• Future-Ready Student Success

Every child in Garfield RE-2 deserves the opportunity to leave our schools prepared not just to graduate, but to thrive in the real world. My vision for Future-Ready Student Success is centered on making sure our students gain the knowledge, skills, and values they need to succeed in college, careers, and life. This means prioritizing programs and resources that equip students for a variety of futures—whether they choose higher education, enter the workforce, serve in the military, or pursue a skilled trade. Strong academic foundations matter, but so do practical experiences that build confidence, problem-solving, and leadership skills.

Future-ready students also need exposure to technology, vocational training, and career pathways that connect learning in the classroom with opportunities in the community. By expanding partnerships with local businesses and organizations, we can open doors for students to explore careers, internships, and service opportunities that inspire them to lead.

Finally, preparing students for the future means instilling timeless values: responsibility, discipline, and integrity. These qualities are just as important as academics in shaping tomorrow’s leaders.

When we keep our focus on student success—supported by strong families, excellent educators, and responsible leadership—we ensure that Garfield RE-2 is preparing a generation of young people who are ready to succeed and ready to lead.

• Partner with Families

Education begins at home, and parents provide the foundation for learning. Parents are not just participants in education—they are the leading voices in a child’s education. Schools are strongest when they uphold parental rights and work in partnership with families to support every student’s success. For me, parental rights are non-negotiable. Parents should have a clear and consistent role in decisions that affect their children, from curriculum and classroom materials to discipline and safety policies. Transparency is essential—families deserve open access to information and opportunities to be heard before decisions are made. I also understand that involvement looks different for every family. Some parents volunteer in classrooms, others provide support from home, and many engage through school events or feedback opportunities. What matters most is that every family has a voice and a pathway to participate in their child’s education.

When schools honor parental rights and partner with families, students benefit from greater accountability, consistency, and support both at home and in the classroom. Strong families build strong schools—and strong schools build strong communities.

• Smart, Sustainable Growth

Growth is a reality in our community, and our schools must be prepared to meet both today’s needs and tomorrow’s challenges. Smart, Sustainable Growth means making decisions that put students first while ensuring that every dollar is used wisely and responsibly. For me, growth is not about spending more—it’s about planning better. That means carefully evaluating new programs, facilities, and staffing needs to ensure they truly benefit students and strengthen learning conditions. It also means maintaining transparency in how resources are allocated, so families and taxpayers can trust that funds are being managed responsibly.

Sustainable growth also requires long-term vision. Our decisions today must support not only the students currently in our classrooms, but also the families who will call Garfield RE-2 home in the years ahead. By combining careful financial stewardship with responsible planning, we can ensure our schools remain strong, effective, and ready for the future. Strong schools are at the heart of strong communities. By supporting smart, sustainable growth, we create stability for educators, opportunities for students, and confidence for parents that their children are being prepared for success.