Why I’m Running
I believe a school board member’s primary role is to be an active and responsible participant in the board’s work, ensuring that decisions are made thoughtfully and efficiently while holding the board accountable to the public for both the education of our children and the careful stewardship of school resources. School boards must operate within the framework of the U.S. and Maine Constitutions, as well as federal and state statutes that guide school operations and protect students, parents, and employees.
I am running for school board because our community needs competent, qualified, and engaged leaders to fill the open seats. I also bring an important perspective to the current board. As a young professional with experience in teaching and academic administration at the collegiate level, I can contribute a thoughtful, informed voice that supports strong governance and the continued success of our schools.
My top priorities are:
- Supporting excellence in teaching and learning by ensuring that educators have the resources, training, and trust they need to do their jobs effectively.
- Building transparency and accountability in board decision-making, so that the community feels informed and connected to the work being done on its behalf.
- Expanding participation and representation across the district, particularly for parents, students, and community members who may not always have access to or confidence in formal processes of governance.
Having grown up in Belfast, I bring significant lived experience and a deep understanding of our community’s needs, values, and challenges. Professionally, I have extensive experience as an educator and academic administrator, including teaching at Virginia Tech’s School of Architecture, teaching summer studios for high school students at Tulane University, and leading international study programs with Smithsonian Student Travel and Putney Student Travel. These roles have given me a strong foundation in classroom management, curriculum design, and the creation of empowering learning environments for students of all ages. I have also served on committees and in academic leadership roles, including college-wide Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committees and as a thesis coordinator overseeing large programs of students and faculty, which strengthened my ability to listen carefully, collaborate effectively, and make balanced, informed decisions.
I view our school community as an interconnected ecosystem of teachers, students, parents, administrators, staff, and taxpayers. Strengthening relationships across these groups is essential. Teachers, in particular, are the heart of our system, serving as educators, mentors, and leaders every day. As a board member, I will prioritize supporting them with the resources, time, and trust they need to succeed. When we invest in teachers, we invest in students, families, and the long-term vitality of our community.
I understand that school board members often face complex and sometimes controversial issues. My approach is grounded in listening, transparency, and a commitment to fairness. My training as an architect has prepared me to hold multiple perspectives, navigate complex systems, and find balanced solutions when priorities conflict. At Virginia Tech, I served on an international search committee for a new School Director, managing a highly visible and contentious process while advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion. That experience taught me the value of diplomacy, empathy, and clear communication—skills I will bring to every decision as a school board member.
Understanding the needs of all students and district employees begins with active listening and consistent presence. I plan to spend time in our schools, attending events, visiting classrooms, and maintaining open communication with teachers, staff, and families. Good governance depends on understanding how all parts of the school system connect, and I am committed to engaging with both schools and the broader community to ensure that decisions are informed, equitable, and responsive.
My vision for our local schools is to transform them into vibrant centers of learning and engagement, where every student has access to a diverse array of programs that meet their individual needs and prepare them for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century. I want to expand offerings in the arts, theater, athletics, technical skills, and horticulture, while strengthening digital literacy and civics education. Schools should be accessible, equitable, and high-quality institutions, offering meaningful, real-world learning opportunities through partnerships with local organizations and community members. Ultimately, I want our schools to be the heart of our community—places where residents feel invited to attend concerts, celebrate student achievements, engage with the creative and academic work being done, and take pride in the role our schools play in shaping the future of the greater Belfast community.