I will continue to emphasize and expand independent living skills and career and technical education opportunities to support the next generation of Alaska’s workforce.

One of the first official actions I took as a member of the Anchorage School Board was voting to affirm the strategic importance of a future where all ASD graduates are college or career and life ready. If Alaska’s leaders intend to reverse the troubling trend of outmigration and the annual loss of talented young professionals to the lower 48, we must prioritize preparing our graduates for young adulthood and the myriad of demands which accompany it. Connecting our youth with opportunities for a successful future, including financial literacy and civic engagement, is a personal passion – both inside and outside of the boardroom.

I will fight to ensure all children have access to quality education program options, including optional and charter programs.

The Anchorage School District offers numerous ways for families to tailor education plans on a per-student basis, including world-class immersion programs, STEM-focused opportunities, Montessori schools, and more. Yet equity of access challenges have remained a factor and must be permanently addressed by the ASD School Board in a deliberate and intentional manner. Of the roughly 44,000 students enrolled in the ASD, a staggering 52.9% are economically disadvantaged – yet only three in ten ASD Charter School students come from this key community demographic. Swift and decisive action are required to break down barriers that currently prevent all families from accessing opportunities to place their students in the best possible situation for academic success.

I will continue to collaborate with local, state, and federal stakeholders to ensure the Anchorage School District has the resources necessary to succeed and appropriately value the hardworking Alaskans who help shape our children’s future.

Advocacy for the funding required to provide quality services to our children is a key responsibility of the Anchorage School Board. As an elected leader of ASD, I’ve worked hard to educate lawmakers on the importance of regular increases to the Base Student Allocation (BSA) and the benefits of a return to full school bond debt reimbursement. I will continue working tirelessly to support district administration in its mission to recruit and retain the best possible principals, educators, and paraprofessionals. Our kids spend invaluable time in their educational settings prior to graduation. We need to facilitate as many transformational opportunities in and outside of the classroom as possible.

I will continue to promote transparency and accountability at all levels of operation.

I ran for the School Board three years ago to increase parental engagement and community involvement in Anchorage School District operations. Embracing this philosophy required strong leadership, transparency, and accountability at the Board level. During my first term, I was proud to spearhead initiatives that made ASD School Board meetings more accessible and approachable for working families and students juggling multiple academic priorities. Once re-elected, I will use my second term to continue serving as a resource for those wishing to get involved and impact policy for the betterment of our youth.