Age: 34

Occupation: Software Developer

Years lived in district: 10

Incumbent? Yes

Have you been on the school board or held any other public office before? If so please describe: I have been on the board for over 3 years. I was appointed to fill a vacancy in October of 2016 and was elected to a three year term in April of 2017. I haven't held any other public office.

Why are you running for school board? I feel passionately about the students of Belleville. I've built up a good deal of experience over the previous 3 years. I believe that experience will help inform me when making the tough decisions that lie ahead. The outcomes of those decisions need to be beneficial to both the students and community. I expect to be a part of this community for years to come and I have a vested interest in making sure that the school district maintains its high standing.

What issues do you find most important to the school board? How would you handle these issues? Budget shortfall: We need to continue to look for efficiencies in any areas we can. However, I want to make sure that we maintain the same level of success we've been able to achieve. I also want to continue our current trend of being able to offer large school opportunities with small school class sizes.

Staff turnover: We have quality staff here at the School District of Belleville. I want to make sure that they feel valued. We need to be able to hold onto those staff that add so much to the learning environment. I also want to see us have consistency in the leadership of the elementary school.

Any additional comments? We've come a long way since the days of Parent for Change. We've got something special going on here at the School District of Belleville. I'd like to see that progress and success continue well into the future. I invite the public to come to a school board meeting to see what is going on and offer comments on what is important to you.