Parents have questioned what works best as long as formal education has existed. Everybody wants the best education for their child. Our schools closed when mine was in Kindergarten, but in that short time I started questioning the quality of education he may receive going forward.

There’s increasing evidence that digital educating inhibits learning. That exposing young children to digital tech causes the brain to wire itself to work in short bursts. Then when they reach high school and need to dig down and do deeper studying, they struggle with it. The brain has not wired itself for that task.

So believe me that I got a sinking feeling when I visited my son’s Kindergarten class and saw a cluster of computers there. Will education as it’s structured today provide him with the critical thinking skills to successfully navigate the world as it will be 20 years from now? I worry we may be wrong in embracing technology as we have and diminishing the role of teachers in education. 

When my child reaches high school I want our schools to be amongst the best in the country. We deserve a Board that will question if we're on the right track.

School Board decisions post COVID19 will be crucial as we assess needed changes, consider areas where improvement is needed, and incorporate lessons learned from remote instruction during the pandemic. Class sizes and the need to support instruction at home for everyone created challenges for students and staff this year, exposing differences in learning barriers faced by our diverse student population. Keeping students and staff safe is a primary goal requiring policies which reflect the latest science. The public has been supportive of the district      technology programs expanded when I previously served as a school board member, and I support continuing our partnership with Green River College in technology education.

My educational career as a Kentridge High School teacher and ten years of teaching at area community colleges has taught me what teachers need from administration to be effective in their jobs. Previous elected service on the Kent School District Board of Directors, Green River College Board of Directors, and Kent City Council taught me the challenges administrations face and the importance of sustaining programs and tracking expenditures of large public budgets. I believe my experience prepares me to serve you well as on Kent School Board. I appreciate your vote!

We all know that our kids are our future. Their success determines which way our city, state and country moves forward. We need to invest early and often in our students, their success, lay a path and strong foundation for their successful future.

As a board member, I will work hard to ensure we have real accountability, transparency and actual results for Kent families. We need to put politics aside and get back to focusing on our kids..

As a parent, I stand side by side with all of you in wanting what is the best for our kids and their futures. I have fought over the years to advocate for education equity.

I serve on the State Commission on African American Affairs, volunteer with KentHope, the Greater Kent Historical Society and City of Kent Cultural Communities Board. I would be honored to earn your vote.