This interview was originally published in the Heights Herald print edition.

I’m looking forward to serving the school district community in a different way than I have as a parent, to expand on district successes and find creative ways to work together in advancing inclusive and equitable student success. I’m excited to connect with those involved in the district to learn more about the governance of our schools, and to work collaboratively in decision-making and in celebrating our Hylanders. CHPS has a lot of challenges before us, including evolving academic and student support needs, employee recruitment, retention, and funding our schools at a level commensurate with similar districts. To successfully meet these challenges, the district will need to bring diverse perspectives to these tough conversations and amplify the tangible impact that policy and finance have on the experiences of our students and families. One of the strengths CHPS has is the breadth of activities offered to students and families across our schools. Activities are where many students find a sense of belonging and connection, and rich extracurricular opportunities positively impact student academic success, too.