As a candidate for the school board, I firmly believe that every student deserves to feel safe, valued, and supported in their educational environment, regardless of their background, identity, or beliefs. Discrimination in any form is unacceptable, and our schools must be places where all students can focus on learning, growing, and preparing for their futures.

Inclusion of students means ensuring that they have the same opportunities for success as their peers. That means upholding policies that protect all students from bullying and harassment, making sure teachers and staff have the training they need to create respectful and welcoming classrooms, and encouraging a culture of mutual respect among students.

Inclusion does not mean pushing any political or ideological agenda in the classroom. It means making sure that every student is treated with dignity, has access to the same educational opportunities, and is not subject to discrimination or exclusion. We should focus on preparing all students for success, ensuring parental involvement in their children's education, and maintaining a learning environment that respects the rights and values of all families in our community.

Yes, I support both Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) and the Portrait of an Eagle (POE), and I believe they are essential in helping Cumberland Valley students grow into well-rounded, capable individuals who are prepared for life beyond the classroom.

SEL is not about politics—it’s about teaching students the skills they need to navigate challenges, build healthy relationships, manage emotions, and make responsible decisions. These are critical life skills that not only impact academic achievement, but also future success in college, the workforce, and personal life. Research consistently shows that schools that implement SEL see improvements in student behavior, reduced disciplinary issues, and stronger academic performance.  Not to mention, these are the skills that employers have identified as being most valuable in new employees.

The Portrait of an Eagle builds on these principles by outlining the traits we hope to see in every Cumberland Valley graduate: students who are adaptable, collaborative, responsible, resilient, and engaged. These are not controversial goals—they’re what we all want for our kids, regardless of political affiliation.

SEL and POE looks different for different grade levels.  At the elementary schools, we are impressing upon students to be kind, caring and compassionate humans.  In practice, you may see a "Buddy Bench" at recess or collaboration around supporting a community need.  In the middle grades, students may engage in lessons about conflict resolution, communicating with others, and investigating steps to solving complex problems.  At the High School, the focus is about transitioning from public education to productive members of the community.  Lessons will touch on time management, balancing responsibilities, and advocating for passions and those in need.

Supporting SEL and the Portrait of an Eagle means investing in the whole student—not just test scores. It reflects a commitment to developing strong, respectful, and community-minded young adults who can thrive in an ever-changing world. As a school board member, I would continue to support initiatives that uphold these values and focus on real outcomes that prepare students to succeed in every area of life.