BOE EXPERIENCE

I was motivated to join the board in 2021 because coming out of the pandemic I knew we had a unique opportunity to examine what we were doing right as a district, and where we could make changes.

I am very proud of the work I have done on the board on behalf of the community for the past three years, accomplishing many of the goals on my original platform including:

• Nurtured Consistent Leadership: I am proud that I was on the board that hired our superintendent, Dr. Bill McKersie! As many people remember, Hastings had issues in the past in keeping superintendents in the district. As Vice President I have had the pleasure and honor of working very closely with Dr. McKersie over the past two years and he told me that he finds my insights and collaboration "invaluable."

• Supported a Strong Foundation for our Future: Approving and helping to direct the Portrait of a Hastings Learner (POHL). For many years various Hastings BOEs spoke about the need to develop a framework to define who we are as a school community and our next level of work. I was a part of the board that finally brought this to life. During my tenure on the board, we have finally taken the steps that will be the foundation of our school district for decades to come.

• Created the Communications Committee: I created the Communication Committee with Dr. Lang to streamline and enhance the district communication. That committee informed a more clear, concise and effective communications strategy, including the elimination of daily emails, the creation of a weekly district-wide email, the direct communication from the superintendent, the Whom to Contact clear guidelines for parents to ask a question or express a concern, and the revamping of hohschools.org.  

• Smart Technology: Any board member will tell you, this is an issue of which I am very passionate. We know our children are suffering socially and emotionally because of excessive screen time. I was a strong advocate for the newly created Technology Committee, serving as one of the two board representatives. I want to support the administration in ensuring our children have as much screen-free days as possible, to foster their imagination and social skills.

• Diverse Voices: As a member of the Policy committee, I helped to shape a policy for diversity that is truly inclusive, recognizing the importance of the diverse viewpoints and experiences of every student.