The reason I’m running for the School Board is pretty straight forward: I want to be involved in making the Vashon School District a creative, inclusive, well-managed and forward-thinking district.

I have a child at Chautauqua Elementary School, and one at McMurray Middle School, so I’m in the schools on a weekly basis and I get to talk to teachers, parents and students. I know that teachers want the flexibility to be creative, I know that parents don’t want extraneous tests given to their children and I know that if we have a place to discuss issues that are important to us, the schools can provide an even more comprehensive education for all our children than they do now.

I really think that it’s crucial we continuously ask ourselves several questions: First, why? or why not?  This might seem pretty obvious but it’s easy to get stuck in ruts and not challenge the established procedures or expectations. Secondly, Who? Who are we serving and who are missing? And lastly, what are we doing well and what can we do better?

I was an elementary school teacher for several years and I’ve run my own web design business. I’ve been on nonprofit boards on the island and have been elected president to many of them. I know the importance of listening, consensus building and being creative in finding practical solutions to issues.

I will bring to the school board not only the skills I’ve learned from all these experiences but also a commitment to representing the public interests and advocating on behalf of the students, staff, community and parents.