Advancing student achievement through support for students and educators, ensuring fiscal responsibility and long-term financial stability, and providing collaborative, student-centered leadership.

What do you see as the most pressing issue currently facing the district? What will be your approach to addressing it?

The most pressing issue facing Beech Grove City Schools is ensuring long-term financial stability while continuing to provide every student with a high-quality education. Like many school districts across Indiana, Beech Grove is faced with the difficult decision of pursuing an operating referendum to address immediate funding needs and avoid cuts that could impact students, teachers and classrooms. While the referendum is an important short-term solution, we must also continue working toward a sustainable, long-term funding model. My approach will be to make fiscally responsible decisions, maintain open communication with our community, and collaborate with state leaders to advocate for lasting solutions. Our students shouldn’t have to wait for long-term policy changes to receive the education and opportunities they deserve.

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

One area I believe we should continue to focus on is ensuring every student builds strong foundational skills while also expanding opportunities that prepare them for life after graduation. That means strengthening early literacy, supporting academic growth at every grade level, and providing students with pathways to college, careers and skilled trades. Every student should graduate with the knowledge, skills and opportunities to succeed in whatever future they choose.

Affordability and finances are top of mind for districts and voters. What will be your approach to district finances?

Affordability and fiscal responsibility must remain top priorities. Beech Grove has made significant progress over the past several years, and I commend the superintendent and school board for making difficult, but necessary decisions to strengthen the district’s financial position, while keeping students at the center of those decisions. My approach will be to build on that work by making thoughtful, transparent financial decisions, ensuring taxpayer dollars are used responsibly, and continuing to advocate for long-term funding solutions at the state level. Every budget decision should support student success while protecting the district’s financial future.

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

I believe effective leadership begins with listening. I will engage with parents, students, teachers, staff and community members by being accessible, attending school and community events, and encouraging open, respectful dialogue. Community feedback is an important part of the decision-making process, because those closest to our schools provide valuable perspectives. While every decision must ultimately be based on what is in the best interest of all Beech Grove students, I am committed to ensuring our community feels heard, informed and represented throughout that process.

Do you support the district’s effort to pursue a renewal of its operating referendum at a rate not to exceed 57 cents? Why or why not?

A: Yes. I support the district’s efforts to renew the operating referendum at a rate not to exceed 57 cents because it provides critical funding needed to maintain the high-quality education our students deserve, while avoiding unnecessary impacts on classrooms, teachers and essential student programs. Like many school districts across Indiana, Beech Grove is facing financial challenges that cannot be solved by local efforts alone. While I believe we must continue advocating for long-term improvements to the state’s school funding formula, we also have a responsibility to address today’s needs so our students are not left behind. Supporting this renewal is a fiscally responsible step that helps provide stability as we work toward sustainable, long-term funding solutions.