Questions and Answers

I have a unique vantage point on public education. I am a parent of two current FCPS students, the current Vice-Chair and District 5 Fayette County school board member, a dedicated school & classroom volunteer, a former PTA executive board member, a former SBDM parent representative for four years, an active community member, a professional educator, and a current PhD student. Education is who I am and what I do.

I currently serve as the District 5 Fayette County School board member, elected in November 2020. I am honored to have been voted by my fellow board members to serve as Vice Chair for all four years of my term. I serve as a board representative for the Audit Committee and the District Family and Community Engagement (FACE) Advisory Council. In addition, I have previously served as the board representative for the Equity Council Committee (ECC) and the Working Group for the Strategic Plan.

Professionally, I am a mathematics educator. I have experience teaching math at both K-12 and university levels. Most recently, I worked at the University of Kentucky as a faculty instructor for the Mathematics Department. I taught undergraduate-level math courses and was the course coordinator for the sequence of courses: Mathematics for Elementary and Middle School Teachers. I am also a certified Rank 1 high school mathematics teacher and previously taught at Paul Laurence Dunbar High School. I am currently a graduate student, working toward earning my PhD in Leadership, with a focus in Mathematics.

My priority is our students, and my goal is to provide them with a holistic, world-class education so they can realize their dreams and potential to become happy and prosperous members of our global society.

Reaching this goal will take a multi-prong approach of support, investments, and innovation, as outlined in detail in our strategic plan. 

• Investments in high-quality instructional resources & curriculum, expanding educational opportunities, and improving access to academic and life experiences. Examples include relevant and evidence-based curriculum, deeper learning initiatives, expansion of dual credit, advanced coursework, Career & Technical Education courses, fine arts, world languages, educational field trips, internships, and more.
• High-quality educators have a direct impact on improved student achievement. It is vital to continue to invest in our workforce holistically. Examples include raises, paid paternity leave, classroom stipends, grow-your-own initiatives that allow our employees to grow as professionals, high-quality professional learning, and more.
• Strengthen communication and connections between the schools, community, and families. We are all in this together – working to support the next generation. Every voice matters.
• Continual review and monitoring for improvements in our policies, procedures, and budget, ensuring we align our resources directly with the needs of our students, schools, and community, as demonstrated by our data.

The biggest challenge for our district is navigating the ongoing attacks on public education. The framers of Kentucky’s constitution believed so strongly in the importance of a strong “common schools” system, that our public schools were initially the ONLY item the legislature was required to fund.

Our public education system's strength not only shapes our students' future but also impacts the quality of Kentucky’s workforce and the vitality of our communities. Investing in public education is an investment in the future success of our children, our local economy, and the well-being of our entire community.

It’s critical that we continue to operate a well-run district that demonstrates the value and impact of public education, serves all students' needs, and safeguards the integrity of our school system. By investing in student success, communication, transparency, and fiscal responsibility, we can push back against these threats and ensure that our public schools remain a cornerstone of our community and democracy.

A key to a successful education is having a positive and thought-provoking atmosphere in which to learn and cultivate new ideas that is built upon a foundation of mutual respect and understanding for our students, families, staff, and community.

• Students should feel engaged and valued, and be an integral part of their learning experience. We should continue to invest and support the whole child - academically, socially, and emotionally.
• Families should feel welcomed and heard as vital partners in their student’s education. Families are student’s first teachers! 
• Staff should to be recognized for their talents and expertise, included in the decision-making processes, and supported holistically. 
• Our community belongs in our schools; celebrating, supporting, and igniting their passion to help ensure every student will have all they need to reach their potential.

My heart is with the kids. My votes are student-focused.

I would be honored to be able to serve again as a board member for the Fayette County public schools. I believe this work is a true calling, and I am dedicated to sharing my time, talent, and treasures to help our students reach their dreams. I am committed to continuing this most important work by remaining dedicated to listening to everyone, learning at all times, and leading with love and kindness. In all my work as a board member, the students come first; always.

I attended public schools for my K-12 education in both Pennsylvania and Kentucky. My family didn't have many resources, but I excelled socially and academically because of my public schools' love, support, and excellent education. I graduated as Valedictorian of my high school class, earned a full scholarship to UK, and completed three college degrees. I credit these successes to the strong foundations I developed in public schools. Serving on our school board is a small way of giving back to public education and this amazing community of families, friends, teachers, and students.  

Our students and staff are more than test scores. Our students deserve a board team committed to providing each student with a world-class education for the whole child - academically, socially, and emotionally. Our staff deserves a board team committed to providing a supportive working environment that values their skills, expertise, knowledge, and professional growth.

My dedication as a school board member goes far beyond what some people realize. I regularly volunteer many hours a week, devoting countless time to understanding the needs of our students, teachers, and community. Behind the scenes, I research, ask questions, and seek clarity to make informed decisions, always focused on what is best for our students. I am solution-oriented and proud of our team's commitment to governance, transparency, and fiscal responsibility, including balanced budgets that reflect our commitments to our students, staff, and community, the first-ever board governance manual, financial transparency dashboard, and district safety tracker. 

My optimistic demeanor reflects my belief that everyone deserves to be treated with respect. My kindness and commitment reflect my belief that true leadership is about more than just policy – it’s about empathy and connection. I am focused on learning and listening to continue to grow as a leader for our board team, school district, and community. It is a joy to learn from our stakeholders' collective experiences and make a positive impact that improves outcomes and access for our students.