Education Update

Greetings Boone County!

As we wrap up 2024, I want to thank you for re-electing me to represent Division 1 on the Boone County Board of Education. Your trust means so much to me, and I am committed to serving with transparency, integrity, and dedication to our shared goals.

This year has been one of significant progress. Together, we hired a new superintendent, Dr. Jeff Hauswald, whose experience and fresh perspective from outside of Kentucky have already started making a difference in just six months. Your feedback played a key role in this decision and I’m proud we delivered what you asked for.

We have also seen continued positive change in student discipline, with updates to the Code of Conduct focusing on equity and keeping students in school whenever possible. This work has been a priority of mine since I joined the board in 2022, and it’s rewarding to see real progress.

We successfully lowered the tax rate, balancing community concerns with the need to fund critical school programs. Additionally, we approved a significant pay increase for our educators and staff this year, demonstrating our strong commitment to the people who make our schools excellent. 

While we have much to celebrate, there’s still important work ahead. We need to keep improving outcomes in reading and math and ensure students have more career pathways, especially those who choose not to pursue college. Mental health continues to be a priority, as our district has faced heartbreaking losses to suicide in each of the past four school years. Expanding resources and support for students will remain at the forefront of my efforts. 

I am committed to keeping spending transparent and ensuring every decision reflects the needs of our students, families, and community. Thank you for your engagement and support. Together, we can continue building a brighter future for Boone County. 

Wishing you and your family a joyful holiday season and successful year ahead.

Greetings Boone County!

As a Board of Education member, my responsibility is twofold: to ensure every dollar we spend serves a clear purpose and delivers results, and to secure the resources our schools need. This commitment initially led me to vote against renewing Boone County’s membership with the Northern Kentucky Education Council (NKYEC) in July. At the time, unanswered questions about their impact made it difficult to justify the investment. Since then, I’ve done months of work to get answers. Feedback from educators and the community made it clear just how critical NKYEC programs like One-to-One Reading, and scholarship/awards management are to our students’ success. These programs cannot simply be replaced without significant resources and staff

Over the past few months, I have been actively working to bring the NKYEC membership back to the board agenda for reconsideration. Despite the majority support from the board, the Board Chair denied my request, even when I asked publicly at the November meeting. It wasn’t until December, when I had to force the issue, that the item finally made it onto the agenda. This delay prevented the discussion from being shared publicly in advance and nearly jeopardized the deadlines for scholarships and awards that directly benefit our students.

What I’ve learned since July underscores the importance of this partnership. One-to-One Reading relies on trained volunteers coordinated by the NKYEC and replacing it would require creating an entirely new system that we currently don’t have the resources for.

Similarly, their advocacy has driven millions of dollars into CTE funding which has touched ALL of our high schools and the Ignite Institute expansion, and their support in managing scholarships and awards is a full-time effort. Attempting to replicate their services would cost far more and require hiring new staff—something universally opposed.

The funds we invest in NKYEC have been repaid many times over through their work. Additionally, I have found no evidence of anything outside their stated mission. And some of the accusations of their role have proven to be unfounded. In fact, the NKYEC has proven itself an invaluable partner in advancing education.

Renewing our membership is more than a financial decision; it’s about ensuring Boone County students have access to opportunities that help them thrive. I encourage anyone with questions to reach out, learn about the NKYEC, and see for themselves how their work supports our schools. 

 Midway through the school year, I had the privilege of sitting in on senior exit interviews at Conner High School. These sessions are always a highlight for me, as they offer a rare and invaluable opportunity to connect with our students one-on-one, hear their stories, and witness firsthand the impact of our public schools.

This time, I was particularly struck by the number of students who have excelled through our Area Technology Center (ATC). The confidence they displayed was remarkable—not just in their skills, but in their vision for the future. It’s clear that trade schools don’t just prepare students for jobs; they prepare them for life. These young people demonstrated professionalism, problem-solving, and self-assurance that will serve them well in any path they choose.

I also met many traditional college-bound students and others carving out paths somewhere in between. Regardless of their destination, the common thread among all of them was hope and excitement for what lies ahead.

One of the most powerful parts of these interviews is seeing the relationships between our staff and students. Hearing the backstories of some of these young people reminds me of the immense challenges many of them face—challenges that could easily have made a bright future seem unattainable. Yet, thanks to the dedication of our educators and the resources of a high-quality public education, these students are overcoming obstacles and achieving incredible things.

As a board member, parent, and advocate for public education, these moments are what fuel my commitment. They remind me why our schools—and the opportunities they provide—matter so deeply. Every student deserves the chance to thrive, and seeing their determination and resilience inspires me to keep fighting for the resources and support they need.

I’m proud of the work we’re doing in Boone County Schools, and I’m even more proud of the students who represent the heart of our community’s future. To the seniors I met that day: you are incredible. Keep shining and know that we are cheering you on every step of the way. 

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