Candidate Statement

I am asking for your vote for Mercer Island School Board Director in order to serve our community and make a positive difference for students. I believe deeply in our schools and the power of public education to shape bright futures for all of our young Islanders, and I know we achieve the best results when we listen to each other and work together—especially across our differences.Our schools are a pillar of our community, and I am committed to ensuring they continue to be a place where every young Islander can learn, grow, and thrive.

In the nearly 10 years I have had children in MISD, I have learned how much this community cares about our children’s futures. My experience as a coach, volunteer, PTA leader, and now PTA Council President has given me the opportunity to listen to a wide range of voices and learn from families with different experiences and viewpoints. Those conversations have made me a better leader, and I want to bring that same spirit of curiosity and collaboration to the School Board. My background in finance and my time as a U.S. Navy Officer have also helped prepare me to approach challenges with a balanced, solutions-oriented perspective. Now I'm ready to bring my experience, leadership, and deep commitment to public education to the Mercer Island School Board because I see areas where I can help strengthen our schools for everyone. 

Like many parents, my wife and I have faced difficult decisions regarding our own children's education. In 2020, when schools were closed to in-person instruction, our family made the challenging choice to move one of our children to an independent school. This experience has given me firsthand insight into the concerns parents face and the importance of responsive, adaptable public education that meets the needs of all students. I recognize that, just like my my family, there are many on Mercer Island who can and will pursue the very best educational options for their students. This fact only heightens our responsibility as a school district to make our schools the first choice for families on Mercer Island.

My family has also benefited from the wide range of services MISD offers—from the HiCap program at Lakeridge, to paraprofessional reading support at Island Park, and outstanding MIYFS counselors in all of our schools. But I also recognize that not every family experiences our schools the same way. My experience as a parent and volunteer in our schools has given me insight into the resources our district has to offer, including areas in which we can continue to grow.  

I have heard from families who feel our schools can do better in a number of areas, including math pathways, college counseling and readiness, meeting the needs of all students with learning differences, and ensuring that our district is spending its limited funds wisely. And the vigorous debate surrounding the bond this past spring revealed that many in our community had real questions around the process for bringing the bond to the community, and felt a need for additional transparency from District leadership. I hear you. I will work for you.

I have a demonstrated history of working constructively with families, teachers, and district administration to make our Island's schools the very best they can be. And I strongly believe this collaboration is essential to maintaining and improving the exceptional education Mercer Island is known for. I am committed to continuing to build a district that supports all our kids. Every student deserves access to an excellent education, and I am dedicated to fostering a supportive, inclusive, and high-achieving school environment. My motivation is straightforward—I want to help create spaces where students thrive. Whether in the classroom, co-curricular activities, or on the field, all of our children should have every opportunity to succeed.

I’m running for School Board because I believe in this community, and in the possibility of progress through collaboration. I would be honored to earn your vote and your trust.