Why am I running?
I am running because I care deeply about the future of Rossville Schools. As a parent, I have experienced our schools from many different perspectives. My children have had different strengths, different challenges, and different needs. Those experiences have taught me that every student deserves to be known, supported, and given the opportunity to succeed. I believe a school board member’s role is to listen, learn, ask good questions, and make thoughtful decisions that put students first. I don’t claim to have all the answers, and I am committed to working hard, listening respectfully, and making decisions based on facts, fiscal responsibility, and what is best for our students and our community.
What do board members do?
School board members are responsible for the overall governance of the school corporation. That includes:
- Setting district policies
- Approving the annual budget
- Hiring and evaluating the superintendent
- Providing oversight of district finances
- Establishing long-term goals for the district
- Representing the interests of the community
The school board does not manage the day-to-day operations of the schools. Those responsibilities belong to the superintendent, administrators, principals, teachers, and staff. A healthy school district depends on each group fulfilling its proper role while working together toward the same goal: helping students succeed.
My view on curriculum
I believe every student deserves a strong academic foundation that prepares them for whatever path they choose after graduation. Students should graduate with excellent reading, writing, math, science, and critical thinking skills. Whether they plan to attend college, enter the workforce, pursue a trade, or serve in the military, our schools should equip them for success. Curriculum decisions should be made thoughtfully, with input from educators, while remaining transparent to parents and aligned with state standards. Parents deserve to know what their children are learning, and open communication builds trust between families and schools.
My view on transparency
Trust is built through openness. The community deserves clear communication about board decisions, district goals, finances, and major initiatives. Even when people disagree with a decision, they should understand how it was made and why. I believe board members should be approachable, willing to listen, and committed to respectful dialogue. Transparency isn’t just about sharing information. It’s about creating opportunities for meaningful communication with parents, staff, students, and community members.
My view on student discipline
Every student deserves a safe, orderly learning environment where teachers can teach and students can learn. Discipline should be fair, consistent, and focused on both accountability and growth. Students need to understand that their choices have consequences, but they also need opportunities to learn from mistakes and develop responsibility. Supporting positive behavior benefits everyone in the classroom and helps create an environment where all students can succeed.
My view on special education
Every child deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential. Families navigating special education often face unique challenges, and schools play an important role in partnering with parents to provide appropriate support. I believe students with disabilities should receive the services they need while also being challenged to grow academically, socially, and personally. Open communication, collaboration, and mutual respect between schools and families are essential to serving students well.
My view on school finances
Our community entrusts the school corporation with significant public resources, and those resources should be managed responsibly. I believe in careful budgeting, long-term planning, and thoughtful stewardship of taxpayer dollars. Every financial decision should support the district’s mission of educating students while balancing current needs with future sustainability. Responsible financial management allows schools to invest wisely in students, support excellent staff, maintain facilities, and preserve public trust.
