School Board members are nonpartisan and their efforts need to represent the community as a whole rather than any special interest groups.  I did not join this board to springboard a political career, serve a particular constituency, or promote my personal interests over those of the community. I serve the community and all stakeholders in Forest Hills Public Schools, especially the students.

Experience matters. 

It took years to truly understand what a school board does, but I caught on quicker than most because I understand education from top to bottom and I have spent decades listening to political views while not sharing my own. Just as I do in the classroom, I listen to all and keep a cool head. When discussion heats up at the board table, I will speak my piece; if it becomes clear through discussion that my position is not to be the Board's, then I will follow the best practice of seeking consensus and truly supporting the Board's decision. A united board helps a district run more smoothly; I have experienced being a teacher in a district of school board division, and that negativity and confusion is indeed felt by the staff, trickling down to tension in the classroom. A school board is no place for partisan politics.