I am running because I am passionate about serving to ensure Cherokee County School District provides an excellent education for all of our students.  As a proud parent of three Woodstock Wolverines, I know CCSD has served our children well.  As someone who teaches at Kennesaw State University, served public health for over 25 years, is a parent of children who are active in NROTC and athletics, and served as a member of the Woodstock High School Council, I know how incredibly valuable the entire school community is to the success of the school and its students.  In order for our students to succeed, parents and teachers must be engaged, and right now many parents and teachers feel like their concerns are not being heard or addressed.

I believe we are facing a challenge from the mainstream media specific to social issues and indoctrination.  I believe neither students nor faculty should be restricted or fear expressing their faith at school.  Parents must be informed and empowered to speak on behalf of their children, most importantly when it comes to curriculum issues.  Money should follow the student, and school choice and options should be open to all.  I believe mandates don’t take into account individual circumstances and remove freedoms from families who want to choose what is best for their children.  We must empower rather than prescribe a “one-size” fits all approach. 

As a small business owner and public health leader, I know the impact of effective community partnerships.  We must work together to give our kids the education they deserve, and I want to join the board to make that happen.  I am an 18-year resident of Woodstock, past soccer and football coach, and someone committed to community building with a proven record of getting things done.  I am a collaborator, who brings people together, fosters trust, builds consensus and develops sustainable relationships – skills needed to serve and benefit our kids and community.  I want to bring my skills, experience and relationships which I have built over the past 18-years in Woodstock to develop a more collaborative approach that leverages the talents, passion, and expertise of everyone to create successful outcomes for all our students.