Forest Hills Council Q&A
Prior to Forest Hills Council Meet the Candidate Night, all candidates were given an opportunity to answer the same five questions.
What are your reasons for seeking a position on the Board?
We have an incredible school district, made up of great students, parents, teachers, administrators and a supportive community. The last couple years have provided unprecedented challenges and our district needs someone with leadership experience to help guide decisions for the betterment of all. I have the skills, the knowledge and the determination to continue work through our current and future challenges.
What specific strengths would you bring to the board table?
First and foremost, experience. Our last board had an unprecedented number of new members for a Forest Hills School Board, with 14 years experience combined at the beginning of 2020 (10 years, 2, 2, 0, 0). New members are instrumental to bring new ideas and vitality to the board. But this job is complex, multifaceted and truly humbling. A district as large and prestigious as ours needs veteran leadership, someone who has been there. I bring 12 years of experience, and a strong desire to continue the excellence of our schools.
Second, collaboration: I am skilled at taking diverse (even divergent) ideas, finding common threads, then formulating collaborative solutions. Importantly, especially with the current issues facing the District, I am a consensus-builder, applying a thoughtful, open-minded and level-headed approach to challenges as they arise.
In what school or community activities have you been involved?
What are 2 strengths of which our district can be proud? Why do you see these as strengths?
Unwavering commitment to our children. People change, administrations change, teachers change - but this district always puts our students first. And I will do my best to keep the focus on them.
Value. We produce excellent results. And we accomplish those results at a cost less than the majority of districts in Hamilton County. To do this takes a strong collaboration between administration, staff and our community. And I believe we do that better than anyone.
What do you see as the major issue facing our school district?
One thing I have learned over the years in this position is that issues arise constantly. The issues that have dominated our meetings over the past few months were complete unknowns last year. I now have 12 years of experience dealing with issues as they arise, - facilities, curriculum, human resources, state mandates, changes in leadership, township/village/park collaboration, student wellness, teacher/administrator turnover, legal challenges and more.
That said, finances remain the top issue facing our district as well as every public school district in the state. The unconstitutional reliance on property taxes, combined with a funding system that, by law, does not account for inflation, forces this issue to the forefront. Forest Hills provides outstanding value for the taxpayer dollar with Excellent results at below average costs. And that is a testament to our incredible team of teachers, administrators and staff. I have the experience and perspective to help guide our district with the challenges to come.
What are your reasons for seeking a position on the Board?
We have an incredible school district, made up of great students, parents, teachers, administrators and a supportive community. The last couple years have provided unprecedented challenges and our district needs someone with leadership experience to help guide decisions for the betterment of all. I have the skills, the knowledge and the determination to continue work through our current and future challenges.
What specific strengths would you bring to the board table?
First and foremost, experience. Our last board had an unprecedented number of new members for a Forest Hills School Board, with 14 years experience combined at the beginning of 2020 (10 years, 2, 2, 0, 0). New members are instrumental to bring new ideas and vitality to the board. But this job is complex, multifaceted and truly humbling. A district as large and prestigious as ours needs veteran leadership, someone who has been there. I bring 12 years of experience, and a strong desire to continue the excellence of our schools.
Second, collaboration: I am skilled at taking diverse (even divergent) ideas, finding common threads, then formulating collaborative solutions. Importantly, especially with the current issues facing the District, I am a consensus-builder, applying a thoughtful, open-minded and level-headed approach to challenges as they arise.
In what school or community activities have you been involved?
- Elected by my board colleagues to be School Board President 5 years and Vice President 3 years
- Served on the Finance Committee, Technology and Learning Committee, Tax Increment Finance Committee, Facilities Committee, Legislative Liaison, etc.
- Worked with 10 board members, 4 superintendents, 3 treasurers
- Volunteered for over 10 levy requests and 2 bond issues, extremely involved in 2 successful levy campaigns and both bond campaigns (1 for 2 success on those)
- Habitual volunteer (Knothole coach x 12 years; ATLL coach, basketball, soccer, softball over the years; announcer for girls JV and varsity soccer and basketball, etc.)
- Member of the Wilson PTA/PTO for ~12 years, Nagel PTO for ~7 years, Turpin PTO for ~7 years, Board representative Sherwood, Wilson, Turpin
- FHIMA, Forest Hills Band booster
- Highest level athletic booster at Turpin and Anderson for 5+ years -greatly increased the collaboration with the township, park district
- Forest Hills Foundation of Education Soirees, golf outings, ran in every FH5K including early in one that I announced at the finish
- 6th grade Olympics, Walk-a-thons, Wilson Gala, Anderson Hills UMC Vets softball x 40 years
What are 2 strengths of which our district can be proud? Why do you see these as strengths?
Unwavering commitment to our children. People change, administrations change, teachers change - but this district always puts our students first. And I will do my best to keep the focus on them.
Value. We produce excellent results. And we accomplish those results at a cost less than the majority of districts in Hamilton County. To do this takes a strong collaboration between administration, staff and our community. And I believe we do that better than anyone.
What do you see as the major issue facing our school district?
One thing I have learned over the years in this position is that issues arise constantly. The issues that have dominated our meetings over the past few months were complete unknowns last year. I now have 12 years of experience dealing with issues as they arise, - facilities, curriculum, human resources, state mandates, changes in leadership, township/village/park collaboration, student wellness, teacher/administrator turnover, legal challenges and more.
That said, finances remain the top issue facing our district as well as every public school district in the state. The unconstitutional reliance on property taxes, combined with a funding system that, by law, does not account for inflation, forces this issue to the forefront. Forest Hills provides outstanding value for the taxpayer dollar with Excellent results at below average costs. And that is a testament to our incredible team of teachers, administrators and staff. I have the experience and perspective to help guide our district with the challenges to come.
