Experienced, Committed, Engaged

How has your experience prepared you for this position?

I have worked in public schools for many years and in multiple capacities. Most of my career has been as a speech language pathologist working with students PK-12th grade. I have also been a classroom teacher, a teacher on special assignment (TOSA), the early childhood coordinator, responsible for regulatory guidance and compliance with special education law, a representative on the executive board and representative council as well as on the bargaining team for the Bremerton Education Association. 

I have parental experience. While my three sons attended North Kitsap schools, Poulsbo Elementary, Poulsbo Middle School and North Kitsap High School, I was the president of the PTA, on the Facilities Advisory Committee and co-chaired the citizens group to pass the 2001 bond to build Kingston High School. 

What CTE programs are needed that are not already available? 

The most glaring omission is Information Technology. It's listed on the district website but not currently offered at either high school. Automotive technology, Fire Science and Welding aren't offered in NK but are at West Sound Tech. I realize that special training is involved to teach CTE courses. Do we need to centralize CTE at one of the high schools to make them more financially viable? 

What facilities needs of the district are the most pressing and how would you fund those needs?

I was at the board meeting when the FAC presented in June. That was very informative and I came away with the belief that Pierson needs to be replaced which isn't surprising since that needed to happen when I was on the FAC years ago. Other needs include remodeling of NKHS and a move for the central kitchen. The committee said all that could be done with levy dollars but that would defer maintenance of other district buildings. I would want to go to voters and see what the appetite is for running a bond. A bond could be a hard sell with declining enrollment and the sound rejection in 2024. I will do site visits and understand the needs first hand, get an estimate of the cost and form an opinion about running a bond and its scope. If not a bond, what maintenance would have to be deferred and determine the long term impact. 

How would you work to balance the needs and interests of students, teachers, and parents within the school district?

Students, parents and teachers are a team and the interests can not be separated. Safety of students physically and emotionally is always the top priority followed by a rigorous academic environment. Students and teachers need manageable class sizes, with resources that meet the needs of all students so they can be successful at their own academic level. For example students in the highly capable program may have different program needs than those in multi language programs, Title/Lap or special education. Parents want highly trained competent professionals and teachers want their instruction to be effective, which takes continuous professional development, a living wage (so they don’t have to work two jobs) and a supportive administration and school board. Additionally, parents want timely, clear, consistent communication and confidence that their child is getting their needs met physically, emotionally and academically. 

 How can you ensure the safety of all students in your schools?

* Physical safety: The levy that passed in 2024 included money to improve perimeter fencing and require all visitors to enter through a secured entry way, greeted by a staff member with the goal of controlling access to the school.  Deferred maintenance, out dated systems and outdated facilities can impact the health and safety of our children.  Upgrading and replacement of facilities as well as the security measure will ensure safety of our children. 

* Emotional safety: The prevention of bullying and providing a safe supportive school environment requires a school wide effort in social emotional learning. Having trained behavior specialists available, the training of all staff regarding trauma, the development of community partnerships, and the development of programs to meet the needs of all students so each child can access their education. These supports will ensure the emotional and physical safety of all students.

How would you personally reach out to the community and what would you advocate the school board do to increase community outreach? 

1. I am reaching out to community members, community organizations including the tribes throughout the district to hold introduction and listening sessions and asking questions such as "what do you think the district is doing well and how can we improve?", "What are your priorities?". 

2. The district needs to put information on the district website in Spanish (the most prominent language other than English). 

3. Strengthening connects and partnering with community organizations to offer mental health services, food assistance, childcare. Develop a district wide community engagement plan. 

4. Work with the district digital communication specialist and communication and community relations coordinator to see what is already being done and how we can improve. 

What is your opinion about Informing/Teaching K-6 about transgender?

I believe that teaching that differences are accepted and even celebrated starts in preschool and Kindergarten. More specific teaching about gender could begin in first and second grades, third and fourth grades the terms like transgender to be introduced. In 5th grade a more comprehensive education about sexuality already occurs and issues regarding transgender should be discussed then.

What personalized learning flexibility should be incorporated into the district curriculum? 

Flexibility in curriculum as I see it is the ability for teachers to build on a student's strengths and interests. It allows for different pacing, learning styles and assessment options. Kids are less likely to get frustrated and act out and learn more. Teachers are not held to the rigid pacing and activities prescribed by the curriculum. Teachers are professionals, treat them like they are. 

What is your opinion about Informing/Teaching CRT?

CRT is history. We should not be erasing and modifying the parts of history which we don't agree with or we don't want to hear about. Teaching CRT is very important.

What mental health resources do students need that they are not now getting? 

 A staff member who is trained in counseling at every site elementary and potentially more than one at each secondary school. Now I believe there are vice principals or a dean of students split between schools. That person is typically in charge of discipline which is different from understanding the source of challenging behavior, having a safe person and safe space for students to go and a person connected to resources outside the school when needed. 

For middle and high school students, I believe a phone free environment is critical. The current policy of no phones during class time isn’t enough. 

What resources and training should be made available to teachers, and what classroom size model should the district adopt?  

All teachers should be trained in trauma informed instruction. Conscious Discipline is also a good add on. My personal bias is that all teachers should be trained as special education teachers. Nearly 1 in 5 of their students will have special needs of some sort. If we are serious about flexibility in the curriculum and meeting the needs of ALL students,  that would be a good foundation. Class size for K-3 should be no larger than 18, 4-5 should have a max of 22.

How would you achieve those changes in recognition of the funding model available to the district?

Taking a deep dive into what's working and what isn't. Moving money from programs that aren't being effective (if there are any) to ones that will address the greatest needs. Money is always a challenge. Thankfully it sounds like NK is on solid ground financially for this coming school year. I will need to learn more about the district finances. 

Why should voters choose you over your opponents?

I have real world experience.

I have worked in schools for many years and in multiple capacities. Most of my career has been as a speech language pathologist working with students PK-12th grade. I have also been a classroom teacher, a teacher on special assignment (TOSA), the early childhood coordinator, responsible for regulatory guidance and compliance with special education law, a representative on the executive board and representative council as well as on the bargaining team for the Bremerton Education Association. 

I have parental experience. 

While my three sons attended North Kitsap schools, Poulsbo Elementary, Poulsbo Middle School and North Kitsap High School, I was the president of the PTA, on the Facilities Advisory Committee and co-chaired the citizens group to pass the 2001 bond to build Kingston High School. 

I have the time.