Campaign Priorities
Student Safety
Student safety is the foundation of a thriving learning environment. We must protect students from sexual predators, racism, and antisemitism by fostering a culture of respect and inclusion. Clear reporting mechanisms, prompt parental notification, and strict accountability will ensure every student feels secure.
Learn MoreAcademic Excellence for All Students
Our schools must return to delivering a rigorous, content-rich curriculum that prioritizes measurable outcomes over grade inflation. By hiring and retaining high-quality teachers, expanding holistic HiCap access, and clarifying in-class HiCap services, we can ensure every student is challenged and supported. Technology and AI will enhance learning, not replace teachers, fostering critical thinking and preparing students for future success.
Learn MoreFiscal Accountability
As a startup founder, I know how to stretch a dollar. I’ll prioritize budget, levy and capital funds for student-facing needs, teachers, paraeducators, librarians, nurses, learning support, and the arts, so every dollar benefits diverse students’ needs. Making public schools the best choice is the quickest way to boost enrollment and solve local funding challenges.
Learn MoreWhy Choose Me: Key Differences
- Twombley Severance Package: I opposed paying a severance, but Stephanie defended the settlement as pragmatic, which undermines accountability and trust.
- Transparency: I opposed concealing the Twombley allegations from families, but Stephanie said it was justified as protecting privacy. I believe safety must always come first.
- Math Curriculum: I oppose continuing i-Ready and support replacing it with Singapore or Saxon Math, but Stephanie suggested supplementing it instead. I believe proven results should come before sunk costs.
- Enrollment: I’m focused on bringing resident students back to boost funding, rebuild trust, and help future levies pass, but Stephanie hasn’t made it a core strategy publicly.
- Union Endorsement: I’m independent of the union to represent students and the fiduciary duty of taxpayers, just as the union represents its members. Stephanie is endorsed by the union, which creates conflicts of interest in negotiations and disciplinary decisions, including the multiple abuse cases.
“Endorsements didn’t protect our students. Courage will.”
Why I'm Running
As a father of two children at Island Park Elementary and an AI engineer, I’m running for school board to ensure every student is challenged, supported, and prepared for the future. Our schools must deliver a rigorous curriculum that doesn’t force parents to seek outside math or enrichment programs to fill gaps. I’m committed to strengthening academics, promoting equitable education, and ensuring responsible budgeting to rebuild trust in our district.
Having taught an after-school enrichment program at Island Park, where I engaged kids in hands-on earth science and biology lessons, I’ve seen firsthand the excitement of students who are truly challenged. My volunteer work with Mercer Island Parks and Recreation, planting trees and removing noxious weeds, further deepens my commitment to our community. My expertise in AI and technology equips me to guide smart, future-focused investments that enhance learning without replacing teachers. I’ve heard from families and educators about declining academic rigor and stretched resources—it’s time for action.
I bring a parent’s heart, a teacher’s passion, and an engineer’s problem-solving mindset to tackle these challenges. Together, we can create schools where every child thrives, parents feel heard, and our community prospers. I’d be honored to earn your vote.