I’ve decided to run for the Saint Joseph School Board because I care deeply about our community and the future of our children. As a veterinarian, I’ve spent my career problem-solving, listening to people, and working hard to make a difference—one animal, one family at a time. I see this as an opportunity to bring that same dedication to our schools. I believe in strong, practical education that prepares kids for the real world while keeping parents involved and respected in the process. I’d like to see the children prepared for college, or work in our community. I’m running to ensure our schools reflect our values—hard work, responsibility, and opportunity—while maintaining fiscal discipline and focusing on what’s best for students. St. Joseph is my home, and I want to give back by helping shape an education system we can all be proud of.

I’ll bring a practical, problem-solving mindset to the school board, shaped by my years as a veterinarian. In my work, I’ve honed the ability to assess situations calmly, make informed decisions under pressure, and communicate clearly with people from all walks of life—skills I’ll use to address challenges in our schools. I’m a listener, too; I know how important it is to hear from parents, teachers, and students to get the full picture before acting. My conservative values mean I’ll prioritize accountability—ensuring our budget is spent wisely and our focus stays on quality education, not wasteful trends. I’m also deeply rooted in St. Joseph, so I understand our community’s needs and will work tirelessly to reflect our shared priorities. Above all, I’m committed to results, not politics, and I’ll bring that dedication to every decision I make

First, we need to strengthen the basics—reading, writing, and arithmetic—starting early. That means more classroom time on foundational skills, and holding teachers accountable for measurable progress. Second, we should support our educators with training that works—focus on methods proven to boost literacy and math skills. Third, let’s get parents more involved; they’re the first line of support, and we can offer them tools like workshops or take-home resources to reinforce learning. I’d also look at how we’re spending our budget. Are we prioritizing the right things, like hiring skilled reading specialists or math tutors, instead of administrative bloat? We don’t need to reinvent the wheel—just double down on what’s effective. Other districts have turned scores around with targeted interventions, like after-school programs or summer catch-up sessions, and we can too. My focus is on practical solutions that deliver for our kids, not political agendas, so we can get those numbers up and give every student a real shot at success.

With my professional background, I’m used to managing tight budgets and making sure every dollar counts—whether it’s for my practice or my family. I don’t claim to know every line item of the Saint Joseph School District’s budget yet, but I understand the basics: we’re dealing with a budget that’s been around $133 million in recent years, with revenue often falling short, leading to deficit spending. I know taxpayer dollars fund everything from teacher salaries to building maintenance, and right now, we’re not getting the results we should with only 32% of students proficient in English and 38% in math. My plan to get a handle on the details is straightforward. First, I’ll dive into the budget documents—line by line—with the same attention I give to a complex diagnosis. I want to see exactly where the money’s going: how much is spent on instruction versus administration, what’s allocated for student support like tutoring or special education, and where we might be overpaying for things that don’t directly help kids learn. Second, I’ll talk to the people who know it best—teachers, principals, and district staff—to get the real story behind the numbers. Third, I’ll compare our spending to districts with better outcomes to spot inefficiencies. I believe in fiscal responsibility. Taxpayer dollars should prioritize what works: strong classroom instruction, proven programs to boost reading and math, and support for teachers—not bloated bureaucracy or untested initiatives. My goal is to make sure every cent reflects our community’s values and delivers measurable results for our students.

I’m skeptical of raising taxes as the first answer to budget problems. Families here are already stretched thin, and I don’t think it’s fair to ask them to pay more unless we’ve exhausted every other option. That said, I’m not blindly opposed to a tax increase if it’s the last resort and the case is airtight. If we can show taxpayers exactly how every extra dollar will improve student outcomes—like hiring top-notch teachers or fixing core curriculum gaps—and prove we’ve already tightened our belt, I’d consider it. But it has to be transparent, tied to measurable goals, and approved by the community, not just pushed through. My priority is accountability: I want to protect taxpayers while ensuring our schools have what they need to succeed.

My position on redistricting proposals is that they should only happen if they clearly benefit our students and community—not just for the sake of change. I’d approach any proposal with a hard look at the facts: Are our schools overcrowded or underused? Are kids stuck with long commutes that hurt their learning? Are we balancing resources fairly across St. Joseph? For example, if redistricting could ease pressure on a packed elementary school or get more kids into higher-performing buildings, I’d be open to it—but only if the data backs it up and families aren’t disrupted unnecessarily. I’m cautious, though. Redistricting can uproot kids, stress parents, and shift property values, so it’s not something to rush into. I’d insist on hearing from the community first—parents, teachers, and taxpayers—because their input matters more than any top-down plan. My conservative side says we shouldn’t fix what isn’t broken unless the payoff is obvious, like better test scores or cost savings we can prove. So, I’m not for or against it in principle—I’m for what works for St. Joseph, based on evidence and common sense.

