Candidate statement

My wife and I are raising four kids in the district, and we firmly believe in giving back to the community that has provided so much for us. Gettysburg has been an excellent place for raising children. We have a small farm filled with animals, hay fields, and gardens, where we teach our children about respect for this place and the importance of self-sufficiency. Adams County offers numerous educational opportunities for children through its schools, rich history, diverse environment, vibrant population, and diverse agricultural heritage. 

I am a biologist with extensive experience in science education, project management, and research. I have managed multi-institutional grants, as well as taught science from middle schools through graduate schools, including several teacher training programs. 

Like other parents, I have volunteered for numerous field trips, 6th-grade camps, Junior Achievement programs, tree planting, garden building, and judging the debate tournaments. I have also coached AYSO soccer and ACCMTB mountain biking, and continue to find ways to get kids outside and learning.  

Unfortunately, Pennsylvania is one of four states that require partisan elections for school boards. Partisan politics should play no role in our schools. The only question the school board should consider is how to provide the best education for our tax dollars. I realize that being nominated by the Adams County Democratic Party to run in this election puts me at odds with many of my Republican family, friends, and neighbors. I hope that the merits of my candidacy are weighed through my dedication to education over partisan tribalism. 

As a scientist, I strongly believe that our children should be taught without political bias. They should gain skills and foundational knowledge and be allowed to formulate their own opinions. I volunteered to consult on the new state science standards and have worked extensively with regional teachers on their implementation. They offer a valuable roadmap for inquiry-based and unbiased science education.

We can do more for our students by taking advantage of the exceptional student programs available in our region, including through the National Cancer Institute, the National Military Park, the Governor’s Science Academy, and our local colleges and universities. Our district should be encouraged to explore and utilize these valuable resources, which are both cost-effective and impactful. 

My candidacy is for a two-year vacancy left open by an outgoing board member. I intend to faithfully serve in this position without a partisan agenda, prioritizing student learning above all else. Our schools should be a place of open inquiry and opportunity, and a safe learning environment for all.