Shared Purpose, New Pathways
I am deeply connected to MCPS school communities. My problem- solving approach always begins by seeking conversation with students, families, teachers and staff. I am in the community with you, and I hear you. Together, through authentic dialogue, we can establish a shared purpose to develop new solutions and transformational pathways for all. If elected, I will serve and act with this mindset everyday,
Who am I?
A trusted community leader and dedicated education professional with 25+ years of experience in policy research, advocacy and teaching.
A Wootton HS graduate, daughter of MCPS teachers, married to an MCPS graduate and mom of two awesome MCPS graduates.
A passionate advocate working to improve our public schools for all students and staff.
What issues will I prioritize?
I’m committed to the relentless hard work that the Board role demands. My conversations in school communities — listening to parents, students, teachers and staff — help shape my priorities to promote policies that ensure:
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MCPS is launching big changes. Community, teacher and staff engagement is key to building and implementing these new pathways. MCPS conversations and commitments should not stop after budgets, boundaries and new programs are adopted.
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Students and teachers should walk into clean, well-kept and secure school buildings everyday. But years of budgeting to add seats and space has compromised schools, resulting in a systemwide school maintenance crisis. HVAC, plumbing and roofing failures disrupt the school day. Families and staff should have access to public facing data about MCPS planned and completed facilities improvements, including repairs.
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Information is the currency that empowers families to make important decisions, together with their students. MCPS communication should not require decoding; it should be clear and delivered in languages and formats accessible to all. This information must include reporting of student performance, academic progressions, IEP/504 plans and career program pathways. Students and families should always know what is at stake.
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MCPS must be fiscally aligned to achieve the goals in its strategic plan, including the benchmarks required by the Maryland Blueprint. We need to revisit class size discussions, especially for the youngest learners. Class sizes must prioritize ratios that optimize rigorous reading and math instruction. Teachers also must have ample classroom resources to implement upcoming curriculum changes.
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MCPS does not exist in an economic silo; it must shed the habits that hinder relationship building across County agencies and other sectors. School facilities improvements, school safety, as well as new academic and career pathways, depend on everyone supporting and championing our schools.
