FAQs

1. What are your views/stance on Amendment number two (school choice amendment)?

I believe that our public schools should be the strongest and best they can be, ensuring that ALL children receive the highest quality education. For this reason, I oppose Amendment Two. Public funds belong in public schools to benefit the entire community.

While parents certainly have the right to choose where their children are educated with their personal dollars, it is crucial that public dollars remain dedicated to public education. Historically, school choice amendments have not effectively supported historically marginalized and underserved communities.

Well-funded public schools are essential for providing the necessary resources and support to our dedicated teachers and staff. This, in turn, ensures that every student can reach their full potential. 

2. What motivated you to run for the Boone County School Board?

I've always had a strong desire to serve my community, and becoming a school board member offers the perfect opportunity to do just that. You might wonder, "Why the School Board and not another office?" Well, let me share a bit about my journey.

My family is a beautiful blend of foster, adopted, and biological children, each with their own unique needs and abilities. While our family dynamic might be nontraditional, it's far from isolated. Many families in our community share similar stories or have their own unique compositions. Yet, it's rare to see elected officials, school board members, or administrators who truly represent and understand these diverse family structures.

That's where I come in. I want to be the voice for families that have historically been voiceless. Families navigating IEPs and 504 plans, families whose children's educational journeys have faced hurdles, and families who might feel overlooked in the broader conversation about education.

By running for the Boone County School Board, I aim to bring a perspective that has been missing. I want to ensure that every family, regardless of their structure or needs, feels represented and heard. Together, we can create a more inclusive, supportive, and effective educational environment for all our children.

3. Can you share a bit about your background and experience in education or related fields?

I am a proud product of Kentucky's education system, and I must say, graduating high school with a 2.5 GPA is one of my proudest achievements. Now, some might wonder why I’m proud of a GPA that isn’t exactly a 4.0. The answer is simple: I worked hard for that GPA. My K-12 education was filled with challenges, but I was fortunate to have teachers who cared deeply and advocated for me every step of the way. They were innovative, finding ways within the system to ensure I received the best education possible, despite the outdated and broken policies they had to navigate.

Fast forward a few years, and I completed my Associate’s, Bachelor’s, and Master’s degrees in just two years and two months from Owensboro Community and Technical College and Western Kentucky University. This journey further cemented my belief that with the right policies, support, and professional freedom, educators can help all students succeed.

Since high school, I’ve gained diverse experiences across multiple industries, including fast food, retail, aviation, and the nonprofit sector. Each role taught me valuable lessons and shaped me into a better person, worker, and leader. These experiences led me to my current career in higher education, where I’ve held various student-facing and leadership roles. I've partnered with high schools across the region and state to help students not only pursue post-secondary education but also gain essential life skills for success beyond high school.

These combined experiences, from overcoming educational challenges to working across diverse sectors, uniquely position me as the ideal candidate for the Boone County School Board. I understand firsthand the importance of strong, supportive policies and the impact dedicated educators can have. My mission is to ensure that all students, regardless of their starting point, have the opportunity to reach their full potential.

4. How have your personal and professional experiences prepared you for this role?

Several life and professional experiences have prepared me for this role, but the most impactful by far is the "job" I value the most: being a parent. As a foster parent, I’ve welcomed many children with varying needs into my home, some for just a few days and others whom we’ve been blessed to adopt. This experience has given me a front-row seat to the diverse educational progress and needs of many children.

We’ve had countless children with IEPs and 504 plans, and we’ve seen everything from kids graduating college and high school simultaneously to those who had never set foot in a school before coming to us. Through this journey, I’ve learned how to advocate effectively for my children, challenge the status quo respectfully, and stand up for what is right, even when it’s not easy.

In numerous IEP meetings, I’ve mastered the art of asking the right questions and interpreting policies and procedures to ensure the best outcomes for my kids. My professional background in leadership has further honed my skills in creating and managing policies and budgets, making tough decisions to keep operations running smoothly, and collaborating with internal and external partners.

Additionally, my service on various Site-Based Decision Making (SBDM) councils in multiple districts has sharpened my policy and advocacy knowledge, making me well-equipped to serve as a board member for Boone County Schools.

My unique blend of personal and professional experiences makes me the ideal candidate to advocate for all students, ensuring they receive the support and education they deserve.

