Q and A

Why are you running for Tumwater school board?

The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) Financial Health Indicators report has flagged Tumwater with poor financial health. This isn't just a number on a report--it's a warning sign that we can't afford to ignore.

My opponent, Melissa Beard has been on the Tumwater School Board for nine years. During that time, our district went from a healthy budget surplus to a troubling deficit.  Instead of fulfilling her role as an elected official to represent the district as a whole, Beard was in the pocket of the teachers' union.  When controversy recently arose again for Tumwater, she resigned as Board President rather than lead through tough times. When a five million dollar deficit emerged under her leadership as CFO of the Steilacoom School District, she resigned again, leaving that district in financial crisis as well. 

Tumwater can't afford Melissa Beard for another four years.  We need accountable leadership that takes responsibility, leads through difficult times, and gets results.  

What are your main priorities?

My main priorities for the district are:

• Ensuring Tumwater leads in Washington State academic standards and outcomes.

• Ensuring that Black Hills has the resources and partnership needed for equal success.

• Providing a safe and welcoming environment that fosters learning in all Tumwater schools by supporting our School Resource Officer Program, community engagement, and providing educators with what they need for success in the classroom.

• Reworking a sustainable and responsible budget that prioritizes students, maintains essential programs, services, educator needs, and maintains accountability to the taxpayer.

What are your thoughts on parental rights?

As a Tumwater school board member upholding parental rights is of utmost importance to me. 
Parents are the primary caregivers and decision-makers in a child’s life. While schools play an important role in education, it is ultimately the parent’s responsibility and right to guide their child’s upbringing, values, and well-being. Protecting parental rights in the school system ensures that education remains a partnership between families and educators—not a replacement for the family.

When parents are respected as the first authority in their child’s life, schools are stronger, students thrive, and communities are healthier. Parents must have a voice in what their children are taught, access to school policies and curriculum, and the freedom to make choices that align with their family’s values.

Safeguarding these rights is not just about individual families—it’s about preserving trust, accountability, and transparency in education. Schools should support parents, not sideline them. Upholding parental rights guarantees that children grow up with both the knowledge they need to succeed and the moral foundation their families provide.

What is your stance on female athletics?

I believe all students should be offered the opportunity to play sports. I believe WIAA should listen to the majority on this issue and ensure that girls have the opportunity to participate on a competitive but fair playing field. I would support WIAA amending the rules to base sporting categories on biological sex. Girls should not have to worry about boys or men in their sports, locker rooms, or private spaces.

What is your position on taking endorsements?

Most important to me are endorsements from the community, students, parents, and individual educators. This is a non-partisan position, and I do not believe it is appropriate to seek or take endorsements from any political party or organization (as my opponent has done). I also do not believe it is appropriate to seek or take endorsements from the Teacher’s Union due to conflict of interest as a board director. While I support teachers and unionization if they choose, my obligations are ultimately to serve the students in our district.