Pasco School Board Pos 5

I originally served on the school board from 2013-2023, before resigning due to personal reasons. My reasons for running today similar to why I ran and served in the past. I believe that students and families of Pasco deserve Board members who listen to their needs and advocate for those needs. I also believe that there needs to be a renewed focus and prioritization on student achievement and fiscal responsibility at this time. I will use my past experience and knowledge, community input, and current information to make the best decisions for the students, families, and taxpayers of Pasco.

I was motivated to run for the Pasco School Board because I believe every child deserves access to a high-quality education in a safe, supportive environment. As a proud graduate of the Pasco School District and a mother of two children currently enrolled in our schools, I want to ensure that all students are given the same strong foundation that helped shape my own future. My experience organizing local small business owners during the Lewis Street Overpass project showed me just how much local leadership matters—especially when it comes to listening to and fighting for communities that are often overlooked. That experience made me realize that our voices deserve to be at the table when decisions are made, especially when it comes to our kids’ education. I’m also motivated by the need for responsible and transparent budgeting. Our district must be thoughtful with every tax dollar to ensure it is directly supporting classrooms, staff, and student success. At the same time, we must prioritize school safety, so every student, educator, and staff member feels secure and valued in our buildings. I want to bring a parent’s perspective and a community advocate’s drive to the board to make sure our schools are not only excellent, but also equitable, safe, and well-managed.

1) Collaborate and listen to the community, students, and families of Pasco before making decisions. 2) Set goals and priorities for the superintendent and district that focus on improving student achievement with the financial resources available. 3) Advocate for a renewed focus on fiscal accountability. We can not (year after year) approve expenditures that exceed the revenues that are available as we are doing now. During my previous time on the board we did not approve budgets that exceeded revenues and we need to get back to that as a board priority.

First, I believe we must focus on raising student academic achievement by providing the resources and support necessary to improve test scores and ensure all of our students are prepared for life after graduation. Whether that means pursuing higher education or entering careers in our local trades and apprenticeship programs. We must ensure they are provided multiple options. Second, it is critical that we manage our school finances responsibly. Making sure every dollar is spent wisely, transparently, and in ways that directly benefit student learning. Third, we need to strengthen community involvement by building open and honest communication with parents and families. By fostering strong partnerships, I believe this will allow our students to truly thrive.

The school board's role is to set goals and direction for the Superintendent and District to ensure an excellent learning environment for ALL students. I listen to ALL community members with an open mind, regardless of political or personal views, before making decisions. I am a community volunteer and father of four children at the elementary, middle school, and high school levels in Pasco. My decision-making process, education, and experience help me make decisions that ensure that we use resources to provide opportunities to ALL students to achieve to the best of their abilities. I am a board member who has proven that I can collaborate with other board members and the community.

I am proud that the Pasco School District takes belonging very seriously and works to meet students where they are in their learning and help them be successful academically and eventually professionally. One of the Pasco School Districts strategic goals is that 100% of our students will have meaningful connections and hope for their future. I believe it is impossible to achieve that strategic goal without working to make all students feel like they belong in school and that educators, staff, and community members are invested in their success regardless of their learning ability or background. I fully support making our schools safe spaces for our students by increasing the number of school resource officers, improving security to bar individuals from entering our schools who should not be there, and other protective measures. School districts also have a responsibility to ensure the mental and emotional safety of students along with their physical well-being. School Boards can play an important role in this by establishing a broad policy that is inclusive and makes students feel like they belong in their schools. Engaging in divisive fights over social issues can lead to dividing the community and school district and such negatively does impact student learning and feelings. As a Pasco School Board Director, I am proud of our district’s focus on student emotional and physical safety and will continue to advocate for policies and funding that ensures that all of students feel safe in and outside the classroom.

1) Improve student achievement and performance year after year, monitoring applicable data. 2) Listen to students and families to achieve continuous improvements in course offerings and student opportunities. 3) Make decisions that are fiscally responsible while progressing priorities #1 and #2 above.

1. Improving student academic outcomes School Board Directors must both oversee the Superintendent and work collaboratively with her and fellow Board members to achieve the District’s goals. One key focus for 2025–2026 school year is improving reading and math outcomes, specifically increasing the percentage of 3rd graders reading at grade level and 9th graders passing algebra. Superintendent Whitney will provide updates on progress and strategies, and I fully support these goals and targets. As a Director, my role would be to monitor the implementations, ensure accountability, and collaborate as part of a unified Board team to achieve success. I also believe our educators are essential to this work. They must have the resources, support, and professional development needed to effectively teach reading and math. By giving our educators the tools to use data for progress monitoring and tailored instruction, we can help all students reach grade-level proficiency and prepare for future academic success. 2. District budget and finances I support the decision the School Board took earlier this year to utilize 2.5% of our Board-mandated 5% reserve account and rightsize our staffing through attrition (resignations and retirements) over the next 3-5 years. It is important to note that the 5% reserve account are funds that are set aside automatically every fiscal year. These funds are not used in the budget unless directed by the Board. This approach will enable us to have sustainable budgeting over the long term without implementing an unnecessary and harmful involuntary reduction-in-force that would result in undermining student instructional services and programs and devastate families in our District and weaken our local economy. I support continuing that approach over the next few years. This strategy offers a realistic way to provide a high quality level of student instruction and keep the necessary staffing levels to provide that high quality education. 3. Ensuring no school is left behind and has the resources needed for students It is critical that the Board and District leadership ensure Pasco High and other East and Central Pasco schools receive the additional resources, staff and support they need to help every student succeed. Even with tight budgets, we must not allow any school to fall behind. Every student in our District—no matter where they live or which school they attend—deserves equitable access to high quality instruction and the preparation necessary to thrive after high school.