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

I am running for re-election because I believe this is a pivotal time in the district and we have a chance to create real change. With a new superintendent in place, we can really focus on the issues. My first term was focused on bringing some stability while learning how the system works. I pushed for a lot of community input for decisions and transparency from the district. For my next term, I want to continue fighting to bring community voices to the table, focusing on creating safe environments for everyone working at a school, and defending access to public education. Success in this role means ensuring every school has equitable resources and every classroom is inclusive, so all students and staff feel safe, supported, and able to succeed.

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?

I have spent the past 4 years in this role understanding the model the school board functions in, for CCSD we follow a balanced governance model. This is important to understand so trustees can better communicate and work with the superintendent. I have also taken multiple trainings to understand how our budget works to better guide me in making fiscal decisions. I also have experience as a mother of 3 children that attend CCSD, one having an Individual Education Plan (IEP) and another having a 504 Plan, I firsthand experience what many of our families experience. I support the success for students at a local level by ensuring we have successful programs in our schools that will have are students ready to face adulthood. I also advocate for funding for programs for Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Career Technical Education programs at a state and national level through the Nevada Association of School Boards. Student success must go beyond test scores, it must include social and emotional well-being.

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?

When I was part of the leadership team last year, I learned a lot about my colleagues and how to communicate with them. I have also built trust with each trustee and can have individual sit down conversations if there is criticism and/or disagreements. We all bring a different perspective and I respect that. I have built an open communication with the superintendent as well. I am also intentional about talking to families and students about major topics that might be coming to the board for a decision to make sure if they have questions, I can ask them publicly before making a decision. I always want our community to feel comfortable with decision being made by the board.

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?

The district is currently going through the Facility Master Plan, we are holding community input meetings to co-design the future of our schools. Many schools in our district have had a significant decline, and we are working with the community to see how we can use some facilities that will be fiscally more responsible. The board will have the ability to vote on the final plan. This will help align our resources with student outcomes by being able to distribute funds to appropriate programs and/or resources.

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?

I believe we need to focus and amplify all the amazing Career Technical Education (CTE) programs all of our high schools have across the district. How these programs are provided at no cost and are building or children for a successful career path.

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?

We must keep stability on the board so we can focus on building the districts’ new strategic plan. I have proven to be able to work with anyone that shares the mission with me, having our children feel safe and provide resources so they can be successful in whatever career path they decide to take. I will continue to center community voices.