top of page

My Commitment

At Carmel Clay Schools, our award-winning district is a beacon of excellence, consistently ranked among Indiana’s (and the nation's!) finest for academic achievement, innovative programming, and community pride. Yet, maintaining this standard of excellence is no easy feat. Rising costs, state funding challenges, and the continual need for improvement demand bold leadership and clear priorities. My commitments as a school board candidate are rooted in ensuring Student Success so every learner can thrive, fostering Community Engagement to keep our families and educators connected, and championing Smart Stewardship to responsibly manage our budget while investing in every child’s future. These pillars guide my vision to sustain our district’s greatness and build an even stronger tomorrow.

Excellence is a moving target.
Let's get even better, together.

Focus Areas
Student Success

 

Student success begins with recognizing that achievement looks different for every child, and that their ability to reach their full potential greatly depends on the environment we create around them. Each child's success is driven by three areas:

 

Safety & Well-Being

Every child's ability to best learn and thrive begins with feeling safe and supported. A safe and encouraging environment allows students to take risks, explore new ideas, and build confidence. Fostering belonging and maintaining a culture of respect are essential to every student’s foundation for success.

 

Academic & Extracurricular Excellence
Carmel Clay Schools has earned national recognition for its outstanding academic programs  from rigorous AP and dual credit courses to innovative options like the Carmel High School Polytechnic program, which provides hands-on workforce learning. Success also extends beyond the classroom through arts, athletics, and clubs that help students discover passions and develop leadership, teamwork, and creativity. Whether a student is college-bound, career-focused, or exploring their own unique path, our district must continue to offer diverse opportunities that meet them where they are.

Empowering & Retaining Great Teachers
Student success depends on teacher success. We must continue to attract and retain exceptional educators by offering competitive pay, strong professional development, and a culture of respect and collaboration. When teachers feel valued and supported, they can inspire students to reach new heights and take pride in being part of a district that prioritizes excellence at every level.

 

Together, these three elements  safety, opportunity, and educator support  create the foundation for a district where every student can thrive and define success on their own terms.

Community Engagement

 

Our district’s strength lies in the active partnership between families, students, educators, and the broader community. I am committed to fostering open, two-way communication and transparent decision-making processes, ensuring every voice is heard and school board actions are clear and accountable. With challenges like redistricting on the horizon, I will seek to amplify opportunities for meaningful dialogue — whether through community forums or digital platforms — to collaboratively shape solutions that reflect our community's shared values. I aim to strengthen the bonds that make Carmel Clay Schools a united, thriving community.

Smart Stewardship

 

With funding challenges ahead — like the projected $9+ million revenue decrease from Senate Enrolled Act 1 — it’s more important than ever to make every dollar count for our students. I’ll prioritize protecting classroom resources, supporting teachers, and investing in programs that prepare our students for their futures, ensuring our district remains strong and forward-thinking even in a changing financial landscape. I’ll bring a balanced, practical approach to budgeting — one that respects fiscal constraints but never loses sight of what matters most: supporting our teachers and giving every student the tools to thrive.

bottom of page