You may know me as a mom, a stepmom, or someone who has spent countless hours advocating for the needs of our students and teachers. But, I want to share the full story of why I’m running for Oak Ridge Board of Education—it's deeply personal and rooted in a profound sense of responsibility.
Growing up in a family of educators, I’ve always understood the critical role that schools play in shaping our future. My parents instilled in me a deep respect for teachers and the work they do, and as a stepmother to elementary-age kids, I’ve come to appreciate the challenges and triumphs that come with raising and educating children in today’s world. I’ve navigated the complexities of 504 plans, IEPs, and RTI programs, and I’ve seen firsthand the impact of over-testing and state mandates on our students.
But my decision to run for the Board of Education wasn’t just influenced by my background—it was set in motion by a tragic event that shook me to my core. The Covenant School shooting was a moment that I will never forget. As I tucked my toddler into bed that night, following our usual routine of me saying “I love you to the moon” and his response of, “And Saturn,” I couldn’t help but think of the mothers who would never get to rock their babies into bed again. The grief I felt for those families was overwhelming, and when I reached out to our representative for action, I was met with a response that was callous and dismissive. That moment was a turning point for me.
I knew I had to do more. I knew I wanted to be a voice for the parents, teachers, and children of our community who deserve so much better from our leaders. Over the summer, I dedicated myself to learning everything I could about our schools. I met with educators, school board members, and our superintendent, Dr. Borchers, to understand the challenges we face and the opportunities we have to make a real difference.
One of the things that struck me most was the incredible work being done by our Family Resource Center. Last year, this program helped over 1,100 students—providing food, clothing, and support to families in need. This is the kind of work that changes lives, and it’s a perfect example of what’s possible when we listen to our teachers and prioritize the well-being of our students.
I’m running for the Oak Ridge Board of Education because I believe in the power of education to transform lives. But I also believe that before our children can focus on academics, their basic needs must be met. I want to ensure that every child in Oak Ridge has the opportunity to succeed, not just in the classroom, but in life.
This campaign isn’t just about policies and programs—it’s about people. It’s about the students who walk through our school doors every day, the teachers who dedicate their lives to educating them, and the families who trust us to care for their children. I’m running because I believe we can do better, and I’m committed to making that happen.
Thank you for taking the time to read my story. I hope you’ll join me in this journey to build a brighter future for Oak Ridge. Let's Grow Together.
As always, you can show your support for my campaign through a financial contribution, which helps me get my message out to voters, or by allowing me to put a yard sign up in your yard through the election.
Comments