When asked by Mountain State Spotlight “What’s one thing you want West Virginia voters to know about your platform?” the candidate replied:
I have lived in Jefferson County for 19 years, have been in Jefferson County Schools for over 10 years, and have a breadth of experience with many facets of the school system. I have spent years nurturing the relationships between parents, teachers, and students and have a great deal of knowledge to share that will help facilitate the development of a more well-rounded school board.
In addition to working for Costco Wholesale, I am serving my second term as a Charles Town City Councilwoman where I am the chair of the Ordinance Committee. I am currently or have served on three of our Local School Improvement Councils so I am very familiar with the Jefferson County School Board. I am also on the Board of Directors for the Old Opera House and a Vice President in the American Legion Auxiliary.
I am a proud graduate of Leadership Jefferson and Leadership West Virginia. I also run a multi-million dollar charity campaign for Children’s National Hospital each year.
Growing up, I learned many lessons about respect, communication, teamwork, and honesty. All of those things affect the way I navigate in local government.
My fellow council members and citizens will tell you, I am consistently accountable and transparent – and I think those in government owe nothing less. My experience as a parent and volunteer with Jefferson County Schools has ignited my desire to serve the community in an even bigger capacity. I think independently and strategically and my campaign is motivated by a desire to ensure common sense and smart decision making.
I have enjoyed my time as a Charles Town City Councilwoman, but my heart belongs to our area’s kids. They are the future of our nation and so many of my actions are driven by my advocacy of students and our schools and by a desire to raise strong children.
Some of the key areas I am passionate about focusing on are: 1) safety, 2) maintaining a solid workforce, 3) clear and transparent communication between the community and the school system, and 4) intelligent, strategic use of our resources.
It’s important to me to meet with parents and teachers, and collaborate with other school districts that are doing well in areas where we can improve. I want to build greater success by staying nimble and avoiding pitfalls due to lack of planning or a clear path forward. I want Jefferson County citizens to feel heard and understood. I will absolutely dive in and truly understand the data to determine what an even better school district will look like and how we can get there.
It is important that we elect leaders who can see the applicability of the decisions they make, remain humble enough to always listen, and evaluate proposals from a myriad of viewpoints. This governs how I manage, parent, and lead.
I know my job as a Jefferson County Board of Education Member is to ensure that our school district is responsive to the values, beliefs, and priorities of our community and I am 100% committed to that.