Why are you running for School Board Trustee, and what does success in this role look like to you?

I am running for a third term on the CCSD Board of Trustees because I feel that with the very big challenges that this district is facing, experience and instititional knowledge are extremely important.

Success looks like being able to offer every student in this district equitable opportunities to be ready at graduation, to pursue their unique dreams, whether it be higher education, or a direct pathway into the workforce.

What experience do you bring to this role, and how would you use your position to support improved student outcomes? How do you define student success?

My experience as a 15 year secondary teacher in CCSD, plus 9 years as an instructor in the UNLV College of Education, have enabled me to see the varied and diverse entities that are involved in this huge district. My knowledge of rigorous education standards and curriculum pathways have been instrumental in helping me make decisions for the benefit of our students. Improved student outcomes also include wraparound services, which my experience as a long time mental health professional has provided me with a clearer understanding of our students’ needs.

I define student success as stated in the previous question: our students, upon graduating, will be equipped with a strong educational foundation upon which they can draw from to help them successfully enter higher education, or a productive place in today’s workforce.

If elected, how would you approach disagreements or criticism from fellow board members, district leadership, students, or the community? How would you ensure productive and student-centered decision making?

My approach is to try and find commonalities, instead of focusing on differences. I look for connections, such as shared goals, innovative methodologies, and personal life experiences. In this way, we be more solution focused, instead of criticism based.

“Keep our students overall well being and educational needs as the baseline for all decisions, whether it be policy, oversight of the superintendent’s decisions, or our own board governance, which affects our students’ experience in the classroom.”

Nevada’s school districts are experiencing declining enrollment, which directly impacts funding. How should the district adapt its use of resources, including staffing, facilities, and programs, to remain financially sustainable while still improving student outcomes?

We need to market our services and programs much more assertively. Our management of staffing and facilities needs to be “outside the box” thinking, with innovative strategies used to address chronic issues. With more choices open to parents and families, the district needs to show how we best meet the needs of ALL students.

If we do all of the above, enrollment will go up, educator staff morale will improve, and the end result will be much better student outcomes.

Given persistent gaps in academic achievement across student populations, what strategies should the district prioritize to ensure more students are on track to be college and career ready?

Start sooner in the elementary grades to prepare students for each level of challenging coursework. Expose students to every option open to them: CTE’s, magnet schools, dual credit courses, etc. Encourage more and varied math and science curriculums, along with life skills courses. Use professional growth with our educators to make sure that they too are equipped with the knowledge to present to our students.

Make pre-k available to everyone.

What distinguishes you from other candidates in this race, and what else should voters know about how you would serve as a School Board Trustee?

I am experienced, student and educator focused, and I do not see the trustee position as just a part time job — I see it as a full time passion that 24/7 drives me to be out in our various communities, talking to the parents, and meeting students where they are.

I am a parent who knows the fears and concerns of parents for their kids. I am an educator who understands where the educators are coming from, and finally – I am a person who will listen to everyone, because everyone matters to me.