My vision is simple and straightforward:
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Advocate for the continued development of our educational facilities
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Our community is growing and with it, our student population. Elementary expansion is the top priority on the growth plan with Linden being the primary focus for building a new facility. Following that, the other elementary schools will need expanding to accommodate grades K-5. Jefferson and Robertsville would house the students in grades 6-8. This will allow for the growth plan to be as minimally disruptive as possible to current students and their families.​
Support the recruitment and retention of top educators​
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The Oak Ridge School system is one where teachers want to be and where teachers want to stay. Boasting one of the highest starting salaries for teachers in the state is one way the school system is able to recruit top teaching talent. Add to that an environment of mutual respect and support, and teachers stay – which is why Oak Ridge teacher retention is so strong. As a member of the board of education, I will continue to advocate for teacher pay, teacher insurance, and the funding to make sure teachers have the tools and equipment they need to meet their student’s needs.
Champion inclusive environments for our students
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Every single child that is a resident of Oak Ridge Tennessee has the opportunity to walk through the doors of their public school and spend the majority of their day in the building. That means our schools need to be prepared to meet the diverse needs of a diverse student population. Students that will have different learning capabilities, different reading levels, different cultural or socioeconomic backgrounds, different types of parental involvement, and different needs. Learning happens in an environment where students feel safe and respected. I will always advocate for your children the way I will advocate for my own in ensuring they have a safe and healthy environment to grow physically, mentally, and emotionally within the school system.​
Stand firmly against measures that could undermine our public schools’ quality
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I believe public dollars belong in our public schools. I am unequivocally opposed to vouchers and will always vote and advocate for public schools, public teachers, and all the employees who work so hard to make Oak Ridge Schools some of the best in the entire state.​