I am running for the Cumberland Valley School Board because I believe our students, teachers, staff and community deserve leadership that listens, collaborates, and works towards real solutions. Leadership should be built on hard work, mutual respect, and a commitment to fiscal responsibility, honest communication, and transparency.  

Cumberland Valley has become increasingly political and divided, especially at the school board level. This continuous friction is preventing progress, making it harder to find real solutions, and setting a poor example of conflict resolution for our students. Yet, despite these challenges, our Eagles continue to achieve at the highest levels. Their resilience, leadership, and dedication to excellence embody the very essence of the Portrait of an Eagle—a commitment to being collaborative, adaptable, responsible, and engaged citizens. As a district, we must strive to reflect these same values in our leadership, fostering an environment where students, teachers, and the community can work together to ensure a bright future for all.

Professionally, I bring more than 18 years of experience as an educator. Working inside the classroom has given me firsthand insight into what students and teachers need to be successful. I have developed and implemented curriculum, worked collaboratively with administration, guided students in career and technical pathways, and navigated the evolving educational landscape. My experience in education has strengthened my ability to problem-solve, communicate effectively, and advocate for policies that directly impact student success. As a school board director, I will use this experience to ensure that decisions are made with an understanding of how they affect classrooms, teachers, and—most importantly—students.

I am a lifelong resident of Silver Spring Township and a proud graduate of Cumberland Valley High School, having attended Green Ridge Elementary, Middle School West, and Eagle View Middle School. During my time as a student, I was actively involved in the Cumberland Valley FFA, Future Educators of America, and the bowling team. Now, as a parent, I have three daughters currently attending CV schools in grades 6, 9, and 12. Watching them navigate the same hallways I once walked has given me an even greater appreciation for the importance of maintaining strong schools that serve all students—regardless of their background, learning style, or future goals.

Beyond the classroom, my roots in this community run deep. Operating our family dairy farm and being involved in agriculture has reinforced my belief in hard work, responsibility, and perseverance—values that translate directly into my approach to leadership. When something needs to get done on the farm, there’s no waiting for someone else to take the lead. The same is true in our schools. Instead of pointing fingers, we need leaders who are willing to roll up their sleeves, listen, and work together to create solutions.

I have spent my life working alongside members of this community—whether it was responding to emergency calls as a volunteer firefighter in high school, organizing PTO events to support students and teachers, or working with local businesses through the Eagle Wrestling Club to grow opportunities for student-athletes. These experiences have reinforced what I have always known—Cumberland Valley is filled with hardworking, dedicated people who care deeply about their schools and their community. I believe that all students have rights and that all taxpayers deserve to have their voices heard, even when their views do not align with my own. Strong leadership requires listening, respecting different perspectives, and finding ways to work together for the best interest of our students and schools.

I believe that strong schools build strong communities. I am committed to bringing hard work, common sense, and a cooperative spirit to the Cumberland Valley School Board. I look forward to serving and working alongside our students, parents, teachers, administrators, staff and community members to ensure Cumberland Valley continues to be a place where every student has the opportunity to soar! 

Cumberland Valley is at a crossroads. Strong leadership, financial responsibility, and community collaboration are essential to ensuring that our district remains a top choice for families and a place where every student has the opportunity to soar. My goal is to work for the students, with the community and district staff, and alongside fellow board members to create real solutions that move Cumberland Valley forward.  

In my opinion, our three priority issues right now are:

1. Budget and Fiscal Responsibility

2. Restoring Trust and Respect

3. Community and Business Collaboration

1. Budget and Fiscal Responsibility

Managing the district’s budget responsibly is critical to ensuring long-term financial stability while continuing to provide high-quality education. There are too many unknowns in school budgeting to operate without a clear long-term plan. Right now, we are spending into our reserves at an unsustainable rate, and projections show a deficit budget with negative reserves in just two years. This is a concerning trend that requires immediate corrective action and a more strategic financial outlook.

• I will work with administration, the teachers’ association, and local and state leaders to develop a budget that allows Cumberland Valley to serve our diverse student body while maintaining fiscal responsibility.

• We must be proactive, not reactive when it comes to financial planning. If we exceed our budgeted expenses, we need to plan for an even greater increase the following year and take steps to reduce reliance on reserves.

• While Cumberland Valley spends less per student and taxes less than the state average, we also receive less state and federal funding. I will advocate for increased state funding while ensuring that every dollar spent benefits students directly.
  
