Meet the Board

I am honored to serve as an advocate for the Centralia School District. I strongly support the Mission Statement of our current Strategic Plan, which guides the decisions of both the Board and the Administration:

 

"Through attending Centralia Schools, students graduate career and college ready, sucesfully prepared for a diverse and changing world."

 

The accompanying focus on student learning reflects our community's expectations:

 

 

I view these statements not only as goals, but as both an obligation and a commitment. I hold myself to these standards and strive to empower the Board and Superintendent to foster a community of engaged citizens, families, students, educators, and business leaders dedicated to achieving and sustaining Excellence in Education. 

 

I have spent nearly 15 years working in public education. My husband and I recently settled into our home on Seward Avenue, and we are deeply invested in the Centralia community. We stay actively engaged in many ways- through ministry, our work as public school employees, my role as an adjunct professor teaching elementary math methods, and as parents of children attending Centralia schools.

 

I see my role on the board as another opportunity to contribute positively to the community I care about. I am committed to supporting students, families, and staff by asking thoughtful questions, engaging in meaningful dialogue, and celebrating the many successes within our schools. I believe that the decisions we make today shape the future for our children, and I am dedicated to serving with the responsibility in mind. 

Raised in Lewis County, I understand the values our community holds most strongly, and protecting our children is my top priority. Every student and staff member deserves to feel safe and supported in their school environment. I am committed to advocating for student well-being, ensuring transparency in how decisions are made, and promoting the use of age-appropriate, academically focused curriculum. As a parent, I believe families deserve clear communication about how tax dollars are spent and how the district prioritizes resources. 

 

I support strengthening leadership within our schools and investing in educators who are passionate about preparing students for success. Parents are essential partners in education, and I believe our schools should remain focused on learning by minimizing divisive influences and emphasizing academic growth. I will also champion extracurricular opportunities that build character, collaboration, and leadership. Community trust grows through openness and shared purpose, and I am dedicated to helping create a safe, student-centered environment that reflects the values of Lewis County. 

With seven years of service on the Centralia City Council, I bring extensive experience in strategic planning, collaborative decision-making, and community engagement. My background in local governance has strengthened by ability to navigate complex challenges, build consensus, and develop initiatives that serve the best interests of the community. I am eager to bring this perspective to the Centralia School Board, where I can support efforts that ensure strong leadership, responsible stewardship, and an educational environment in which students and staff can thrive. 

 

My investment in the district is also deeply personal--I have six children attending Centralia schools at every level, which fuels my commitment to fostering opportunities for all students. Through my nonprofit work, I have helped reintroduce Business Week for juniors, provided free community events for Lewis County families, developed a Driver's Education Scholarship program, and collaborated with district leaders to expand cultural and artistic programs for students. I am dedicated to helping build a district where every child has the chance to succeed and every family feels supported.

I believe the role of a school board member is to ensure the district remains aligned with the values and priorities of its community, and I am committed to helping Centralia regain the confidence of its families. With 36 years of experience as an educator, I bring a depth of insight that allows me to understand the impact of curriculum decisions, state mandates, and instructional expectations. I want to know why so many students are choosing to leave our district despite living here, and more importantly, I want to bring them back by strengthening the quality and consistency of our schools. As the district prepares to release its new strategic plan, I view it as a tool for transparency, accountability, and improving how we invest tax dollars to support student success.

 

I am dedicated to working in partnership with the superintendent, board members, staff, and the community to ensure that every decision serves the best interest of students. I will expect strong outcomes for our district and will hold myself--and all of us--accountable for meeting them. With the time, experience, and God-given gifts I have been entrusted with, I am ready to communicate openly, lead effectively, and advocate for the high-quality educational experience our community deserves.