Parental involvement

I am a strong supporter of parents’ rights and responsibilities in education, recognizing that not all children learn in the same way or at the same pace, and the caring and attentive adults in their life know them better than anyone else. Parents play an integral role in the education and development of every child and should be partners in their child’s education every day.  

Improved mental health support

As a Mental Health Therapist specializing in childhood trauma, I recognize the effect that a strong, supportive network of caring adults can have in the life of a child going through difficult times. School systems have a duty to care for the most vulnerable of our population, and should be equipped to do so. Teachers and staff should have the support they need in their classrooms to help every kid thrive and resources to help address the needs of the family at home. Research is clear that children who have safe home environments are able to focus and perform better academically and are more successful later in life. The school system should work to support families through resources, education, and community support to address these challenges. 

School safety

Another issue that directly affects every parent in America is safety in our schools. I know how important it is to create a safe environment for students to focus on learning. I support integrating creative solutions to promote physical safety in school facilities as well as addressing behavioral issues at their core using restorative justice programs and a firm anti-bullying (including cyber-bullying) agenda.

Music and art education

Madison County has a long history of music and the arts within our hills. Unfortunately, much of our heritage is being lost to the next generation of TikTok and screen fascination. I support revitalizing our previously award-winning Arts and Theater program, including exploration of creative ways to bring community members into the schools to teach skills and arts that are being lost. Research shows that students who participate in music and art education are less likely to miss school, are happier in their school community, and achieve higher standardized test scores in math and reading.

Increased Career and Technical Education

Our heritage also includes the incredible resource of those who care for our land. We are blessed to live in an area of the world rich in natural resources and beauty with many opportunities for agricultural careers. I support increased Career and Technical Education (CTE) to focus on Madison County’s main economic interests. Providing children with an opportunity to explore careers in agriculture and farming, culinary science, and building trades will encourage our young people to remain local and support our economy after graduation. 

Bus drivers

One major issue that Madison has experienced since COVID is a shortage of bus drivers. Bus drivers make the school system function smoothly and without them, everything starts to fall apart. I have plans to explore options opened recently by Governor Youngkin’s pilot program for smaller school systems (HB2720). Addressing the issue of transportation will help address Madison’s ongoing issue with chronic absenteeism while supporting our hardworking transportation staff.

Prioritizing academics

Strong academics are the core purpose of any school system. In recent years, Madison County has experienced declining enrollment, budget constraints, and significant academic gaps in learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Madison will need innovative methods to address these issues in the coming years. Our neighboring counties are leading the way in creative problem-solving to increase enrollment and solve financial constraints, but Madison does not have to be left behind! Academics should be the priority of our School Board with a focus on hiring and retaining high-quality educators, providing top notch instruction with a small classroom size made more possible by our small school size, and reducing loss of learning time related to external factors.  A lot can be done with the resources we have because the Madison community is creative, strong, and resilient!