If you have kids – Do they attend or have they graduated from IPS schools? If not, where do/did they attend?

N/A

What prompted you to run this year?

I decided to run because I believe IPS is at an important moment, and I want to be part of making sure the decisions ahead are centered on students. As an educator, I see how decisions made at the district level affect students, families, and educators. I believe the district needs leadership that is willing to listen, ask hard questions, work with others, and keep students at the center of the conversation.

What is the most pressing student needs issue facing the district? How will you address it?

I believe literacy proficiency is one of the most pressing student needs facing the district. Reading is the foundation for success in every subject, and students who struggle to read proficiently can face challenges throughout their education. We need to identify students who need additional support earlier, make sure educators have the resources and professional development they need, and use student data to target interventions. I also want to build on the progress schools have already made rather than ignoring the areas where students are still struggling.

What area of academics do you think the district needs to focus on and why?

Reading proficiency needs to remain a major academic priority. Only about half of IPS elementary schools achieved a 75% pass rate on the 2026 IREAD test. While many schools have shown growth and scores continue to improve from the pandemic period, we still have work to do. Students need strong literacy skills to succeed in every other area of school, and we need to make sure struggling readers receive the support they need early.

As Indianapolis education begins this new phase with the addition of IPEC, how should the board approach its relationship with IPEC?

I see IPEC as an opportunity for greater collaboration and partnership across Indianapolis public education. IPEC should help expand educational opportunities and improve outcomes for students while remaining accountable to the public. The IPS board has a responsibility to make sure the district’s interests and the voices of our families are represented. IPEC should work with the school board, not around it.

Do you support the IPEC referendum and the rate? Why or why not?

I support the IPEC referendum because the consequences of it not passing are too serious for students, families, and educators. In a perfect world, the state would fully fund public education so local communities would not have to rely as heavily on referendums to fill funding gaps. Unfortunately, that is not where we are today. Waiting for a change in state policy does not address the challenges IPS faces right now. If the referendum fails, the district would face significant cuts that could put jobs at risk, reduce opportunities for students, and make it harder for IPS to move forward.

IPS recently made budget cuts and will need to make more cuts even if the referendum passes. What will be your approach to budget cut decisions? Are there other ways IPS can bring in money beyond the referendum?

My first priority will be protecting students from unnecessary impacts. We need to look carefully at every area of the budget and identify savings that have the least effect on classrooms, students, and families. Schools are part of the foundation of our neighborhoods, so we also need to consider how cuts affect different communities and make sure we are not unintentionally placing a greater burden on certain neighborhoods. I also believe IPS should continue working with state lawmakers to address funding gaps, particularly around special education.

How will you engage with the community if elected? What role will their feedback have in your decision making?

I believe community engagement means being present and accessible, not just asking for feedback when a major decision is already made. I want to meet people where they are and provide multiple ways for families, educators, and community members to share their concerns and ideas. I plan to attend community meetings, visit schools, and proactively seek input on issues facing the district. That feedback will matter when I make decisions because board members are elected to represent the people of the community.

Outside money to fund campaigns has been a huge factor in previous IPS school board elections. Will you accept any donations from outside special interest groups? Why or why not?

I will accept financial support from individuals and organizations whose values and vision are consistent with my commitment to serving every student and every school. At the same time, accepting a contribution will never mean giving up my responsibility to make independent decisions. My obligation as a board member would be to students, families, and the community I represent.