Why are you the best candidate for office?
My vision and goal are to work and fight hard to make sure that our school corporation continues to grow and evolve into the best school district in the state for all students and families who are fortunate to live in the district. I have lived in McCordsville for the last 15 years; I raised my family here, and my kids have had an awesome experience here. I want to make sure that other students get a chance to have a similar experience.
What is the most pressing issue facing Mt. Vernon Community School Corporation?
There are several issues facing our school system today, however, I believe the most pressing issue facing Mt. Vernon Community Schools is our ability to adapt to the changing learning environment as it relates to COVID-19. Of course, this is a multifaceted issue that involves the mental and physical health and safety of students, teachers and staff. Parents, teachers and staff alike are being challenged in ways that they never have in the past. Equally important is how we approach the challenges associated with delivering an effective, consistent and comprehensive e-learning experience for students overall.
How can Mt. Vernon responsibly handle the growth it’s expected to experience over the next decade?
Last year I had the honor of participating in the Community Champions initiative which was formed by school leadership to begin building a future growth plan for the Mt. Vernon Community Schools. This was a unique opportunity to take a deep dive into how we can responsibly handle the growth that we are expected to experience by reviewing many scenarios involving grade reconfigurations, additional buildings, add-ons and funding. What I learned during that time is that we are well positioned to take a phased-in approach that would allow the school system to minimize spending in the near term.
What would you do as a board member to help ensure the financial soundness of the school corporation?
The students are at the center of the equation when I think about a financially sound Mt. Vernon School Corporation, so I would love to see every expense be used to support their efforts. As a board member, one of my highest priorities will be to consistently monitor the finances and budget to ensure alignment with that mission.
How do you feel Mt. Vernon has handled the COVID-19 pandemic? Do you feel like it should have done/be doing anything differently?
Every approach will impact each household a little differently. I truly appreciated all of the effort and preparation that school leadership put into providing a safe return to the schools in the midst of so many unknowns regarding the pandemic. I was also humbled by the response of the community in supporting the school system’s initiatives. COVID-19 has had and continues to have an impact on every one of us. Notwithstanding, every household has its unique challenges in overcoming and/or co-existing with this virus. What we can do is be diligent and look at the results of all actions.
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Age: 52
Office sought: Mt. Vernon Community School Corporation Board of School Trustees
Occupation: Financial representative, Northwestern Mutual
Political experience: None
Family: Wife Victoria, four children
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