Why are you running for elected office in Bedford?
My goal is to ensure that every student has the tools and opportunities they need to be the most successful in their time within our school system here in Bedford. I believe that I have the ability to work with all the stakeholders in our children’s lives to foster an environment of academic excellence and a strong foundation in core subjects, without sacrificing the development of critical thinking and creativity.
The most memorable folks are not the ones who make our students’ lives the easiest, but the ones that cared enough to set appropriate boundaries, provide modeling and can demonstrate a level of respect for the student, their family and each team member for their personal contributions during that educational journey.
Within your authority as an elected official, what issues do you plan to address in order to improve our community?
Here in Bedford, so many stakeholders are invested (and investing) in the development of our students, and it is crucial for true success to recognize EVERY incredible individual who walks with them on this journey and for them to be able to see the value of each of these team members. I want to help with open communication, help align our efforts, and apply my talents to bringing us together in reaching that goal of developing a Bedford graduate who loves their experience and is able to achieve every one of their goals. I want to work with all team members to develop a bridge of communication and transparency that will allow every stakeholder involved in the student’s life to feel confident and comfortable that we are not only sending our children out into the world with a quality education, but also the preparedness that comes from years of observing, (and in many instances) taking part in the process of practicing the key elements that are necessary for true success in every opportunity and challenge that will come their ways as adults.
How will your skills/background contribute to the position you are running for?
As an accountant and business owner I possess strong management skills, understand the importance of budgets, tracking expenses and development of a strong successful business model. I have had to adapt, adjust and change this model quickly to ensure the best possible outcome for the changing environment. There are decades of child development research, and outcome based learning models that refer to the importance of allowing opportunities to develop and demonstrate appropriate communication being as critically important as the mastery of the core subjects in the education process. Studies also indicate that “best outcomes” are achieved by observing, modeling and practicing these behaviors with one another individually and collectively in a controlled, monitored setting. I have had the opportunity to develop, implement, and monitor outcome based “wrap team models” as a result of ASFA & NCLB on a local, state and federal level to ensure that the most vulnerable population’s needs were being appropriately met. Throughout my time working in the public and private non-profit sectors, I have developed the ability to be a strong fiscally responsible, outcome based leader, as well as have strengths with limit setting, appropriate boundaries, empathy, problem solving and advocacy for all identified stakeholders.