Arrowhead has a tradition of excellence - in academics, student achievement, athletics and extracurricular activities. This is recognized by other schools in our area. There is a sense of pride to say that one is an Arrowhead graduate. I am one of them (Class of 1991). I know this school. I love this school. I want it to succeed.

Over the last few years, however, I have witnessed the direction our school board has taken and it is very concerning. It is a concern shared with many others in our community. Policy was introduced that adds unnecessary administrative burdens for teachers at a time when we should be removing complexity and making things simpler for students and educators. We have seen policy implemented that restricts what can be taught (and how). Policy has been introduced that is potentially harmful to at risk students, singling them out and making them feel like second class citizens. None of this has enhanced the school’s reputation. In fact, it has done the opposite.

The effect of this is to distract the board and administration from doing the hard and necessary work of governance and making Arrowhead the best it can be. That work includes future budget planning and sustainable finances, supporting special education and improving our infrastructure (i.e., our  outdated pool, theater and tennis courts). That will be my focus as a member of the Arrowhead school board.

As a proud Arrowhead alumni, a parent of current students, and a member of this community I have a vested interest in the success of our school. Let’s work together to continue Arrowhead’s tradition of excellence for the next generation of students.

I was born in Lincoln, Nebraska where I spent most of my childhood. I moved to Wisconsin in the middle of my 8th grade year when I attended Merton. That spring semester, I was “the Wiz” in the school musical The Wiz.

The next four years I attended Arrowhead High School. I swam on the Varsity swim team for two years before joining the Arrowhead show choir, Broadway Bound. I also had a part as a “jet” in the school performance of West Side Story. I made some great friends at Arrowhead and was inspired by some great teachers! They showed me what I was capable of and to believe in myself.

I graduated in June of 1991 then went on to UW-Whitewater to study History and Political Science. Once again, I had some great teachers that impacted my life. On the collegiate level, my teachers taught me to question, to analyze, and to broaden my perspective.

Since graduating in 1995, I’ve gone on to work in the software development industry. I have worked for very successful companies, including a Fortune 500 company. I owe so much to the teachers in my life, from Kindergarten to College (and post). The academic and life lessons they taught me helped shape my future.

I want this for my kids and for YOUR kids. I believe if we are to continue the tradition of great education, we have to allow parents and teachers to work together and not against each other.