How has your experience prepared you for this position?

​

My experience serving as Vice Chair of the Kittitas County Homeless and Affordable Housing Committee and as a member of the 1/10th of 1% Mental Health and Chemical Dependency Tax Advisory Board has given me a strong understanding of how local policy decisions impact our most vulnerable community members. These roles have required me to work collaboratively across government, nonprofits, and service providers to identify needs, set priorities, and allocate resources effectively.

​

In addition, as a small business owner in this community for nearly a decade, I bring firsthand knowledge of the challenges and opportunities facing local families and employers. I understand the importance of balancing fiscal responsibility with investments that strengthen our community’s long-term health and stability.

​

Together, these experiences have prepared me to approach this position with both a practical, business minded perspective and a deep commitment to serving people.

​

What, in your opinion, are the three most pressing issues facing your school district currently?

​

Student Success Beyond the Classroom: Our district must ensure that students graduate not only with strong academic foundations but also with real-world skills. Expanding opportunities in trades, career readiness, and life skills is critical for preparing students for success after high school.

Safe and Supported Learning Environments: From mental health challenges to school safety, students learn best when they feel supported. Ensuring access to resources, counseling, and secure facilities is essential so every student feels seen, safe, and valued.

Partnership Between Parents, Teachers, and the District:  Strong schools are built through collaboration, not conflict. The district needs to strengthen communication, empower parents as partners in education, and support teachers with the resources they need to focus on what matters most: student learning.

​

How would you respond to the issue you consider the most important?

​

Of the challenges our district faces, I believe ensuring safe and supported learning environments is the most critical. Students cannot thrive academically if they do not first feel secure, valued, and cared for. My response would focus on strengthening access to mental health resources, promoting preventative approaches to student well-being, and ensuring our facilities meet high standards for safety.

This requires collaboration between administrators, teachers, parents, and community partners. By listening to the needs of students and staff, allocating resources responsibly, and maintaining transparent communication, we can build an environment where every child has the opportunity to succeed.

​

How can you ensure the safety of all students in your schools?

​

Student safety must be approached as both a physical and emotional priority. On the physical side, I would support continued investment in secure facilities, clear safety protocols, and strong partnerships with local law enforcement and emergency services. Preparedness and prevention go hand in hand.

​

Equally important is creating a culture of support. Safety is not just about locked doors and drills—it’s also about ensuring students have access to trusted adults, counselors, and peer support when they are struggling. By addressing mental health needs early and building strong relationships, we can prevent crises before they occur.

​

Most importantly, I believe safety comes from collaboration. Teachers, parents, staff, and students themselves must have a voice in shaping policies that reflect our community’s values. With transparency, training, and consistent resources, we can ensure every student feels safe, supported, and ready to learn.

​

How would you work to balance the needs and interests of students, teachers, and parents within the school district?

​

I believe the strength of a school district comes from partnership. Students, teachers, and parents each bring an essential perspective, and lasting solutions require that all voices are heard.

 

For students, the priority must always be access to safe, high-quality education that prepares them for both college and careers. For teachers, that means ensuring they have the resources, training, and support needed to focus on teaching rather than bureaucracy. For parents, it means open communication, transparency, and meaningful opportunities to participate in their child’s education.

 

Balancing these needs requires active listening, thoughtful decision-making, and clear communication. My goal would be to foster collaboration rather than conflict—bringing people to the table, identifying shared priorities, and working toward solutions that strengthen the entire district. When students, teachers, and parents feel respected and valued, our schools thrive.