Superintendent
Anoka Hennepin School District
Thank you for considering me for MASA President-Elect. I am honored to be a candidate for this opportunity. I have worked in public education in Minnesota for more than 30 years in a wide range of roles. I worked in community education in the Anoka Hennepin School District for more than a decade as an instructor and supervisor. I entered into K-12 education as a math teacher at Coon Rapids High School, also in the Anoka Hennepin School District. Over the past twenty-five years, I have been a Teacher, Coach, Dean of Students, Assistant Principal, Principal, and Assistant Superintendent. During this time, I have worked within the Anoka Hennepin, Mounds View, and White Bear Lake school districts. All of these experiences have prepared me to consider the wide variety of needs in education across the state and beyond.
I currently serve as the Region 9 Superintendent Component Group Representative on the MASA Board of Directors. I have been in this role for several years, attending each of the organizational meetings. This past year, I spent a full day helping to develop the MASA Strategic Plan. Through this process, I had the chance to hear the various perspectives of MASA members across the state about our organization. I feel well prepared to facilitate the work of this organization with help from our Executive Board and broader membership.
Along with my work on the MASA Board or Directors, I have been actively involved in several other organizations that support educators. I have worked with Schools for Equity in Education (SEE) each of the past three years on developing legislative priorities. I have also been active in the Association for Metropolitan School Districts (AMSD) serving in a leadership role on the recent “Reimagine Minnesota” Ad-Hoc committee. During the legislative session, I am at the capitol almost weekly either testifying on pending legislation or attending hearings that are relevant to our work. I enjoy staying connected to other educational leaders and advocating for our schools and students.
Most recently, I have assumed the role of Chair of the Executive Board for the TIES organization. This role was not one I was seeking but I am willing to fill in during this critical time in the organization. This opportunity has given me another lens on the different needs of large and small school districts both within the metro area and across the state.
I truly believe that through education we have the opportunity to make the world a better place. In these very challenging times with financial constraints, accountability challenges, and safety concerns, I am convinced that common sense and a calm temperament will lead us through. Together we can do this work. Thank you for considering my candidacy for this position.
