Candidate response is not yet available.
Candidate response is not yet available.
Candidate response is not yet available.
Candidate response is not yet available.
Candidate response is not yet available.
We have lived in Willmar for 32 years, raised 4 children here and all have graduated from the Willmar Senior High. As a physician in the community, I have the privilege to meet families and learn from them what they like about the schools and where we have opportunity to grow. I have served on the Willmar School Board for 9 years. I understand the function of a school board and what the purpose of a board is. It has been a pleasure to work with 2 superintendents who put the needs of the students, staff and community first. I have served on multiple committees, including arbitration and policy, that have further enhanced my knowledge of the working of the district.
1. Maintain fiscal responsibility by using federal and state dollars as intended and use local tax dollars in the best way possible.
2. Continue to encourage excellent professional staff with development of skills for administration, teacher and ancillary staff.
3. Continue to pursue a school district of distinction that makes us the district of choice for the families of the area.
The school board policy is to maintain a 17% reserve, so we have dollars to work with when keeping a tight budget. I would work with our legislative partners to help encourage education dollars to be designated appropriately, especially for outstate districts. I would encourage our administrative and finance professionals to work to maintain excellent academics and programs with the least amount of impact on the students.
Willmar has a diverse population in many demographic areas. Our school is fortunate to have many competent cultural liaisons who help bridge the gap between the district, teachers and families. Our school encourages literacy throughout, including a robust Adult Basic Education program and Early Childhood programs. Free lunch in MN has helped with economics of feeding children. Changing start times in the district in 2027-28 will also help with some of those disparities, including attendance.
The school provides me with an email address that is available on the website. The WEAC address works for USPS or leaving telephone messages. The district utilizes a variety of forums including community members and staff to help with decision making. The WCT and the district website both help spread the information regarding meeting agendas, times and minutes. Community members are always welcome to come to a board meeting and engage in dialogue or give comments on issues.
I believe my 20+ years working in Willmar Public Schools gives me a unique understanding of our district, students, staff, and community. I am running because I care deeply about our schools and, after all these years, still feel a strong pull to stay involved and give back to a district that has been such an important part of my life. I will bring a student-centered perspective, respect for employees, and a commitment to transparency and open communication. I will listen, ask questions, and work collaboratively to make thoughtful decisions that strengthen our schools and community.
My top three priorities would be:
1. Students first: Prioritize resources, programs, and positions that directly support student success.
2. Recruitment and retention: Support competitive compensation, affordable health care, and a workplace where staff feel valued and respected.
3. Transparency and communication: Strengthen communication with staff, families, and the community so people understand decisions and feel heard.
If faced with budget cuts, I would first look for efficiencies and ways to reduce costs without directly impacting students or classroom services. I would use data to identify priorities, carefully evaluate programs and positions, and seek input from staff and the community. If reductions were necessary, I would prioritize protecting student-facing positions and services while being transparent about the reasons for difficult decisions.
I would work to ensure every student has equitable access to the resources and opportunities they need to succeed. During my 20+ years in the district, I have built strong relationships with families and staff from diverse racial and economic backgrounds. I would use those relationships to listen, understand barriers, and support solutions that help every student feel valued, included, and able to thrive.
I will make listening and open communication a priority by creating opportunities for teachers, staff, families, and students to share their perspectives. I will seek input through meetings, listening sessions, surveys, and other appropriate channels before making important decisions. I believe those closest to our students have valuable insight, and I will work to ensure their voices are heard, respected, and considered while maintaining the board’s role and responsibilities.
Candidate response is not yet available.
Candidate response is not yet available.
Candidate response is not yet available.
Candidate response is not yet available.
Candidate response is not yet available.
I am a Willmar graduate, former paraprofessional, special education teacher, business teacher, and longtime coach who now works in public health planning and data analysis. That combination gives me firsthand experience in education along with a strong background in using data, evaluating programs, and making responsible decisions with limited resources. I understand the challenges facing students and staff, but I also bring an outside perspective focused on accountability, long-term planning, and results. I would listen carefully, ask difficult questions, and keep students at the center of every decision.
My top three priorities are: putting resources as close to students as possible, strengthening staff recruitment and retention, and improving accountability through data-driven decision-making. Students benefit most when classrooms and student-facing services are well supported. Staff need competitive compensation, manageable workloads, and a meaningful voice. Finally, the board should use data to evaluate spending, outcomes, and long-term needs.
I would start with data: identify what is driving costs, what programs are producing results, and where reductions would have the least impact on students. I would prioritize protecting classroom instruction and student-facing services, examine administrative and nonessential spending first, and use reserves strategically rather than simply delaying difficult decisions. Any cuts should be transparent, evidence-based, and made with long-term sustainability in mind.
I would start by using data to identify where disparities exist in achievement, discipline, attendance, graduation, and access to programs. Then I would work with students, families, and staff to understand the causes behind those gaps. Our goal should be to remove barriers, expand access to opportunities and support, and regularly measure whether our efforts are actually improving outcomes for students.
I would make engagement consistent, accessible, and meaningful. Teachers and families should have regular opportunities to share concerns, ideas, and feedback before major decisions are made. I also support anonymous feedback options for both staff and families, especially when people may not feel comfortable speaking openly. Just as important, the board should explain how that input was considered and follow up on what actions were taken.
