My wife and I chose South Washington County for its high-quality schools, and we are fortunate to see our kids thriving. I want every parent to feel that same confidence, no matter which school their child attends.
My background combines classroom teaching, union involvement, and doctoral research on education policy. These experiences give me a unique perspective on how school board decisions ripple down to families and classrooms. My focus is simple: keep decisions focused on student learning and life outcomes.
But there are challenges. In the 2023 school board race, more than $60,000 in outside money was spent to support endorsed candidates. That flood of spending didn’t just influence the race — it shaped the very composition of our board. I believe our schools should be guided by the voices of families and educators, not outside special interests. That’s why I will fundraise with complete transparency and hold others to the same standard. You can always verify contributions directly at the SoWashCo Campaign Finance Filings.
I strongly support school choice for families. Our community is fortunate to have excellent public, private, and parochial schools, as well as two local public charters ranked among the top five in Minnesota by U.S. News and World Report. My priority will always be strengthening district schools, but I also want to build stronger relationships with charter and private options, fostering collaboration rather than division and learning from their successes.
Ultimately, my vision is for a school board that is authentic, accountable, and nonpartisan. A board that values attendance, reduces distractions, supports safe learning environments, and ensures that every student feels welcome and engaged. Together, we can make South Washington County schools safe, inclusive, and effective for every learner.
