As a mother of two current students, I care deeply about the schools our children attend, the experiences they have each day, and the community we build around them. Like all families, I want our children to feel safe, supported, challenged, and valued. I believe strong schools are built when families, teachers, staff, students, and neighbors work together with a shared commitment to helping every child succeed. My perspective as a mother of two students is the most important reason I am interested in serving on the school board. I understand how much trust families place in our schools, and I believe that trust should be met with open communication, thoughtful decision-making, and respect for the many voices in our community. My work as a veterinarian and scientist has taught me the value of early education, the importance of listening carefully, asking good questions, reviewing information, and making decisions based on facts while still considering the real people affected by those decisions. I have also learned the value of teamwork, accountability, and responsible stewardship of resources. These are qualities I would bring to school board service. I believe our schools should prepare students not only academically, but also as thoughtful, capable, and compassionate members of the community. That includes supporting strong learning opportunities, safe and welcoming school environments, and the resources teachers and staff need to do their best work. I also believe that diversity is one of our community’s strengths. Our school board should reflect and respect the different backgrounds, experiences, viewpoints, and needs of the families it serves. When a board includes a variety of perspectives, it is better able to ask meaningful questions, consider the impact of its decisions, and build trust across the community. I would welcome input from people with different experiences and political affiliations, because our shared focus should be what is best for students. If elected, I would work to support transparency, fiscal responsibility, academic excellence, and a positive school environment for all students. I would listen with respect, communicate honestly, and approach challenges with a willingness to learn and collaborate. Together, we can strengthen our schools, support our educators, and continue building a welcoming school community where every student has the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed.