As the longest-serving member of the Orono School Board, I bring experience and institutional knowledge that contribute to a high-functioning board. I have served on nearly every committee or liaison role of the school board, and I’ve served on other boards as well, such as Interfaith Outreach and Community Partners and the Orono Foundation for Education. Board work is about governance, not management, and I understand the difference. I know how to ask good questions, listen to different perspectives, and work collaboratively toward solutions. Finally, I am passionate about education and Orono, and I hope to continue working for our community to maintain Orono Schools’ excellence for generations to come.
My priorities align with Orono’s goals of scholarship, character, and connectedness: providing rigorous learning opportunities that prepare every student for the future; developing thoughtful, engaged citizens through a focus on character; and fostering meaningful connections among students, staff, and families. These priorities have made Orono exceptional. Generations of graduates have chosen to return to our community because of Orono Schools; my goal is to ensure future generations will, too.
Through consistent and conservative management of our resources, Orono has avoided major budget cuts for years. If declining revenue required cuts, protecting the student experience would be my priority. I would work closely with our finance team to evaluate spending holistically, distinguish essential investments from areas where we could reduce costs, and consider both immediate and long-term impacts. Any reductions must be strategic and transparent while keeping students at the forefront.
School boards address disparities through policy, resource allocation, and accountability, while administration and staff implement that direction. Ensuring that these meet the needs of every student is a lens we use in making decisions. Another important component is listening to our families. The feedback they provide can lead to more positive outcomes for students; together we make Orono schools welcoming for all.
Orono has a long history of involving teachers, staff, and families in decision-making, and I am continuing that practice. From creating our strategic plan to evaluating and recommending curriculum through the Curriculum Council, teachers, parents, and community members provide guidance on how Orono can improve. In addition, board members need to listen beyond formal processes. Seeking input from people with a wide range of perspectives leads to better decisions and strengthens our community.
I may be new to the school board arena, but I believe that is also one of the strengths I bring to this election. I offer a fresh set of eyes, a willingness to ask questions, and a genuine desire to listen and learn. My background in nursing, education, community service, and leadership has taught me that good decisions begin with listening to the people closest to the work. I will bring curiosity, collaboration, accountability, and an independent perspective while always keeping students at the center of decisions. I have led teams, managed complex programs, supported students and faculty, and made decisions framed in data, evidence, and accountability. I understand both the classroom and administrative sides of education.
My top priorities will be: 1.) academic excellence and ensuring every student is challenged, supported, and prepared for their next step; 2.) responsible stewardship of district resources, with spending aligned to student outcomes and long-term sustainability; and 3.) strong partnerships with district teachers/staff, families, and the community. Excellent schools are a direct result of high expectations, solid financial decisions, and trust in leadership.
I would begin with a transparent, data-driven review that protects the classroom and student learning as much as possible. I feel it’s crucial to gather information and an understanding of the holistic health of the district before making decisions. I would prioritize essential programs, examine administrative and operational efficiencies and evaluate programs for measurable impact. I would seek input and collaborate with stakeholders.
I would use data to identify where disparities exist in achievement, access, discipline, attendance, and opportunity, then focus resources on barriers we can meaningfully address. Equity means ensuring students have the support and opportunities they need to succeed while maintaining high expectations for every student. I would listen to students, families, and educators, evaluate whether strategies are producing measurable results, and then offer and advocate for options of resolution.
Teachers and families should have meaningful opportunities to collaborate and provide feedback before decisions are made. Our district offers multiple committees and advisory groups where community members can become actively involved, and I would strongly encourage participation. The best decisions are made when people show up, ask thoughtful questions, share their perspectives, and remain open to new ideas while recognizing the significance and complexity of the decisions facing our schools.
I bring a strong mix of educational expertise, district service, advocacy, and board leadership. As a literacy specialist and former elementary teacher, I understand effective instruction and students’ needs. During my first term on the school board, I have strengthened our focus on legislative advocacy and provided regular updates on state education funding and policy. My commitment to Orono Schools includes 12 years on the Curriculum and Accountability Council, Orono Foundation Marketing Committee, and nine years co-chairing the Book Fair. I have also served on the boards of Decoding Dyslexia MN, GIVING WoMN, and Orono-Westonka girls’ youth hockey. These experiences have strengthened my ability to listen, collaborate, and lead.
My priorities are fiscal stewardship, strategic alignment, and school safety. I support long-term planning, responsible spending, and transparency with our community. The district’s community- and educator-developed strategic goals should guide decisions and resource allocation. Because students learn best when they feel safe and supported, I prioritize proven safety measures, strong emergency preparedness, and close partnerships with staff, families, and our local police and fire departments.
I would start by reviewing the budget over several years to see if the shortfall is temporary or ongoing. I would set clear priorities: protect classroom teaching, student support, and required services first. Next, I would study short- and long-term consequences of cost reductions before making any cuts. I would also pursue grants, community partnerships, and shared services to lower costs. Most importantly, decisions should be thoughtful, open, and focused on what is best for students.
Every student deserves the opportunity and support to succeed, regardless of race or income. I would use data to identify disparities and remove barriers to success through targeted interventions, academic support, rigorous coursework, and access to extracurriculars. We should also ensure teachers have the resources and training to serve diverse learners, while family partnerships and ongoing evaluation ensure our efforts improve outcomes for all students.
Orono’s community advisory groups, such as Curriculum and Accountability Council and Special Education Parent Partnership Committee, provide valuable input throughout district decisions. Their recommendations, together with direct feedback from teachers, are regularly shared with the school board, helping us stay informed to make thoughtful decisions. In addition, Coffee & Conversations, held before select board meetings, offer families an accessible way to connect directly with board members.
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