Years in District: 12
Community Involvement: 8 years in the Beecher Women’s Club, 4 years as a Village of Beecher Trustee, 4 years as the Liaison to Beecher Youth Commission, Served as Chair of Planning and Zoning, Served as Co-Chair of Public Works, Current Commissioner on Beecher Youth Commission, Volunteered/offered help to many community events over the years, Volunteered for Dance Planning Committees while my Daughter attended Jr High and helped in hosting a Prom during COVID so our High School Seniors would be able to have that experience.
Professional Background: I am in Management for a local large Healthcare Group overseeing the daily operations, budgets, policies and staffing demands for the Pediatric Office.
Family: About 12 years ago, Ron and I chose to purchase our home in Beecher due to the School District as well as the close knit small town community to raise our children in. Of our four children, Dylan (26) and Brittney (19) have graduated from District 2000 with Honors where they received the tools they needed to succeed in their adult years. Currently, our younger two boys, Christian (10) and Noah (9) are moving through their years with District 2000 as well
I decided to run for this position because I have a vested interest in our school district, my children. Our school District is very important not only for the success and development of life skills of our students, but our community as well. I would like to see that moving forward. The curriculum, programs and staff need to remain strong while rebuilding our reserves and financial stability.
I have served my community not only as an elected official but a volunteer as well. As I stated earlier, I currently oversee a very busy Pediatric Practice so I understand the importance of maintaining a sustainable budget, meeting demands as the needs change as well as setting and following policies for daily operations. I know this experience would be an asset in discussing and making decisions on the needs of our district as well as fiscal responsibility of district monies.
I hope to work together with the board to accomplish a strong curriculum that continues to prepare our students for College, Vocational, Trades or to enter the workforce that will lay the groundwork for success for whatever the student may choose. I would like to work together to create a team player environment with the board void of personal agendas to focus and ensure our students and teachers are supported to enable success by assessing different areas like; What has worked well? What can we do better or improve on for current work flows? What are our needs? Then building on that feedback to move us forward.
Some of the issues I know are a priority currently is Fiscal Responsibility and Infrastructure, Team Building, Tutoring and Special Education (Special Education is a personal interest to me)
For Fiscal Responsibility and Infrastructure – with the many much needed projects being completed over the last two terms approved by the boards using reserves, we are now in need of building back those reserves for operational purposes. I would like to see a 5 year plan developed for future infrastructure purposes that would assess the needs and create a plan to complete the necessary projects in phases.
For Team Building – Our school Board has been divided for some time now. There needs to be a uniform focus on working together, having healthy discussions regarding school situations and decisions, communication and transparency.
For Tutoring – Although we do indeed have tutoring options in place, there needs to be exploration more opportunities for tutoring to help our students when needed. Many parents are not well versed in how subjects and curriculum have changed and are taught presently. Not only would this be supportive and a helpful service to our students who may be having some difficulty but it is a way we can support our parents as well.
For Special Education – Our Special Education team is Amazing! I speak from experience with my two boys. I would like to focus on assessing and identifying any needs within this program for our students as well as staff and advocate for resources, grants, or training that will allow for continued success. Since COVID a lot has changed, and there has been an uptick in mental health issues. I would like to ensure support is in place to help.
I have always been that person who wants to help in any way I can. I am passionate about serving my community. I am a critical thinker and my wheels are always turning. When a situation arises, I analyze it for all possible outcomes and bounce resolves back and forth to decide what may produce the best possible outcome long term. I have been a mediator in many situations and I am a team player. I am not only a taxpayer but a parent as well. I have a vested interest like many of us and I want to see our district soar and with that brings community growth as well. My goal is working together as a team for what is best for our children and our community.
I would be honored to have your consideration and humbly ask for your vote for School Board on April 4th