The ability to explore a career pathway before enrolling in a post-secondary program of study helps students make wise choices about their future. I’ve heard kids give impactful testimonials about the power of the academies. What is the best kept secret within our community? I believe the Academies at Grand Island Senior High are the best kept kept secret in our community. This is an area that has needed to be addressed for many years. We need to create and implement a unique and manageable program for the gifted kids in our elementary buildings. The district needs to find a permanent home for the Medical Pathways program without it costing us millions and millions of dollars. There are two program areas I’d like to see addressed during my final term. I disagree! We serve the students of our ward and all students of the community in a partnership with constituents to do what’s best for kids. Some say the Ward representative serves the people of their ward.

We can lose sight of the district’s mission to make every student, every day, a success if our board service becomes self-serving. The board must work as a team of nine to produce the best outcomes possible. In a district the size of GIPS, you’re on the board for the wrong reason if you’re looking for individual impact or something with your name attached to it. What impact do you hope to have while serving your term? I want to be known as a fair-minded person who understands the big picture. My favorite question, when considering a change in policy, practice, or procedure is: How will we know the change we are about to make will be better than what we had? How will we evaluate its impact? I’ve asked this question so many times, the staff has come to anticipate it before I have a chance to ask. I ask tough question and I expect plausible answers. That’s not an easy task when one considers the diverse population of our student body.

I am deeply committed to all the kids we are asked to educate, no exceptions.

I believe all of my peers are uniquely qualified to serve. What are the characteristics you possess which make you the right candidate for this position? What makes anyone the “right candidate?” The Grand Island Board of Education is currently composed of people who bring unique educational, professional, and personal backgrounds to the board table.

My favorite chaperone answers