In my first year as a Board of Education trustee, I chaired the Advocacy Committee and met with our state legislators to call for the review of under-funded state mandates, increased funding and seats for Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK), and an examination of the impact of civil service requirements on hiring. These issues continue to be at the forefront of the Board's advocacy agenda, and our regional advocacy agenda, today. 

In my second year, I chaired the Board Development Committee and joined the Policy Committee, and continue in those same roles today. As chair of Board Development, I've led an effort to establish norms and practices in support of transparent governance, and to ensure all trustees' voices are heard.  With my colleagues, I've worked to improve the superintendent evaluation process and implemented a self-evaluation for the Board itself. On the Policy front, my focus has been on student privacy, particularly as it relates to social media; data collection; the use of social media by district staff and trustees; and the elevation of student voice through the establishment of two student ex-officio positions on our Board. 

Now in my third year, I serve as Board Vice President, elected by my fellow trustees. In this leadership role, I have worked closely with the Board President and the district administrative team towards improving communications and ensuring that community members receive timely responses to inquiries. I have also worked to bring back the practice of reviewing student achievement data in public meetings, so that our community can see the results of the district's educational programs and initiatives. I continue to meet with community groups on issues of importance to families, including intentional use of technology, funding for UPK, student safety and belonging, identity-based bullying and harassment, and academic achievement. I also continue to participate in regional networking, legislative advocacy, and mentoring through the Westchester Putnam School Boards Association. 

Before my election to the Board, I served on various Croton-Harmon school district committees, including the Strategic Planning Team, which developed five-year goals aligned with the district’s mission; the Equity Stakeholder Team, which recommended actions to further inclusivity and respect; and the Re-Entry Task Force, which ensured a safe reopening of our school buildings in Fall 2020. Through these experiences and my work as a PTA and classroom volunteer, I’ve formed meaningful relationships with teachers, administrators, and other community members. 

In my professional experience as a children’s book editor and publisher, I have conceived and developed initiatives while adhering to project and departmental budgets; led teams while ensuring all stakeholders are heard; and solved problems while applying creative thinking. I will bring these skills, and my desire to continue to serve our school district and community, to the Board of Education.