Children are the heartbeat of Mercer Island. As a university professor with three children in MISD schools, I am passionate about providing a distinctive, holistic, and inclusive educational experience that nurtures each child’s mind and heart. I support differentiated instruction, social emotional learning, and core values of community-building, service and excellence.

My work in diversity, mental health, suicide prevention, and chemical dependency prepares me to address the complex needs of today’s students. As a university administrator, I have and continue to successfully collaborate with students, parents/guardians, educators, staff, and community. This will be crucial in addressing equitable, sustainable funding for educators, staff, facility upgrades, and support services in a transparent manner. Together, we can further elevate MISD’s rich history of excellence, equipping each student to reach their fullest potential in school and beyond.

Endorsements: M.I. Education Association, Senator Lisa Wellman, Representative Tana Senn, Toby Suhm, Sarah-Sam LeClercq, Erik-Julie Viafore

This election decides the direction our school district follows, and ultimately how we help ALL students achieve success. I will work to ensure the school board retains the community’s trust, and I will represent ALL Mercer Island residents.

Serving our country as a U.S. Diplomat and my career in education technology prepares me to build consensus, manage budgetary issues, and deliver results. Volunteering in the district and my commitment to public education and our students’ future motivates me to run for school board.

As a Mercer Island school parent, I'll advocate for academic excellence. I support sustainable funding for mental health counselors; professional development and competitive pay for educators; expanding diversity, equity and inclusion programs; and updating buildings. I am honoring the nonpartisan role of school board director by not applying for endorsements from any political party or partisan organization. Please visit www.johnforschools.com for endorsements, policy details, and more information.