1. What is your position on the Board? What district do you represent? When did your appointment begin, and when does it end?
I am acting Secretary. I represent District A, and I am serving a four year term and was voted into my position in November of 2021.
2. Can you tell me about your history in Garfield Re-2? (Ex. How long have you lived here? Do you have kids that go to school in the district? Are you married to an employee?)
We have been living in the district since we moved to the western slope in 2014, first in Silt and now in Rifle. My oldest son Brandon graduated in 2018 from Rifle High with an International Baccalaureate and my youngest son Toto is finishing his Senior year at Rifle High School.
3. Why did you want to join the Board, and what are the duties of your current role?
I felt it was time for action. I was overhearing too many people complain about the current situation or had complaints about how the current board was doing its business, but I didn’t see people putting their name in the hat for the open positions. There are so many opportunities to get involved. You CAN make a difference. Even back then I knew that this was going to be a thankless job, tons of time and as difficult as all get out but I really felt I wanted to help be a part of the district. My duties as the secretary are to verify the accuracy of the meeting minutes, sign off on contracts and other duties as assigned.
4. What were your motivations for serving on the Garfield Re-2 Board of Education?
My motives are simple: I want the schools in my community to be top performing. I want the kids who come through Re-2 to be armed for success and to help lead our country. I want to be a part of the school board that helps our community heal, innovate learning and puts student success above all else.
5. Who are your role models in terms of leadership and service?
I look up to the men and women in uniform. As an Army Veteran I have worn those boots. The people who volunteer to do the work no one else wants to do, inspires me. I look to the four other people on the board who are sacrificing their time, energy and sanity at times for this district and I want to help them succeed.
6. Do you have a favorite book, film or quote about education or leadership?
“Night” by Elie Wiesel, my favorite quote from him: “We must take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented. Sometimes we must interfere. When human lives are endangered, when human dignity is in jeopardy, national borders and sensitivities become irrelevant. Wherever men and women are persecuted because of their race, religion, or political views, that place must-at that moment-become the center of the universe.”
7. If you’re a veteran member, what has been the best part or the hardest part about serving on the board so far? If you’re a new member, what are you most looking forward to?
As a new member I am looking forward to creating the district's Strategic Plan. I am also excited about doing the community round tables and working with the District Accountability team.
8. Did you have a teacher or an educator that made an impact on your life? If so, please tell us about them.
Not a single teacher or educator but I think my whole experience in high school impacted my life. I am from a small town in Northwestern Missouri and I graduated with 43 others. Our school was so small k-12 was in the same building. The teachers we had in elementary were at your graduation. Growing up in this environment it was important for me to find a school that would give my boys a similar experience. With what has happened with COVID it has robbed many kids of that. I am ready to put in the necessary work to be sure we can see our kids smiling faces on graduation day.