  

2. Restoring Trust and Respect

The division within our district has made it difficult to move forward productively. The focus must return to what truly matters—our students and their future. Tension at the board level and within the community has slowed progress, created unnecessary distractions, and set a poor example for students. We need leadership that fosters unity, respect, and collaboration.

• I will work alongside fellow board members to restore trust across all stakeholders—community members, teachers and staff, students, and administration.

• Open and honest communication must be the foundation of all board decisions. This includes clear, timely explanations of financial choices, curriculum changes, and policy updates so the public understands not just what decisions are made, but why they are made.

• The board must model respectful debate, transparency in action, and an assumption of good intentions. Disagreements are inevitable, but they should be handled professionally, without hostility or political gamesmanship.

• Community engagement must be strengthened. Public input should not just be acknowledged—it should be valued. I will support more opportunities for meaningful dialogue between the board and the community.
  
  

3. Community and Business Collaboration

Cumberland Valley is experiencing rapid population growth and development. Our schools must adapt accordingly while ensuring that students have access to the best opportunities possible. We cannot rely solely on traditional funding sources. Instead, we need to think creatively and build strategic partnerships to support student programs.

• I will work with local businesses and industry leaders to create internship opportunities, career exploration programs, and direct financial support for student initiatives.

• Strengthening Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs is essential. Not every student plans to attend college immediately after high school. By partnering with trade organizations and local employers, we can provide more hands-on training, apprenticeships, and pathways to employment for students entering the workforce.

• Collaboration with local municipal leaders is key. Instead of just exchanging information after decisions are made, the school district must be an active participant in discussions about community growth. Better coordination will allow for smarter long-term planning related to school capacity, infrastructure, and resources.

• Advocating for equitable school funding at the state level is a priority. Schools are primarily funded by local tax revenue and state allocations, and Cumberland Valley receives less state funding than the average district. I will push for a more equitable distribution of funds so our district can meet the needs of our growing student population.

• Cumberland Valley is facing key challenges that require strong leadership, fiscal responsibility, and collaboration. As a board member, I will prioritize financial stability, restore trust, and strengthen community partnerships to keep our focus where it belongs—on our students' success. By working together, we can ensure Cumberland Valley remains a place where every student thrives. 

The current state of public education is facing unprecedented challenges—but also unprecedented opportunities. Pennsylvania’s public schools, including Cumberland Valley, are navigating a complex mix of financial, political, and social pressures that demand thoughtful, student-centered solutions.

The state’s funding formula is outdated and inequitable, leaving districts like Cumberland Valley to rely heavily on local taxes while receiving less state and federal funding than the state average. According to recent reports, Cumberland Valley spends approximately $2,000 less per student in state and federal aid than comparable districts, yet continues to maintain a strong academic record. That’s a testament to the hard work of our teachers, staff, and students—but it's also a sign that our current systems need reform.

At the same time, standardized testing and outdated accountability models fail to capture the full picture of student success. These one-size-fits-all evaluations often overlook important areas such as critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and personal growth—skills we know are essential for success in life beyond the classroom.

The aftershocks of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to impact student learning and development. Teachers and school leaders are supporting students through learning gaps, social-emotional challenges, and a youth mental health crisis that cannot be ignored. Technology and social media, while powerful tools, have also added new dimensions to classroom management, student well-being, and family engagement.

Despite all these realities, our public schools remain the heart of our communities. At Cumberland Valley, we continue to see students thrive—achieving high graduation rates, earning national recognition in academics, arts, and athletics, and demonstrating the values of the Portrait of an Eagle: collaboration, adaptability, responsibility, and civic engagement.

We must protect and strengthen our public schools—not just for today’s students, but for the future of our communities and economy. That means advocating for fair funding, supporting teachers, prioritizing mental health, and working together—across political lines—to make sure our schools have what they need to help every student succeed.

As the Supervisor of Special Projects at the Capital Area Intermediate Unit, I have the opportunity to engage with school district administrators and teachers through a variety of programs.  Each of these allows me to gain valuable insight to the operations and complexities facing school districts and administrators on a daily basis.  Such programs include:

• Thinking Bigger: 4th Grade STEM and Renewable Energy Curriculum

• Keystone State Challenge Academy: Student Certifications and Career Experiences

• Middle School Leadership Forum

• Student Competitions - Poetry Out Loud, STEM Design Challenge, Math 24

• Global Exchange Experience with Welsh School Administrators

• School-Based Mental Health Supports - Network Sessions, Professional Development, Resources, etc.