I’d approach the idea of replacing our three high schools—Central, Lafayette, and Benton—with one or two new ones with a mix of caution and pragmatism. On one hand, I get the appeal: our current buildings are aging, and maintenance costs can add up. A new facility could offer modern classrooms, better technology, and maybe even save money long-term if it’s done right. But this is a big decision, and I’m not sold yet—it’s got to make sense for our students, taxpayers, and community. Three schools give us smaller, tight-knit communities and options for families; consolidating to one or two could mean longer bus rides, overcrowded halls, or losing that local identity we value in St. Joseph. Also, there would be less opportunity for kids to play sports and other team activities. I’d ask if our academic struggles—32% English proficiency, 38% math—are tied to facilities or if they’re about teaching and curriculum. New buildings won’t fix test scores if the root problem is elsewhere. I’m not against progress, but I’m against rushing in. I’d push for a full cost-benefit analysis and real input from parents, teachers, and residents—not just district insiders. If the data shows new schools would boost learning, cut costs over time, and keep our community strong, I’d support it. But if it’s just a shiny idea that leaves taxpayers on the hook with no clear gain, I’d say no. My focus is on what delivers for our kids, not on chasing big projects for the sake of headlines

My approach to school safety is straightforward: keep our kids and staff safe with practical, effective measures that don’t turn schools into fortresses or break the bank. In Saint Joseph, we need to look at our specific risks—whether it’s violence, emergencies like storms, or even mental health crises—and build a plan that fits us, not some one-size-fits-all mandate. On metal detectors, I’m open but cautious. If data shows a real threat—like weapons coming into our schools—then they could make sense, especially at high schools like Central, Lafayette, or Benton. But they’re expensive, slow down entry, and can make kids feel like suspects instead of students. I’d want proof they’d work here, not just in bigger cities, before spending taxpayer dollars on them. Security guards? I’m more supportive—having trained professionals on site can deter trouble and respond fast if something happens. I’d push for at least one per school, maybe more at the high schools, as long as we can fund it without hiking taxes or cutting core academics. Safety training for teachers and administrators is a no-brainer—I’m all in. Our staff are the first line of defense, and they need to know how to handle lockdowns, medical emergencies, or even spot a kid in crisis. I’d back regular, hands-on training, like drills and first-aid certification, because it’s low-cost and high-impact.My goal is balance: protect our kids without wasting money or losing focus on education. I’d work with local police, parents, and staff to get it right for St. Joseph.

I see teachers in Saint Joseph facing a few big challenges: low student performance, limited resources, and burnout. Low teacher salaries are also an issue. I’d push to cut waste in the budget, and look for opportunities to provide additional support for the teachers.

My approach to working with the school district administration is all about partnership, accountability, and keeping our focus on the kids. I see the administration as a team we’re all on—board members, superintendents, principals—not some separate entity. I’d work collaboratively to set a clear direction together and making sure we follow through. I would not micromanage.

I believe schools should be safe and respectful for every student, no exceptions. That includes kids who identify as transgender or part of the LGBTQ+ community. But I also think we need to balance that with privacy and comfort for all students, especially in sensitive spaces like bathrooms and locker rooms, where parents understandably have strong feelings. I’m not sold on blanket policies that say anyone can use any facility based solely on how they identify. That can create real concerns—particularly for girls who might feel vulnerable—and I don’t think we should dismiss those just to follow trends. Instead, I’d push for a practical fix: keep main facilities tied to biological sex, but make sure we have enough private, single-use options—bathrooms and changing areas—so every kid has a space where they feel secure. We’ve got three high schools and plenty of buildings; we can afford to set aside a few spots without turning this into a culture war

My focus is on getting our kids the basics—reading, writing, math, and real-world skills—not pushing complex social theories that divide more than they educate. Kids need to learn the good, the bad, and the ugly about America, including slavery and civil rights—but it should be taught as facts.

I strongly believe parents should be notified if their child is considering anything harmful to their body—whether it’s gender-related, like pursuing medical transitions, or other risks like self-harm or substance use. Unless a parent’s abusive—and that’s a high bar with proof, not assumptions—schools have no business cutting them out. What I’d do is push for a clear district policy: if a kid’s at risk—gender-related or otherwise—parents get notified, no exceptions, unless there’s documented evidence of harm at home. I’d fight any rule or trend that sidelines parents,

Socially Moderate