What are my top priorities?

I believe the top priority for our schools should be funding remedial services for our junior and senior high students, yet this issue doesn’t get the attention it deserves. Many of these critical services and our librarians have faced funding cuts. This should be the central focus of our discussions because it directly impacts the students who need the most support to catch up. We also need to be having conversations about how to better support teachers who are seeing an increase of disruptive behaviors in the classrooms. And safe routes to schools so students can walk safely.

While online discussions often focus on politics, my community conversations highlight top concerns like safe school routes, support for struggling readers, including ESL, and rising administrative costs without adequate resources for teachers and paras. I strive to address all questions, but let’s keep our shared priorities in mind to move forward together.

Why Am I Running for School Board?

My interest in educational issues began in high school when my mother taught adjudicated youth. I was shocked to learn she had high school students who couldn’t read. Fast forward to the fall of 2022 and again in April 2024, I heard teachers voicing similar concerns about junior and senior high students struggling with reading. My campaign isn’t about winning, I will not be holding a voting majority; it’s about ensuring this community advocates for the essential tools our students need to thrive.

To halt the decline in student enrollment—and the funding that goes with it—we must advocate for services that truly support our students’ needs. For a thriving community future, we must equip our youth with the essential skills to lead productive, fulfilling lives.

Where Does My Funding Come From?

My campaign is supported by close friends and the parents of my children’s friends. While I haven’t raised as much as some previous candidates, I’m grateful for the grassroots support that values meaningful change.

Am I associated with Mom’s for Liberty?

No, I volunteer with FAIR for All. I became involved with the organization after following Daryl Davis , a board member whose work I greatly admire. Everyone should know Daryl Davis—he exemplifies the belief that “it’s always worth being kind.”

Do my students attend our school?

My eldest daughter graduated from Mankato West, my middle daughter is currently enrolled as a PSEO student at MNSU while still registered at West, and my youngest also attends West. Over the years, we’ve hosted exchange students from Mexico, Germany, and Spain at West, as well as students from Norway and Spain at East, and Azerbaijan at Maple River. Through the Friendship Family Program, we also had the pleasure of befriending an Ethiopian student attending MNSU and hosting Japanese students as well. My husband loves to say, “The sun never sets on the family group chat.”

How will I support teachers and staff?
Supporting teachers begins with giving them the resources and respect they deserve. They are on the front lines of building the next generation. We cannot expect them to succeed without addressing classroom disruptions, funding shortages, and the bureaucratic constraints that often prevent them from focusing on what they do best: teaching.

What is my vision for improving student success?

To elevate student success, we need a return to core skills and meaningful learning. Every student should graduate with the tools to read well, communicate clearly, and approach problems thoughtfully. If we get the fundamentals right, the rest will follow..

How do I plan to address declining enrollment?
We’ve got to make our schools places parents trust and students thrive. Addressing enrollment isn’t just about flashy programs; it’s about building real value. We need services that address academic gaps, behavioral issues and support for every child. When families see schools delivering on these, they stay.

What is my stance on equity and inclusion?
Every child, regardless of background, deserves a safe and welcoming school environment. But true equity doesn’t mean lowering standards; it means ensuring everyone has the opportunity to rise to meet them. That’s what an inclusive education looks like.

How do I view the role of parents and community in education?
Parents and community members are not outsiders—they’re essential. They bring insight, history, and passion to our schools. Education is a partnership; if we ignore their voices, we’ve failed in our duty to our kids and our community.

What are your plans to improve the quality and availability of school lunches?

My high schooler often brings lunch from home due to similar frustrations with school meal quality. Last year, our exchange student at East sometimes couldn’t get lunch because food would run out. Currently, federal reimbursement covers meals for low-income students, but with universal free lunch, fewer families apply for aid, shifting the financial burden to the state. This can strain budgets, redirect resources away from other essential services, and impacts meal quality. While this funding issue is mainly legislative, we should work with policymakers and explore local solutions to ensure every student has access to a nutritious meal each day.

How will you address transportation challenges and improve safe walking routes for students?

Ensuring that every student has a safe, reliable route to school is a top priority. Living in Lincoln Park, I see firsthand the challenges many families face in accessing safe routes. While some neighborhoods are walkable, others have significant barriers. For example, families just a block away from me are assigned to East High School and face a 1.9-mile journey that includes a hill and a busy intersection—not a safe or practical option for walking. To address these challenges, I’d focus on collaborating with city transportation and local walk/bike advocacy groups to create safer, more accessible routes. This could involve adding crossing guards, improving sidewalks, or adjusting bus routes to better serve students. Additionally, we should consider open enrollment options for families facing transportation difficulties, allowing students to attend schools closer to home when feasible.

Should flags be in classrooms?

Classrooms should foster exploration and knowledge without promoting specific ideologies. While symbols like the Pride flag aim to represent inclusivity, their presence may unintentionally suggest an endorsement of certain beliefs, potentially alienating families with traditional religious values (Muslims, Christians, and Mormons, among others). Let’s keep the focus on education, ensuring our classrooms remain welcoming spaces for exploring knowledge.

What about books in classrooms?

Ensuring that books are age-appropriate is crucial. For instance, a second-grade teacher once told me she received a donated book with inappropriate sexual content, which made her uncomfortable. Teachers want to focus on teaching, not book controversies, so school boards should have clear policies and efficient processes for handling these issues. Additionally, a college science teacher once found an equation for meth in a textbook—possibly added by a graduate student as a prank. Regardless, we need clear guidelines to ensure students learn material supporting their growth and future success.

I am unaware of book bans in Mankato.

What about that post I see about you on social media?

I did an entire blog about it: Bridging Differences, Not Dividing: A Response to Criticism

I also have videos explaining my knowledge and concerns.

Now, for some non-school-related questions:

Do you drive Teslas?
Yes, we own a Tesla and a Fiat 500e, and I also ride a PXC500 scooter that gets an impressive 105 miles per gallon. We chose electric vehicles because they’re easy—just plug in and go! They’ve required minimal maintenance over the five-plus years we’ve owned them, aside from frequent tire replacements. Our decision to drive electric was made long before EVs became political symbols.

Where do you live?
We’ve lived in Mankato for over 20 years—I came here for college and never left. We live and work downtown, embracing a walkable lifestyle, which my husband is especially passionate about.

Would you run for school board again?

Undecided, ask me again later. However, I have met some incredible people on this Journey. I have a gift for gab, so being out in the community and talking to people gives me joy. I love that people are sending me Bible and Thomas Sowell quotes and running up to give me hugs. I have become grateful for my community of wonderful people.