Priorities

Strong Schools Build Strong Communities — and Strong Communities Build Strong Schools

Connection is safety. Community is stability. Partnership is how we raise strong kids.

When families feel connected to their schools, everyone benefits. Our schools are more than buildings — they are the foundation of a strong, resilient community. When families feel welcomed and heard, student learning improves. When educators are supported, the entire community benefits.

As a board member, I will actively push for stronger, more visible partnerships between schools, families, and the broader community so every student feels seen, supported, and valued.

I will work to strengthen community partnership by:

• Advocating for clear, consistent collaboration with local nonprofits, cultural organizations, faith groups, and community businesses, and ensuring those partnerships are communicated clearly so families know what resources exist

• Pushing for accessible, well-defined volunteer pathways that reflect the diversity of our community and recognize that families have different capacities, schedules, and strengths

• Expecting transparent, two-way communication so families understand how to engage and how their input is used

• Supporting school environments that feel welcoming to caregivers, where families feel ownership and connection rather than barriers or confusion

• Encouraging schools to view community connection as a protective factor that supports student belonging, engagement, and safety

Every student deserves a strong foundation to thrive — and families must be true partners in that work. Orange County is moving in the right direction, but meaningful gaps remain. Closing them requires focus, accountability, and sustained attention.

As a board member, I will consistently push for:

• Strong, well-resourced support services so every child can reach their full potential, regardless of circumstance

• High-quality, compliant Exceptional Children (EC) and English Learner (EL) services, with oversight to ensure consistency across schools

• Trust-building practices that center families’ knowledge of their children, so support plans reflect the full context of students’ lives

• Communication that is accessible, culturally responsive, and timely, especially for families navigating complex systems

• Equitable access to academic and enrichment opportunities, shaped by listening to families across the district

• Partnerships with community organizations and caring adults that expand learning, experiential opportunities, and support mental health

• Data-informed strategies that reduce chronic absenteeism, support mental health, and strengthen student resilience

Our teachers and staff are the heart of our schools. The individual relationships they build with students create the trust, confidence, and curiosity that make learning possible.

As a board member, I will work to make Orange County a place where educators feel respected, supported, and able to stay.

That means I will push for:

• Open, transparent conversations about compensation and working conditions, grounded in respect and realism

• Clear, timely communication and support from district leadership, especially during periods of change

• Meaningful educator voice in decisions that affect classrooms and workloads

• Staffing levels that support safe, effective learning environments

• Reducing unnecessary administrative burden while maintaining clear and consistent expectations

Clear policies, consistent communication, and real accountability create the stability that students, families, and educators deserve — especially in times of uncertainty.

We are living in a moment when federal- and state-level requirements and local values do not always align. While school boards do not control the laws we must abide by, we do control how policies are interpreted, communicated, and implemented locally. Strong governance means navigating these realities with clarity, integrity, and care.

As a board member, I will work to ensure that Orange County Schools are led with transparency, responsibility, and respect for our community by:

• Expecting clear, consistent communication from district leadership, especially when policies change or create confusion

• Ensuring state requirements are implemented thoughtfully and lawfully, while using every available flexibility to serve students and families well

• Advocating for our community’s values and needs in conversations with state partners and policymakers

• Reducing uncertainty for families and staff by prioritizing clarity, guidance, and follow-through

• Supporting administrators and educators who must navigate complex and sometimes conflicting expectations

• Using data, community input, and lived experience to inform decisions and evaluate outcomes

• Following up to ensure commitments translate into action and measurable progress

Students deserve safe, supportive learning environments.

Families deserve transparency and trust.

Educators deserve clarity and respect.

I will bring steady, principled leadership focused on problem-solving, accountability, and protecting the well-being of our school community.