5. What is your vision for the future of Boone County Schools?

I believe every child, no matter their ability, need, or circumstance, deserves the opportunity to thrive during their time as a Boone County student and beyond. My commitment is to champion Quality Education for All, Safe and Supportive Schools, Transparent Governance, and Innovative Solutions. More about my vision of Boone County Schools can be found here.

6. What are the top three priorities you would focus on if elected?

1. Quality Education for All

My foremost priority is to ensure that every student in Boone County receives a high-quality education, regardless of their background or circumstances. This involves:

Implementing and supporting robust educational programs that cater to the diverse needs of our student population.

Ensuring access to advanced coursework, special education services, and extracurricular activities.

Providing ongoing professional development for teachers to equip them with the latest teaching strategies and technologies.

2. Safe and Supportive Schools

Creating a safe and inclusive environment for all students, teachers, and staff is essential. To achieve this, I will:

Advocate for comprehensive safety measures, including anti-bullying programs and mental health resources.

Foster an inclusive atmosphere where every student feels valued and supported, regardless of their abilities or background.

Promote initiatives that support the well-being of teachers and staff, ensuring they have the resources and support needed to thrive.

3. Transparent and Accountable Governance

Transparency and accountability are crucial for building trust and ensuring effective decision-making. My approach will include:

Maintaining open lines of communication with parents, teachers, and the community to ensure their voices are heard and considered in board decisions.

Promoting transparent governance by making board activities and decisions accessible and understandable to the public whenever legally possible.

By focusing on these three priorities, I aim to create a school district that empowers every student, supports our educators, and builds a stronger, more connected community.

7. How do you plan to address the diverse needs of students in our district?

As a father of nine children of a wide range of ages and with varying special needs, I have a profound understanding of the complexities and diverse requirements of our student population. Here’s how I plan to address the diverse needs of students in our district:

Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and 504 Plans

Enhanced Support: Ensure policies are in place that students with special needs receive the support and resources they require through well-developed IEPs and 504 Plans.

Regular Reviews: Advocate for and support policies that include regular reviews and updates to these plans to reflect students' changing needs and ensure their educational goals are being met.

Culturally Responsive Teaching

Inclusive Curriculum: Promote the adoption of a curriculum that reflects the diverse cultures, histories, and perspectives of our student body.

Professional Development: Advocate for and support policies that provide teachers with ongoing professional development in culturally responsive teaching practices, ensuring they can effectively engage and support students from all backgrounds.

Language Support Programs

Multilingual Materials: Advocate for and support policies that help develop and distribute educational materials in multiple languages to support English Language Learners (ELL) and their families, ensuring they have equal access to information and resources.

Language Classes: Advocate for and support policies that expand language support programs and classes to help ELL students improve their proficiency and succeed academically.

Equitable Access to Resources

Resource Allocation: Advocate for equitable distribution of resources across all schools, ensuring that underserved and marginalized communities receive the support they need.

Mental Health and Well-being

Support Services: Advocate for and support policies that increase the availability of mental health services and counseling in schools to support students’ emotional and psychological well-being.

Safe Spaces: Advocate for and support policies that create safe spaces and support groups where students can express their concerns and seek help without fear of judgment or discrimination.

Community and Family Engagement

Parental Involvement: Foster strong partnerships between schools and families, encouraging parental involvement in their children’s education through workshops, meetings, and volunteer opportunities.

Community Programs: Collaborate with local organizations to provide community-based programs and resources that support students and their families outside of school.

By implementing these strategies, I am committed to creating an inclusive and supportive educational environment where every student in Boone County can thrive, regardless of their unique needs and circumstances.

8. What is your stance on seclusion and restraint?  

My stance on seclusion and restraint is clear: these practices should be used only as a last resort, with the utmost caution, and ONLY by trained individuals.

I believe that every student deserves a safe and supportive learning environment. Seclusion and restraint can have severe emotional and psychological impacts on students, particularly those with special needs.

Instead, I advocate for the implementation of positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS) and trauma-informed care. These approaches focus on understanding and addressing the underlying causes of behavior, promoting a more compassionate and effective way to support our students.

By investing in proper training for teachers and staff, we can ensure that they are equipped with the tools and strategies needed to manage challenging behaviors in a humane and constructive manner. Our goal should always be to empower students, strengthen our schools, and build a community where every child feels valued and respected.

I am committed to promoting policies that prioritize the well-being and dignity of all students. Ensuring we are able to create a school environment where every child can thrive without fear of harmful practices like seclusion and restraint.