Welcome, support, and respect students in I.C schools

I am running for the Iowa City Community School District Board of Education because my experience in education, union leadership, and community service has prepared me to be an effective advocate for all students and educators in our district. The issues faced by our schools and our educators aren’t abstract to me.

I have taught 8th grade U.S. history in West Liberty for the last eighteen years, and previously taught in Virginia and Japan. I have served as our local teachers’ union president and lead negotiator for many years, working closely with West Liberty district administration and school board members. I am the proud father of two ICCSD students, and am grateful for their experiences in the district.

My priorities are:

Equity in education means more than just minimizing testing disparities; we must ensure that all of our students are welcomed, supported, and respected in the classroom. In addition to providing top notch education, we must ensure that students receive mental health, nutrition, and transportation support so they come to the classroom ready to learn. As a classroom teacher and community advocate, I know firsthand that every student can succeed when they are supported and uplifted.

As a board member, I will be dedicated to policies that support and uplift all of our educators. Indeed, the most critical asset for any school district is its people. ICCSD has incredible talent in our schools and classrooms, and we must ensure their concerns are addressed so they can continue to make a difference for our students. As a longtime union leader, I know the stress and hardship that our educators endure and understand the critical role the school board plays in supporting them in their work.

Just as our students and schools are part of the larger community, the community must be a part of our schools. I will advocate for greater connections between our schools and the communities they serve. This includes proactively engaging with parents and collaborating with community partners. In my own teaching, community engagement has always been a priority. I am dedicated to working to deepen community relationships.

I would be honored to have your support on November 4th.