1. Why do you want to win this position?
Our children are the future. I find supporting students is the most impactful area to be involved in, especially in a small community. As a parent, taxpayer, and small business owner I want to ensure our budget is well spent, making a positive difference in student lives.
2. If elected, what is your No. 1 goal on the school board?
I’m most excited to see continued teamwork between the board, administrators, and staff.
3. What areas of the school district do you think need improvement?
Life after graduation preparedness. I want every child to graduate with an idea of what future path they want to travel down, whether that be further education, trade school or the workforce; to know what tools they need to succeed and resources they can use to help them achieve that success.
4. What do you feel is most important for raising the quality of education provided by Cassville schools?
This year several of our seasoned teachers are retiring. It’s important not only to hire new staff, but to hire quality staff that we are able to retain.
Providing mentorship by seasoned teachers to new hires to help them succeed in every aspect of teaching.
By doing this our children will have well prepared and seasoned teachers, creating positive outcomes for education and whole child learning.
5. Taking into account a new performing arts center pending this election, what other capital projects do you think
the school should pursue?
The Wild C Ranch is a project that has been started. This unique project gives the opportunity for students to gain valuable hands on ranch experience.
They learn many aspects of ranching, from tending cattle to business management skills. We need to add some type of learning structure to use as a classroom on the property, and Id like to help make that happen.
6. Is the district’s communication with parents satisfactory or does it need work? What makes it work, or how would you improve it?
The district works hard to communicate all aspects of the school with parents and with the community and is always looking for new and better ways of communication. Is there room for improvement? Absolutely.
Once we start operating from a mindset where we don’t see the need to improve ourselves, we start doing a real disservice to our students.
7. What classes or programs would you like to see added?
I’d like to add more dual credit classes would be ideal. This would better prepare our degree seeking students for life after graduation.
8. How do you hope to help students succeed after graduation?
Teaching students to prepare for the future is important. Id like to have an additional counselor available as a resource for students needing extra help creating a future plan, applying for scholarships
and college or trade schools.
