The following letter to the editor was prompted by concerns from some teachers who felt they could not speak to the school board. In reality, anyone has the right to speak to any elected official—especially about the policies or mandates those officials create.

Printed in the Free Press July 29th

Since joining the school board, I’ve often been asked: “Who can reach out to you?” The answer is simple—anyone. I especially want to hear from staff, who see firsthand whether our policies are working or need adjustment.

I’ve joined many community groups to stay connected, but I know I can do more. Elected representatives work for you, and we should be reaching out—in person, online, and in print. You deserve to know: What are we thinking? What are we hearing? How are we representing you?

At events and in quiet conversations, I’ve heard heartbreaking stories—of addiction, bullying, abuse, mental health struggles, and financial stress. Often they begin, “I feel like a nobody.” But they’re not. These are the people quietly holding up our schools, families, and neighborhoods.

Meanwhile, we glorify influencers and politicians who rarely show the courage or compassion of these everyday heroes.

We live in a time of digital overload. By age 30, many teens will have spent 30,000 hours on social media. We’re more connected online but increasingly detached in real life. The costs are real.

And still, I see hope: mentors guiding youth, local businesses stepping up, volunteers helping—not for photo ops, but because they genuinely care.

Leadership doesn’t always come from the top. It rises from teachers, veterans, students, small business owners—the ones who quietly show up.

When experiencing difficult times, it’s the quiet helpers who remind us what real strength looks like. I call them service leaders—the ones driving change not with headlines, but with heart. They are the ones shaping the new narrative built on compassion.