Your Questions, Answered

With the current District 1 board member ending his service on the board at the end of this term, I felt that the position needs an experienced leader to focus on the mission of the school board.  I went to Okaloosa County Schools, my children went to Okaloosa County Schools, and I have granddaughters who are currently in Okaloosa County Schools and that’s why the performance of our school district is important to me!  I believe my local government experience with large complex budgets, oversight of the school resource program at the Sheriff’s Office, and a passion to support the educators in the classroom make me the most qualified candidate for this seat.  I plan to help ensure our students are prepared to be successful in whatever path they choose, whether it be college, the trades, or the military.

I served our community with the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office for 25 years until being elected the County’s Clerk of Court and Comptroller in 2014.  I served in that role for 10 years until retiring at the end of 2024.  During my time at the Sheriff’s Office, I had a role in helping our school resource program achieve a significant level of success in the state.  Additionally, I helped lead the Sheriff’s Office to its first state accreditation and lead the office’s policy and procedure and training programs.  Our program is still a leader in the state and region for comprehensive safety and security protocols for how law enforcement fits into the local educational system.  During my time leading the Clerk’s office I oversaw the financial resources of Okaloosa County, to include managing a large budget with the complexities of governmental statutory spending limitations.  My team was responsible for paying the county’s bills, provide payroll for all county employees and helping administer the county’s procurement and benefits programs.

To be present and accessible.  Plain and simple, be present in the community; at the schools, at events, at meetings, and always be willing to listen to understand different points of view. While school board workshops and meetings are always open to the public, I will come to you.

School safety is my highest priority and student discipline is a component of that priority.  I will always look to find effective policies that have a positive effect on disciplinary issues.  To start with I believe we always prioritize supporting teachers in the classroom.  I expect administrators to trust and support our teachers when dealing with disciplinary issues.  Consistent consequences matter. 

I will advocate for, and support, all programs that give our students a connection to something they have a passion for.  I believe students that participate in extra-curricular or co-curricular activity will be more engaged and less disruptive in the classroom.  I also think this will help with disciplinary issues.

My highest priority will always be to fund the programs that provide for the safety of our students, staff and visitors.  Next would be prioritizing funding for classroom needs.   That being teachers, and staff that directly support the teachers, and classroom environments. I believe that my county wide budget experience makes me best prepared to scour our district financial resources for savings that can be put into our teachers and direct support staff.

Open communication, always open to listening and trying to understand.  Clear communication of priorities and decisions.  Being present and available.

While there are privacy limitations when our children are involved, the districts budget and finances should be open, accessible, and easy to review. I have a lot of experience in making government financial data, internal audit reports, and contract information open and public. I believe in open and healthy debate on the important issues that face our school district and will always advocate for the ability of our citizens to bring their concerns to district leadership.

The safety of our students and staff and visitors will always be my highest priority!

With my fiscal oversight experience I will diligently review, oversee, and demand our administrative team utilize your tax dollars the most effective manner achievable. That is a high expectation I have required of myself and every team I have lead during my carreer.

Student success will be my guiding principal in all descisions.