05/19/2025
Howdy folks! Today is election day and I wanted to let people know about me, my candidacy, and what I’d bring to the school board. I shared an answer to some questions on another FB post of why I wanted to be on the board, and what life experiences I would bring to the board and I thought I’d answer it here as well. I have no intention of disrespecting the other 5 candidates, I only am speaking for myself, and I am understanding if the admins of this group want to remove this post.
If I am elected to the BOE, I would bring a background and experience that is underrepresented by the current board. There are currently no parents of Rockwell students on the board. My son Jack was in two years of Pre-K, Kindergarten, and is currently in first grade. I think having kids represented from all three buildings is critical. I would also be the only public school teacher and special education certified teacher on the board. Special education can be very complicated to navigate and having someone who is confident and comfortable with the vocabulary and would be able to effectively communicate it to parents and fellow board members would be a major asset. I have experience with special education as a student, as a teacher, and as a parent. I was diagnosed with a learning disability when I was in elementary school out in Wyoming. My special education teachers were heroes who helped build my confidence in my reading and writing skills. I struggled in some areas and excelled in others but I always had that support at my back. My son received early intervention services through the county and special education services through OCS. Our county and district did an excellent job giving Jack the attention he needed to get where he is today! would also be one of a handful of current Nedrow residents which is a critical neighborhood of OCS. I am proud to live in Nedrow and want to see this neighborhood grow and thrive. Rockwell is one of the shining parts of this neighborhood and having Nedrow residents on the board could provide more advocates for the neighborhood.
Although not my shining moment, I am also a college dropout. I attended the University of Wyoming for 7 months when I realized that I was not ready for that stage. I was deeply disappointed in myself and uncertain about my future. Two years later I was accepted into OCC and two years after that I graduated with honors. Eventually I earned a BA in history and a MS from Le Moyne with a focus on Special Education. I fell hard when I dropped out of college, but with incredible support from my schools, my family, and eventually my wife and son, I was able to thrive to be the person I am today. That is what I will be as a board member. Support for any and all students, any and all teachers, and any and all parents and families need a wind at their back!
Thank you all for reading and I’d appreciate one of your votes today!
Polls are open 7am-9pm at Rockwell and the High School!!
