This spring I left my teaching position with Revere Local Schools after a fulfilling seven years. That experience gave me an intimate understanding of the current challenges and triumphs that educators face within the Revere district. At the same time, I am a parent to three Revere High School students who have been part of the district since their kindergarten years. 

My commitment to this community extends beyond my role as an educator and parent. I now proudly serve as an employee of Bath Township Administration, further deepening my understanding of the intricate dynamics within our community. These combined roles have granted me a breadth of knowledge that sets me apart from the other candidates. I come equipped with a comprehensive perspective that is invaluable for effective decision-making. 

I firmly believe that this multifaceted perspective is crucial for the betterment of our district. Often, what transpires behind the scenes may not be fully apparent to parents and community members. As an advocate for transparency and honesty, I promise to be a vocal proponent, willing to pose the tough questions that foster open communication between the district, parents, and the community as a whole.

My approach to school safety revolves around implementing a comprehensive and multifaceted strategy that addresses the various aspects of student well-being and security. 

I believe in bolstering the physical security of our school buildings through upgraded surveillance systems, controlled access points, and enhanced emergency preparedness protocols. This might include implementing additional police presence at key times, such as drop-off/pick-up or events that bring in families and other community members. It also includes ensuring all doors have keycard access, alarms, and high-quality cameras.  

A safe learning environment within classrooms is equally crucial, and I propose promoting conflict resolution programs, anti-bullying initiatives, and fostering a culture of inclusivity and respect. This could include in-depth training for building administration, educators, and support staff with a plan in place to immediately manage situations that pose a threat to students and teachers within the classroom.  

Moreover, we must prioritize the mental and emotional well-being of our students by providing access to counseling services, mental health awareness programs, and support networks. Ensuring an adequate amount of resources are available for all students is paramount. This means our counseling and psychology professionals should have manageable caseloads that give them the time necessary to be accessible to students needing immediate assistance throughout the day.  

By combining these elements, we can create a nurturing and secure educational environment that allows students to thrive academically and personally while ensuring the safety and peace of mind of parents, educators, and the community. 

When I think about the challenges currently facing the public education system, a few things immediately jump to the forefront of my mind.

• Funding: Public school funding has been a hot topic in Ohio for many decades now. There have been legislative actions, lawsuits, and bi-partisan attempts to fix the funding of our public schools for longer than I've been alive. Most recently we hear a lot about vouchers and school choice. With 90% of students attending public schools in Ohio, we should be paying close attention to what is happening and making sure our voices and our needs are being heard and considered by our state and federal representatives. Ohio made public schooling part of our constitution over 170 years ago. Article VI Section 2 of the Ohio Constitution clearly outlines the obligation that still exists today. As a public school board member, I will work to ensure that constitutional obligation is being met. 

• Political Climate: In the current political climate, sensational headlines dominate, often overshadowing reasonable and common-sense news. This often leads to misinformation and assumptions about the reality of what is going on in the classroom. I aim to bridge these divides and bring clarity to the truth by engaging in meaningful conversations. My desire to serve on the school board is not based on any specific political agenda. Instead, it is because I have a passion for public education and its potential to lift up both individuals and communities. I understand that people's views are shaped by diverse life experiences, both past and present. I will approach decisions with open-mindedness and vow to listen to students, parents, educators, and community members before decisions are made. 

• Educators: I am deeply concerned about the rising trend of teachers leaving the education field. While competitive wages are crucial, most educators are driven by passion, not wealth. However, the spread of misinformation causing political backlash and changes in the management of student behaviors have greatly affected teacher job satisfaction. This hostility and exhaustion can make staying in the field untenable. These factors combined with a lower starting pay than peers in different fields of study have led to a decline in college students pursuing education careers, resulting in a rapidly impending shortage. To address this, Revere Schools must enhance its support of educators and take steps to remain an attractive district for new graduates. 

The primary purpose of public education is to provide accessible education to all members of society regardless of socioeconomic background. The goal is to produce informed, responsible and engaged citizens who can contribute positively to the community. However, a high-quality public education system should strive to do much more. 

Public schools should:

• Strive to empower students to become critical thinkers capable of making well-informed decisions. 

• Help to develop essential life skills, such as communication, problem-solving, time management, and teamwork. 

• Foster creativity and critical thinking to help prepare students to enter the workforce and contribute to the economic growth of society by driving innovation and technological advancement. 

• Build a foundation in the understanding of the rights and responsibilities of citizens in the democratic process. 

• Bring together students with diverse backgrounds, thereby fostering an understanding and acceptance of cultures and values different than their own. 

Ultimately, the goal of public education is to contribute to the overall well-being of society by producing informed, responsible and engaged citizens who can contribute positively to the community.

The primary role of a member of the board of education is to be a representative and advocate for the entire community, including students, parents, teachers, and staff. Board members should listen to the concerns and ideas of all stakeholders to make informed decisions that benefit the entire school district and the larger community. 

More specifically, the responsibilities of a board member include:

• Policy Development: Board members oversee the development, review, and implementation of policies that govern the school district. These policies need to align with state and federal guidelines while still addressing the unique needs and goals of our community. At Revere, we have high standards for our administration, staff, and students and these policy decisions are critical to maintaining those standards.

• Budget Oversight: The board hires and oversees the treasurer, holding them accountable for the fiscal health of the district. It is essential to collaborate with district administrators to develop a fiscally responsible budget. Being financially conservative is incredibly important to me. Budgets should be allocated efficiently and effectively to maximize the resources available to enhance the high-quality academic standards we expect for Revere students.

• Superintendent Support and Evaluation: The board hires the superintendent and evaluates their performance. A board member must work constructively with the superintendent to provide support and guidance to help them effectively lead the district and achieve its objectives. Having the right leadership at the district level has a huge impact. A phenomenal superintendent should be accessible to their staff, strive to understand the struggles and successes of the educators and building administrators, and maintain a positive culture by treating staff with the respect they deserve. 

• Curriculum and Academic Standards: Board members play a vital role in setting academic standards and reviewing curriculum materials to ensure they meet the educational needs of our students and align with the district's goals. Revere has always had high standards for our academics. I will strive to maintain that high standard and to expand the scope and rigor of our curriculum offerings when and where it is necessary.

• Community Engagement: Board members should be actively engaged with community members by, attending school and community events, seeking feedback, and communicating decisions transparently to maintain an open and collaborative relationship with all stakeholders.

• Advocacy: A board member serves as an advocate for the school district at the local, state, and federal levels, striving to secure necessary resources and support for the benefit of our students and educators. It is important to have a voice on the state and national levels to ensure our elected officials understand what is and isn't needed at the local school level. 

• Student Welfare: Ensuring a safe and supportive learning environment for all students is paramount. Embracing and honoring the diversity of race, gender, religion, and culture we have in the Revere district is of utmost importance. All students should feel safe, welcome, and accepted by their teachers and peers, and see themselves represented in the curriculum Revere provides. A board member should work tirelessly to address issues related to student well-being and ensure that the district fosters an inclusive and nurturing atmosphere. 

• Continuous Improvement: Board members should support and encourage initiatives that promote innovation and continuous improvement in the district, leading to better educational outcomes and opportunities for all students. Revere is lucky to have extremely educated, intelligent, and innovative teachers. As a board member, I will encourage our dedicated educators to bring their knowledge, experience, and passions into the classroom to create engaging and innovative academic opportunities for our students. 

If elected, I pledge to fulfill these responsibilities with the utmost dedication, striving to foster a school district that empowers students to reach their full potential and prepares them for a successful future.