I want to foster a climate of authentic connection across all campuses and for all students. Recent years have been a time of great polarization in our nation, state and community. I believe that we are in danger of losing sight of what we are here to do—to ensure that educational excellence is accessible to all students. I’d like to build bridges so that we can put aside differences and work together.

In our district and across the state and nation, students are lacking instructional time due to the pandemic. We must find a way forward toward recovering the academic progress we lost.

Our students’ success will always be my No. 1 priority. Students should have an outstanding experience in GCISD through a variety of programs that support their path. Hiring and retaining teacher talent is another top priority. Supporting the best teachers for our students is critical. Great teachers make great students.

I’d like to build on GCISD’s successful extracurricular programs. For many students, these activities of sports, fine arts and specialized extracurricular academic interests are what make school inspiring. For some who struggle academically, this may be the primary place where they feel successful. Extracurricular activities can inspire students to want to be successful in their academic efforts, too, which becomes a win in every arena. I’d love to see us add orchestra.

After 35 years in the federal service, I recently retired and am ready to serve my community with the same commitment that I served our great country. As a parent, veteran and spouse of a teacher, I bring a wide range of experiences that will accentuate the reasons we choose GCISD as our home. I am ready to bridge the gaps between those in our district with differing opinions and find the common ground to ensure our children receive the very best education.

The biggest challenges facing GCISD today fall into two categories: typical and extraordinary. The usual issues that our public schools must navigate each year, such as funding, staff retention, and student safety, strain against the unique challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. This combination has pushed the district’s resources and personnel past breaking points. As the pandemic winds down, the most challenging issue facing GCISD today is public discourse with everyone yelling and no one hearing one another.

My top priority is to be a reasonable voice representing parents and teachers from around the district while making decisions that are in the best interest of our students and community. My areas of greatest concern are funding, fiscal responsibility, staff retention and student well-being. GCISD is a highly rated and desirable school district. By advocating for our stakeholders as a reasonable voice, we will move past our gridlock and grow in excellence.

GCISD is home to many incredible programs. Promoting and strengthening our already great programs like the career technology courses, AP/dual-credit courses and special education services would be a priority. New programs to explore could include a parent communication management tool that would streamline where parents would locate information critical to their child’s education. Additionally, I would like to leverage the skills and knowledge of our business community more by partnering directly with our student programs. Creating opportunities for our community to be involved in our schools is essential to our future success.