A MESSAGE FOR TEACHERS

Dear Teachers,

The Board of Education makes decisions about budgets, planning, and policy — things that often happen far from the classroom. But those decisions always find their way to you — into your day, your lesson plans, and your workload. I want you to know I understand that connection, and I’ll never take it lightly.

The reality is — I don’t come from a classroom background. My experience comes from volunteering, substituting, and being a parent who has seen the classroom from the other side of the door. But what I do have is deep respect for what you do and who you are.

When I think of teachers, I think of the ones who shaped my own life — the ninth-grade teacher who challenged me to think, my college professor who inspired me, my daughter’s third-grade teacher who brought her out of her shell, and my son’s ELA teacher who made reading fun again. I also think of those of you who are moms and dads, cheering for your children beside me on the sidelines.

That’s who I’ll have in mind when I vote. Because while my focus is always on the 26,000 students in our schools, I know our students can only thrive when their teachers are supported.

I can’t promise limitless funding, but I can promise fairness, respect, and a voice that values you as professionals. You deserve steady pay, safe classrooms, and the satisfaction of loving where you work.

We share the same mission — to prepare our kids for an amazing future. And I’ll do everything I can to make sure you have what you need to make that possible.