(10/28) I’m running for Board of Education now for the same reason I did the first time: because I’m a mom. I never cared much for politics and just wanted to help students. I would rather talk about how I can serve others than talk about myself. I would rather ask for support than money, and I can spend hours telling you about all of the incredible students we have in Frederick County. Parents would rather talk about how they can help students and focus their energy on the things that really matter to families.

As a local parent and eye doctor, I love spending time talking with others about their experiences with FCPS. I try to spend the majority of the conversation listening and learning their perspective, not imposing my views on them. I actively listen to students, parents, teachers, FCPS staT and community members. We celebrate successes together, brainstorm solutions to problems. Sometimes I am a just a safe place to vent fears and frustrations. Whenever needed, I turn those conversations into action.

National politics tends to get the most attention, but local elections are the most important because they have the most direct impact to your day-to-day life. Last night, I met a fellow FCPS graduate. She had just moved back and was amazed at how many of her friends had chosen to return and raise their families here and how special that makes Frederick County. I couldn't agree more. My priority on the Board has been to make our schools truly reXective of and an integral part of the communities that they serve.

That can be hard with some organizations pushing their national political priorities here in Frederick. Board members need to be objective when it comes to negotiating salaries. I’ve never accepted the union’s endorsement for this reason because I didn’t want to be beholden to them or anyone. My priority has been supporting our staT so that they can better serve our students and their families. I support budgets that focus on the classroom and did not vote to increase our class sizes, a decision that the Board is still trying to recover from. I would like more personalized staUng models for our schools in order to better meet the needs of the students and not just driven from formulas.

We can celebrate our diTerences but keep our focus on being "One Frederick County". The partnership between FCC and FCPS is a model for the State. Frederick County government and FCPS work together to Wnd ways to save taxpayer dollars. FCPS partners with our SheriT, city and municipality law enforcement and Wrst responders to increase safety in our schools. I support special education and formed a special education work group focused on improving communication and implementation of special education services. I support educational opportunities that are as unique as the students we serve. Charter schools, virtual school, dual-enrollment with FCC, career pathway certiWcations, apprenticeships and internships all help provide students an education that will help them achieve their goals.