Support Educators
Research consistently shows that the quality of a teacher is the single most important in-school factor affecting student success. To truly support our students, we must support those who teach them.
That means:
Ensuring educators feel respected, trusted, and valued
Providing time, resources, research based professional development and support to help them grow
Prioritizing teacher voice in decision-making
Having worked alongside teachers and administrators for years, I understand the daily challenges they face. I'm committed to advocating for what they need to thrive in supporting our students.
Invest in What Matters Most
Every dollar we spend reflects what we value and I believe we must invest in what truly matters: students, educators, safety, families, and the long-term strength of our schools and community.
That means:
Focusing resources where they have the greatest impact on student learning while prioritizing people over programs
Making thoughtful, transparent financial decisions even when they are tough
Strengthening school safety and family engagement
As a father of four in the district and a current educator I’ll bring practical insight and responsible stewardship to ensure every difficult decision reflects our values and supports what matters most.
Empower Students for the 21st Century
Every student is unique with their own strengths, challenges, and potential. Empowering students today means preparing them for the demands of tomorrow’s world while supporting them in individual ways. As an administator I helped write school technology policies that balance innovation with focus, and I’ve served on the district’s committee for 21st century learning focusing on the 6 C's (Collaboration, Communication, Creativity, Critical Thinking, Citizenship, and Character).
That means:
Creating a culture of growth, inclusion, and strong teacher-student relationships
Setting high expectations while providing meaningful support and feedback directly related to the essential standards
Ensuring students have opportunities to take ownership of their learning
Supporting hands-on, real-world learning through collaboration with local partners including Silicone Slopes, MTECH, BYU and UVU
Building systems that balance technology use while minimizing distractions—like setting clear policies around cell phone use
Building a Positive Culture
As a current educator I am actively trying to stay up with educational research and how best to support student learning.
Education researcher Aaron Hansen reminds us that students thrive when we treat them not as passive learners, but as active partners. When students are given voice, choice, and responsibility, they become more engaged, more motivated, and more successful.
Dave Stuart Jr. builds on this by identifying six things that matter most in every classroom: belief, motivation, effort, behavior, care, and knowledge. When students believe they can succeed, feel cared for, stay motivated, and understand the “why” behind their learning, they begin to take ownership of their education.
Empowering students isn’t just about giving them more, it’s about helping them do more with what they already have inside. It’s about high expectations, strong relationships, meaningful learning, and a culture that helps every child feel seen and supported.
As a board member I am committed to helping build a culture that treats all students as active partners and empowers them to take ownership over their learning.
Smart Technology Use
As a father of four children in our local schools and a lifelong educator, I care deeply about preparing students for the future. That means more than strong academics—it means empowering students with the skills they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
I’ve led 21st century learning efforts both as a teacher and administrator. At Oak Canyon Junior High, I worked as a vice principal to improve how devices were used in the classroom. At Willowcreek Middle School, I chaired the Personal Technology Committee and helped develop clear, balanced guidelines to keep students focused and engaged. Most recently, I brought the idea of a personal tech plan to the School Community Council at Manila Elementary, where I currently serve as a parent and advocate.
Utah’s new law limiting cell phone use during the school day is a smart move. I’ve seen firsthand how reducing distractions improves focus, behavior, and meaningful learning. I bring real experience implementing personal technology policies, experience that will be essential as our new district refines its approach.
Research supports this direction. A recent MIT study found that overreliance on AI tools like ChatGPT reduces brain activity in areas tied to memory and creativity. Students who relied on AI remembered less and produced lower-quality work. That’s why we must teach students to use AI and technology appropriately, as tools to enhance learning, not shortcuts that replace it.
If we want students to think critically, communicate clearly, and take ownership of their learning, we need thoughtful, balanced tech policies that support, not replace real learning. I’m ready to help guide our district in that direction.
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