Issues

The school district budget continues to be a major issue in Fayette County. Concerns have been raised about accountability and transparency, and the proportion of the budget going to administrative overhead, while students and staff are facing cuts. As a school board member, what will you do to ensure the school district has easily accessible financial information, safeguards, and inclusive processes for stakeholders?

"During my 14 years on the board, I have advocated for greater transparency, stronger financial oversight, and responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars. Before the district's financial crisis became public, I raised concerns about the budget process, requested more detailed financial information, and voted against budgets when I believed I did not have the information needed to make informed decisions. Restoring the community's trust in FCPS will require openness, collaboration, and a renewed focus on directing resources where they matter most: our classrooms, our educators, and our students."

School boards in Kentucky decide if teachers and staff can choose to negotiate a union contract. A resolution to start this process, by allowing employees to vote on whether they want to collectively bargain, has been repeatedly presented to the board without action. Would you vote in favor of or against a resolution to allow teachers and staff in Fayette County Public schools to have collective bargaining rights and why?

"I have asked for a resolution to be added to a board agenda, and I would vote in favor of a resolution to allow teachers and staff in FCPS to have collective bargaining rights because I believe everyone deserves a seat at the table and a voice in their workplace."

What actions will you take to address racial disparities in student disciplinary actions, improve juvenile justice, and dismantle the school-to-prison pipeline?

"School discipline should be consistent, transparent, and focused on helping students stay engaged at school. I support using data to identify disparities in disciplinary outcomes and to better understand the factors contributing to them. My focus will always be maintaining safe, supportive learning environments where every student is held to high expectations, treated respectfully, and given the opportunity to learn from mistakes."

The number of known unhoused students in Fayette County has consistently been above 1000 for many years. Despite this crisis, staffing and support for families facing housing insecurity face cuts, and district leaders have also proposed increasing costs for school meals. What will you do to ensure our students are housed and fed?

"No child can be expected to learn if they are hungry or worried about where they will sleep at night. Supporting students' basic needs is fundamental to supporting their academic success and I will continue to advocate for resources to be prioritized for the students and families who need them most. Our schools cannot solve the housing crisis alone, but they play a critical role in connecting families with resources and ensuring students have stability, dignity, and the opportunity to succeed. We must continue to work with our established community partners in this area and lean on their expertise."

What policies do you support to prevent school violence while maintaining a welcoming, nourishing, and inclusive learning environment? How would you use your role on the School Board to protect all students, particularly trans, queer, Black, and students of color from harmful state legislation that impacts these groups of children directly.

"As a current board member, I am already committed to ensuring every student is treated with fairness and respect. No child should face bullying, harassment, or discrimination because of who they are. District policies must be applied consistently, and every student should know they are welcome in our schools and have equal opportunities to succeed. My responsibility is to all students. I will continue to advocate for policies that keep students safe, support their mental health, promote respect and belonging, and ensure every decision we make is guided by what is best for children."