In a general statement, please tell us why you seek election or re-election to the Kansas State Board of Education. Please address your beliefs about public education and public school employees. What do you see as the major challenges facing public schools in Kansas? What role do you intend to play, as a member of the State Board of Education and before the legislature, in terms of addressing those challenges?

 I believe in a strong free public education system. I believe in the Kansas Educational System through my experiences. I am currently a 7-year Board member with USD 290 Ottawa Kansas. Twice Region 2 elected me for KASB Regional Vice-President for six years of service. The KASB experience allowed me to understand the issues from the smallest district to the largest.

I understand what industry needs for a highly educated workforce in my role as CEO of Coffey Health System

I see innovation for new methods to allow our students to acquire 21^st century skills through College and Career Technical pathways. Adequate funding is always an issue and with a change in state leadership I will advocate fair funding to the legislators. Promote developing innovative educational workforce to meet the needs of our 21^st century Kids. (Loss of Baby Boomers)  Having a highly qualified staff is important!

As a KSBOE member I will listen, ask questions and then make decisions based of facts, data and professional advice. With changes in standards being talked about, change should only occur when the experts working in the subject matter concur after a peer review process has been performed. Then a discussion should be held by the SBOE. A thoughtful decision should be made. This should not be made for political reasons only. I have No personal agenda.

If elected, I will meet with the 16 district Boards, Administrators and Staff at least once each year in the districts I represent. I believe in listening and representing the whole district.

I want to review our testing process to see if there are other ways to evaluate student progress that motivates the student. I would like to promote a Growth model for NCLB. I will be an advocate to promote on a national level the success that occurs in Kansas Schools.

With a new KSDE leader to be selected I will want an educational leader that supports a Free Public Education based on the Kansas Constitution. Kansas has a great process with local board control. We need a leader that supports innovation in our public schools without unnecessary rules. We need a leader that allows our teachers to teach.

After being on a board during this stressful time. I will educate the legislators on the importance in being pro-education. Investing in our Kids is investing in our economic future.