Statement of Candidacy (100 word max):
o The last three years have flown by, and I feel that I am just getting started. I have learned so much already and am passionate about putting that knowledge to work for our community. While we already have an amazing school, I believe that we should always be in the pursuit of growth. The community has made it clear that they care about affordability, and I am proud to say that we have worked hard to lower school property taxes not once, but twice during my term. I humbly ask for your trust to
continue serving our community.
Years of district residency:
o My husband and I previously lived in Waukesha for job opportunities, but we knew that we wanted to be our own business owners which would allow us to live where we really wanted to. Having both grown up in country settings, we wanted to find a place to raise our family with space to allow our kids to run and play as well as to be part of a close-knit community. Four years ago, we had reached the point of being able to live anywhere that we wanted to and found what we were looking for right here in Johnson Creek. We love being a part of this community and look forward to growing alongside of
it.
Education:
o Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Associate of Applied Science in Manufacturing Engineering Technology, and Associate of Science
Occupation:
o My husband and I own our own engineering firm based right here in Johnson Creek. We also personally purchased the old elementary building and are developing it into commercial and residential spaces called The Spot at JC.
Previous public service experience:
o I have served on the Johnson Creek School Board for 3 years now, two of which I have been the Treasurer.
Member of civic organizations:
o Since becoming a school board member, I have been an active member of Wisconsin Association of School Board Members and have always enjoyed serving, including in areas of scouting, 4-H, and church. I helped found, and love leading, a virtual reality ministry where we talk with people all around the globe as if we are sitting in the same living room. I serve as the Vice-President of Wisconsin School Leaders for Excellence, a group of school board members and superintendents who come together to better equip leaders to sharpen academic outcomes in our schools.
What special qualities do you bring to the school board?
o I am a problem solver that digs to find the facts, then fits things together to create the most reasonable solution possible. I value everyone’s input, and I am not afraid to stand alone on an issue if needed. As a mother of kids in the district, I can relate to other parents and their perspectives and experiences. As a business owner, I understand what employers are looking for from our kids when they enter the workforce. As a daughter and granddaughter of teachers, I have grown up with an instilled love of learning and want the best for each and every student.
What issues concern you the most?
o Transparency, academics, and finances are my top priorities. Transparency because none of us can do it all alone, and collaboration brings the best solutions to the top. Academics because that is the purpose of having a school, and our children deserve the best. Finances because we are tasked with being the best stewards of taxpayer dollars that we can be.
What would you like to see Johnson Creek School District members focus on?
o For those who have been to board meetings, you have probably seen me asking lots of questions. I firmly believe that the board needs as much information as possible in order to make the best decisions. I would like to see more clear, digestible information presented to the board in scholastics and finances, as well as in other areas that the board is making decisions in. We as the board need to make our requests clear and work alongside the staff to accomplish this.
What distinguishes you from your opponents?
o To my knowledge, I am the only candidate who has school board experience. I seek to have conversations with everyone, including those who do not agree with me. I believe that we can debate topics without it becoming personal and seek to treat everyone as fairly as possible.
Any potential or perceived conflict(s) of interest you’d like to address?
o The only perceived conflict of interest that I have had on the board is that my husband and I purchased the old elementary school. Both Wes Trapp and I abstained from the voting, since my husband was the buyer and Jamie Trapp was the school realtor.
