How many years have you been in the school business profession?
23 years
How did you first learn about and then become involved in the school business profession?
I come from a family of educators and school employees with a grandfather who was a school board member for over 20 years.
What is your proudest career accomplishment?
I feel staying in one district has been an accomplishment that has allowed me to make a difference by building long-term relationships and trust in our community. Most recently, I started the discussion of how to fund a new central elementary school and lowering property taxes in the meantime. The new elementary will open in 2026 and we did lower property taxes as promised.
What do you feel is the most important part of your job?
It is important to work as a team to bring the finances and education together in a manner that the district is providing a quality education but doing so within the premise that these are tax dollars and these decisions reflect that.
What is one thing you feel makes your district unique in the state?
Our declining enrollment is due to the Amish moving to the western side of our county and into our school district. The majority do not attend public school and their buying power for land comes from a fund that provides money fast and without application, giving them buying power that drives values up higher than typical.
What is at the top of your professional bucket list?
I would like to improve my skills to advocate more for public education at the statehouse. I feel we are at an integral crossroads in public education and the work by the educators and administrators in our districts is minimized and losing value to the decisions makers.
What is something your colleagues would be surprised to learn about you?
I have a growing Yeti addiction that does not match my want versus need conversation I often have in my profession.
If you were an animal, what animal would you be?
A Labrador dog because they are loyal, loving and always friendly.
Favorite TV Show?
Right now, Landman.
Favorite Movie?
Shawshank Redemption
Favorite Food?
Mexican food
What is one of your favorite expressions?
My children would roll their eyes at this... YOLO baby! You only live once so have fun and don't sweat the small stuff.
When someone finds out what you do, what's one of the first questions they always ask you?
Has school funding been fixed yet?
What has been the best, or your favorite part, of being involved in OASBO?
The support through both the organization and the colleagues during the best and worst of the times.