Serving the Big Horn Basin for over 100 years
Serving the Big Horn Basin for over 100 years
How long have you lived in the district?
I was born and raised in Worland, and after completing my education, I returned and have been a proud member of this community for the past 23 years. My connection to Worland runs deep, and I'm committed to its growth and development.
Do you have children in the district? How do you feel this will help you in serving on the school board if elected?
While I currently do not have children in the district, I did during my first term on the school board. I believe that having kids in the district provides valuable insights into the needs and experiences of families. However, my current perspective allows me to view issues from a broader community standpoint. This shift helps me engage with parents, teachers and community members without any perceived bias. I am dedicated to ensuring that every voice is heard and that our schools continue to thrive.
Why are you running for the Worland School Board?
I am running for re-election for several reasons. As an active board member, I have been deeply involved in some of our most exciting programs. Over the past few years, our board has set several goals, including the development of an alternative school to address dropout rates and provide unique experiences for students. We have implemented specialized educational pathways, such as our certified nursing assistant program and CDL heavy equipment training, to better prepare students for life after graduation. Additionally, we are making changes to enhance our students' academic competitiveness with schools across the state and nation. I have been committed to this process and recognize the importance of maintaining our focus and continuing our hard work for the benefit of our students.
Do you feel you have the time it takes to serve?
I believe to be an effective board member, one must be present and engaged. I am fully committed to serving our district, prioritizing my role despite the demands of my full-time job. As I near the end of my four-year term, I am proud to have maintained a perfect record of 100% in-person attendance at every meeting.
What would you do to help the district bring back students who have dropped out? Do you feel it is important to try and bring back students who are attending online schooling or home schooling? Why or why not?
Regarding students who have dropped out, I believe it is essential to explore ways to bring them back, including those attending online or homeschooling. While online education can work well for some, research consistently shows that students in brick-and-mortar schools outperform their online counterparts across various metrics. To address these issues, we have established an alternative high school in Worland - White Hawk Academy. This initiative aims to provide a supportive learning environment tailored to the needs of these students. White Hawk Academy opened this year and is already proving to be successful. This is just the beginning of our efforts to help all students thrive.
Do you feel enough is being done regarding the mental health of our students? Why or why not? Do you have ideas on how to address this?
Our society is evolving rapidly, and the mental health of both our students and staff remains a top priority for our team. We are continually evaluating our processes and implementing changes as indicated.
Do you feel enough is being done regarding bullying – (online and in person) – in the school system? Why or why not? Do you have ideas on how to address this?
Regarding bullying both online and in person, I believe we still have work to do. Bullying is a complex challenge in our schools and society as a whole. Teaching students how to interact respectfully and appropriately with one another is a constant focus for us. Unfortunately, social media complicates this issue further. We must continue educating our students and parents about the responsible use of social media and the potential dangers of its misuse.
What is the most important issue the school district is facing and how would you help address it?
We face several challenges that require our constant attention with the most pressing being the preparation of our students for life beyond school. It's essential that we equip them not only academically but also with the tools necessary for becoming successful adults. However, we must navigate budget constraints, decreasing enrollment, rising dropout rates and the complexities of a changing society.
I've previously mentioned some of the programs we have implemented, and I am committed to evaluating and expanding these initiatives for our students. Over the past two to three years, we have made significant changes and we are just beginning to see the positive results of those efforts. I am eager to continue contributing to this important work and helping our students thrive.
