Oakland County Times Interview

As a candidate for the Board of Education, I am committed to ensuring that our schools remain focused on providing a high-quality, unbiased education to all students. Education should be about fostering critical thinking, intellectual curiosity, and academic excellence, not advancing

particular social agendas.

Parents are the primary educators of their children and should have a significant voice in what is taught in our schools. By keeping social agendas out of the classroom, we empower parents to be active participants in their children’s education. This ensures that teaching materials reflect the values and expectations of our community.

Even though Rochester Community Schools has three of the highest ranked high schools in Michigan, we have work to do. MSTEP and SAT scores have been declining since 2017. Even though parents regularly express their concerns about these declining scores at Board of Education meetings, the majority of the current board members refuse to address this issue.

Our priority should be to equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in life. By concentrating on core subjects, we provide a strong foundation for future success. Keeping social agendas out of the classroom allows teachers to focus on delivering high-quality, evidence-based instruction.

As your Board of Education trustee, I will advocate for transparency in the selection of teaching materials and curricula. Parents should have access to information about what their children are learning and be able to provide input. By maintaining accountability and transparency, we build trust between schools and the community.

Investing in academic programs is essential for student success. I will prioritize funding for evidence-based curricula, advanced placement courses, and innovative teaching methods. By focusing on academic excellence, we can ensure that our students are well-prepared for college and careers.

As a candidate for the Board of Education, I am deeply concerned about the increasing number of students leaving our public schools for private institutions and neighboring districts. This trend not only affects our schools funding and resources but diminishes the excellent work our teachers and paraprofessionals do for our students.

Families need to trust that their concerns are heard and addressed. I will work to improve transparency in decision-making processes and ensure that the community has a voice in shaping our schools future. I propose that we survey the families who have removed their children from our school district so we can understand what issues need to be addressed in our community. By fostering open communication and accountability, we can rebuild confidence in our public schools. Together, we can reverse the trend of students leaving our district and make our schools the first choice for all families.

As a candidate for the Board of Education, I believe that responsible financial management and transparency are crucial to the success and trustworthiness of our schools. Our budget must reflect our commitment to providing a high-quality education for all students. Unfortunately, the current lack of financial transparency from the board trustees has led to confusion and mistrust within our community. Without a clear view into our school budget, what guarantee do we have that our property tax dollars prioritize the needs of our students, teachers, and support staff? 

I will advocate for a strategic allocation of budget dollars, ensuring that funds are directed towards key areas such as academic programs, teacher support, student services, and facility improvements. Every dollar spent should contribute directly to enhancing the educational experience of our students.