think there are several areas for improvement within our schools, including academic success, supporting students with diverse needs, and taking an honest look at where we are investing our resources. We have an opportunity to build on what we know is working now, consider where we may be able to make improvements, and make sure our resources are being used in a way that helps every student succeed.
A top issue for many parents is the age of Maine’s school infrastructure. How would you address this issue locally from your position on the school board?
It is crucial to be proactive in maintaining our facilities rather than waiting for problems to become emergencies. The school board first needs a clear understanding of the current state of our facilities, development of a long-term plan for maintenance and improvements, and to prioritize projects based on safety, educational impact, and cost, while still remaining mindful of the financial impact the improvements may have on taxpayers within our community.
Do you think the state government is too involved in local schooling? Not involved enough? The right amount of involved? Explain your answer.
As with many things in life, it comes down to finding the right balance. School boards should have the authority to make local decisions that reflect the needs of their students and communities. That being said, it is also important to recognize that a school board’s authority is limited by laws, standards and funding requirements. Local boards should have discretion to make local decisions without being micromanaged, while also understanding and respecting the boundaries of its authority.