• Capital Area Pathways to Teaching: Linking paraeducators to degree work for teacher certification

• Tuition Affinity Partnerships with Institutes of Higher Education

• Curriculum Advisory Council

​Cumberland Valley School District (CVSD) is experiencing notable enrollment growth, positioning it as one of the fastest-growing districts in Pennsylvania. As of the 2025 school year, CVSD serves over 10,200 students across 12 school buildings, maintaining a student-teacher ratio of 16:1 and achieving top 10% rankings statewide in academic performance.

This growth reflects the district's strong reputation for academic excellence and community engagement. However, it also presents challenges, particularly in managing resources and infrastructure to accommodate the increasing student population. The district has proactively addressed these challenges by expanding facilities and hiring additional staff to maintain quality education standards.​

Simultaneously, CVSD faces the issue of student migration to charter, cyber, and private schools, a trend affecting many Pennsylvania districts. In the 2022-2023 school year, CVSD spent over $5.2 million on cyber charter school expenditures, marking a 184.9% increase since 2015-2016. This shift impacts school funding and necessitates strategic planning to ensure the district continues to meet the needs of all students.

Addressing these dynamics requires a balanced, bipartisan approach focused on transparency, efficient resource management, and community collaboration. By prioritizing these principles, CVSD can continue to provide high-quality education while adapting to the evolving educational landscape.

District Involvement:

• CVSD Counseling Advisory Board (2025-present)

• Monroe Elementary PTO - President (2018-2022) and Volunteer (2014-2024)

• Eagle Wrestling Club (Girls Wrestling Booster) - Treasurer (2023-present)

• Classroom Volunteer - Monroe Elementary

• Cumberland Valley FFA Alumni and Supporters - Committee Chair (2024-present); Volunteer Coach and Competitive Judge (2024-present)

• Cumberland Valley Aquatic Club - Certified Official (2018-2021) and Volunteer (2014-2021)

• Junior Achievement Volunteer - CVHS

As a student in 4th grade, around 1993, I engaged with the school board as a plea to delay the re-districting of students from Green Ridge Elementary to Shaull Elementary.  As we prepared to enter 5th grade, we wanted to be able to finish our primary education with the friends we had gained in our time at Green Ridge.

In 2012, just after the school board had approved the redistricting of students from Silver Spring Elementary to Monroe Elementary, I engaged with the school board as a parent impacted by that decision.  While I was excited for my children to attend Monroe Elementary, it left us without transportation from our childcare facility.  My request of the district was to provide bus transportation from Kiddie Academy to Monroe Elementary as a courtesy to those impacted by the redistricting of schools.  In addition, this would have served many Monroe Elementary families as, at that time, there was not a child care facility within the Monroe Elementary boundaries.

Most recently, in 2021, I engaged with the school board regarding the removal of 9th grade participation in Cumberland Perry Area CTC.  That spring, 8th grade students were provided with promotion about CPACTC, took a field trip to tour the facilities and programs, and encouraged to apply for enrollment starting in 9th grade. The night before applications opened, Cumberland Valley administration instructed CPACTC to remove the option for 9th grade application. 

• A group of concerned parents contacted their elected board representatives and Dr. Christopher via email. Most received no response, some received communication to reach out to Dr. Christopher, and others claimed not to know anything had changed with regards to CPACTC enrollment.  The group of parents and some 8th grade students attended 3-4 board meetings, expressing their concern and disappointment during public comment.  The ask was to admit the communication breakdown between administration and counselors and provide the advertised opportunity to students.  After multiple board meetings and engaging in conversation outside of board meetings with administration and board members, 9th grade enrollment was reinstated for that cohort of students.

• That same group of parents and students attended another board meeting after the decision was announced to publicly applaud the efforts of administration and the board in hearing the concerns, engaging in conversation, and supporting students–making the best out of an unfortunate situation. 

From my experience of serving on boards, I bring personal, standard practices:

• Ask questions for clarification and understanding

• Engage in conversation and seek input from others with differing perspectives and opinion

• Value public comment as a right of ALL community members and strive to understand perceptions and perspectives of everyone speaking

• Utilize debate to provide logical explanation for my viewpoint in an attempt to persuade others to join my opinion

• Vote on EVERY topic based on the information provided, the anticipated impact on our students and community, and the future sustainability of the program, initiative and district as a whole

• Support the majority decision of the board in action and word and work together to move forward and ensure the success of the district