Issues
As a lifelong Oakdale resident of 27 years and graduate of ISD 622, I’m running for School Board to give back and ensure every student—no matter their background—has the support and opportunities they need to thrive. This district gave me the foundation to succeed, and I want the same for every child. My focus is on student success, safety, and sustainability, so our schools remain strong for the next generation.
Safety
In order for kids and teachers to succeed in the classroom, everyone must feel safe inside the classroom. Students also need to feel safe in the hallway, at sporting and fine arts events, and on and around school grounds.
I know this personally. I went through more lockdown drills and real lockdowns as a student than any child should ever have to. Whether it was hiding in the corner during a drill or being stuck in the weight room during an actual lockdown, unsure if the person knocking on the door was there to help or harm us, I know the toll it takes on students. No student or teacher should have to feel that way. Safety must be our foundation: a safe environment where concerns are taken seriously, staff feel supported, and students can focus on learning without fear.
Student Success
Academics
As a proud graduate of ISD 622, I know the difference strong academics make. I was able to explore many subjects, play football, get involved in extracurriculars, like DECA, and even graduate with a semester’s worth of college credits through College-In-the Schools courses. Every student deserves that same opportunity to discover their passions and prepare for what comes next.
Too many of our students are scoring below state averages in math and reading, we need to change that. Our academic offerings must meet the needs of students and provide a rigorous education that equips them for success, whether their path leads to college, a trade, or another career.
Mental Health
Success in the classroom depends on more than academics. Students must also feel supported and healthy. In 2022, more than one in four ISD 622 students reported mental health concerns. We need more counselors and caring adults available, and we need to build school cultures where students feel seen and supported.
This also means setting smart boundaries around phones. Technology is powerful when used well, but cellphones shouldn’t be a distraction in class. Students deserve learning environments that allow them to focus, connect, and thrive.
Equity
No matter who you are, everyone deserves to be treated equally and provided with the resources to succeed. Our district is beautifully diverse in many ways: 76% of our students are students of color, one in five are English learners, and two-thirds qualify for free or reduced-price meals.
We must address opportunity gaps, support special education students, and help families experiencing homelessness. Equity also means listening. We need to engage with students, parents, and community members of all backgrounds, meet people where they are, and make sure every voice is heard.
Sustainability
At its core, sustainability means making sure our schools are built to last—financially, environmentally, and for the people who make them work every day. Right now, ISD 622 has the seventh lowest funding level of metro districts, and that leaves us struggling to meet basic needs. To retain and attract top talent for our kids, we need to be more competitive when it comes to staff pay and support, whether for teachers, bus drivers, or the many others who make our schools run.
Sustainability also means being smart with how we use resources. As a college student, I helped secure a $500,000 grant through the Volkswagen and EPA settlement to bring two of the first ten fully electric school buses in Minnesota to the Morris Area School District. That project replaced old diesel buses, cut costs, cleaned the air for students, and reduced emissions. ISD 622 is leading in the same way with its electric school buses and solar on schools. We can and should conserve energy, lower utility costs, and protect our planet, saving money and creating healthier schools.
Together, we can build safe, supportive, and sustainable schools where every student has the chance to succeed—and I’m ready to get to work for our kids, families, and community.