Why I’m Running: Putting the “We” in People

When I first began thinking about running for Worthington School Board, I asked myself the same question voters will likely ask me: Why you? Why now?

The answer always comes back to this: Because this is home. Because these students — my children, your children, our community’s children — deserve not only strong schools but a school board that reflects a genuine partnership between families, educators, administrators, and the broader community.

I’m not running because I think I have all the answers. I’m running because I believe we answer better together.

🌿 The Platform: My Core Priorities

While many issues will come before the Board, my approach remains grounded in these guiding commitments:

1️⃣ Stronger Together

I believe that meaningful progress happens when we build true partnerships — between families, teachers, administrators, students, and the community. When we work together, we create environments where everyone is supported — not just academically, but emotionally and personally.

• Foster open communication that empowers parents to feel informed, included, and part of the process.

• Ensure educators are supported holistically — with attention to their well-being, manageable workloads, and opportunities for professional growth.

• Collaborate to identify and fix broken or outdated systems, even when it means taking creative or nontraditional approaches.

• Build systems where teachers, staff, and families feel connected and equipped to address challenges together.

• Respect and include the voices of educators, families, and students in decision-making.

2️⃣ Student-Powered Success

Every student deserves to feel safe, seen, and supported. That means more than academic scores; it means growing whole people who are prepared for life.

• Nurture an early and lasting love of learning.

• Strengthen literacy efforts at every level.

• Support anti-bullying, inclusion, and emotional well-being initiatives.

3️⃣ Clear & Courageous Leadership

Leadership means being willing to have tough conversations — balancing budgets, preparing for enrollment growth, and making fiscally responsible decisions that safeguard both opportunity and stability.

• Approach finances thoughtfully, not reactively.

• Advocate for creative ways to invest reserves with long-term impact.

• Ensure transparency and accountability to taxpayers.

🌿 Why My Experience Matters

For nearly two decades, I’ve worked in Human Resources, benefits, and employee well-being — helping organizations balance the needs of people with responsible business operations. I understand how systems work, how budgets affect people, and how to create solutions that serve both staff and those they support.

That experience informs how I approach leadership. Teachers, staff, and students deserve more than platitudes — they deserve well-designed policies and thoughtful systems that help them thrive.

🌿 A Campaign Rooted in Service

At the end of the day, this campaign isn’t about me. It’s about all of us — the “we” in people — and the shared work of strengthening our schools for every student who walks through Worthington’s doors.

If you believe in that work, I invite you to join me — whether by sharing your voice, volunteering, or simply staying connected. This is our community, and together, we can build something meaningful for years to come.

💚 Let’s put the we in people.