When this election cycle began, I told the Fredericksburg Free Press that Lee Hill voters had three distinct choices. Over the past few months, each candidate has defined their campaign. You have the only parent in the race. You have the only educator in the race. And then there’s me — the only one with leadership experience in the race.
As a professional analyst, I was trained to evaluate information objectively and make evidence-based decisions. Through years of service on five local boards, I’ve built on the leadership skills I learned in the U.S. Army. I now hope to use that experience to benefit our students, educators, and the broader community.
Many in the Lee Hill District have personally witnessed, or read about, the turmoil that engulfed our School Board in recent years. This is what happens when untested, inexperienced individuals are placed in positions of responsibility. There’s been a great deal of discussion on the campaign trail about the need to advocate for our students’ best interests — and rightfully so. But to me, that’s the most basic expectation of a School Board member.
The real challenge comes when powerful, vocal, and influential forces attempt to pressure or intimidate you into doing what’s politically expedient instead of what’s right. True leadership requires the temperament to listen carefully, seek understanding, and respond with integrity — even when you stand alone. Serving effectively means being willing to absorb criticism, to admit when you’re wrong, and to stand firm when principle demands it. Those are lessons that shouldn’t be learned on the job; the future of our schools is far too important.
The past few years have made it clear that our School Board needs members who are tested, steady, and experienced in high-stakes situations. I believe my resume is the only one that reflects such experience. We need leaders who understand that advocating for students and educators is only half the job. The other half is navigating the complex political realities that affect our schools. If we fail to do both, our schools will remain stagnant — and our students deserve far better.