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I am running for re-election to the Rochester School Board to continue the important work of:

• Using my voice to champion the needs of all students and to respect and support educators, and

• Using my vote to support strategies, plans and provide resources to improve student outcomes and prepare students long-term success.

In everything I do, I strive to understand the unique needs of every student, educator, and family and to advocate for the best outcomes for all. I believe in the power of having tough, empathetic conversations with students, families, educators, community members and lawmakers to make sure all voices are at the table as we create spaces for kids to learn and thrive.

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I have seen firsthand the power of education, community, and collaboration in Rochester. I am the proud parent of two Rochester Public School graduates. I spent many years as a community volunteer in our schools, and advocated for education resources for a decade before being elected to the school board.  It has been an honor to serve on the Rochester Public School Board and to help our community navigate the complex challenges we have faced together during that time.
 

​There continue to be many operational and financial challenges in providing public education, and our students, educators, and families continue to face barriers along the pathways to success.

But I believe this is an exciting time to be part of Rochester Public Schools.

 

Over the past four years, RPS has developed and implemented a strategic action plan with 15 building blocks that have set the foundation for improving academic outcomes, building student and staff wellness, and giving our students their best chance for success in learning and life. For example:

• We implemented a new research-based literacy curriculum, including a rigorous program of professional development in the science of reading.

• We implemented a new mental health assessment, enabling staff to identify students who may benefit from therapy and other supports.

• We implemented new tools and strategies for postsecondary planning to enable student sot explore and develop their roadmaps to college, career and future success. 

 

And we are starting to see positive results:

• Reading and math proficiency has increased in both 3rd grade and 8th grade.

• Consistent attendance has increased by 11.4% increase in consistent attendance by 11.4%. 

• On-time graduation from high school has increased by 2.2%.
   

No one in RPS is satisfied with the results we have achieved thus far, and my highest priority is to improve outcomes for students. 

This year, the school board unanimously approved an ambitious set of Improvement Targets to accelerate improvements in student outcomes. The work to reach these targets will continue over the next four years through the 2030 Strategic Plan. The recommendations in the 2030 Strategic Plan:

• Were developed with extensive community input

• Continue essential initiatives from the previous strategic action plan

• Create learning environments where students are welcomed and challenged and feel that they belong in the place where they are learning and growing

• Bring new strategies and innovations to RPS based on best practices and what works to accelerate improvements in student outcomes.​

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Our students will benefit in school and in life from the successful implementation of the 2030 Strategic Plan. Successful implementation requires school board members who:

• Will dig into data, facts and research

• Will monitor and ask questions about implementation progress

• Understand school finance and the challenges in balancing declining revenues, increasing expenditures and the impacts on taxpayers; 

• Will advocate to lawmakers for needed resources

• Will listen to all impacted groups and build bridges between competing needs.

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​I have been that school board member, and am committed to continuing the work and collaboration that will support the success of our students and schools. 

With your vote for me on November 3, we can keep working together for our Rochester Public Schools community. Reach out any time with feedback, comments, and questions!​​​