My wife MyKelle and I chose to move to Tracy as a place to raise our daughter. For us, a childhood in a rural community that values education is something in which we place great value. We couldn’t be happier with our choice, as here we have found a town that feels like home. Prior to moving to Tracy, I grew up in southwestern ND, attended Whitman College, and now teach English at Tracy Area High School, following a uniquely diverse career spanning professional theatre, home design, technology, and education.
That diverse background has prepared me to take on the job of Mayor in Tracy. I’ve seen life from many angles and as a result I have the ability to deal with ambiguity, see opportunities where others find problems, and seek out solutions when confronted with adversity.
In life, I highly value perseverance, a positive outlook, and hard work.
Why did you decide to run for the mayor’s seat?
Civic engagement and volunteering is important to me. I feel strongly that if I have the ability and the opportunity to get involved and help out, that I should do so, without hesitation.
This drive is something I’ve held dear throughout my life, and when my family and I chose to move to Tracy, it was important to me to get involved. I’m a member of Kiwanis, serve on the board at our museum, and am a member of the Planning Commission. I choose to be involved, because I enjoy working with others to make our community a place that we all are proud of.
I chose to run for Mayor, because I believe that I will bring that same energy to the council. I choose to run for Mayor, because I believe in Tracy, and we need a mayor who believes in our town and what it can be.
What, in your eyes, are the mayor’s responsibilities?
In Tracy, the position of Mayor has a unique opportunity. While a big part of their job on paper is to run the meetings for the council, I believe that our Mayor should be the town’s biggest champion.
Someone who believes so strongly in the town that they Our schools play a vital role in helping students discover their strengths, build confidence, and prepare for the future. Serving on the school board gives me the chance to contribute to that mission and advocate for decisions that put students first.
I chose to run again because I care deeply about our community and our schools. If I can help ensure that students have access to quality education, supportive staff, and opportunities to reach their full potential, then I feel I am making a meaningful difference. It is a privilege to serve, and I remain committed to helping provide the best possible educational experience for all students.
The district is essentially sitting on more than $4.5 million from the construction project? How do you think this money should be spent and why?
I would like to see this money invested in ways that ensure we continue to have a vibrant and thriving school environment for our students, staff, and community. Education is constantly evolving, and it is important that we continue to provide opportunities for advanced instruction, technology, and programs that prepare students for success after graduation.
I believe these funds should be used thoughtfully to encourage students to grow in all aspects of their education, academically, socially, and personally. Whether that means expanding educational opportunities, supporting student activities, enhancing school facilities, or providing resources that help students reach their full potential, the focus should remain on benefiting current and future students.
As a school board member, I want to ensure that any decisions made with these funds are centered on student success and help maintain a strong school system that our community can be proud of for years to come.
Declining enrollments are nothing new to this school district. How can the district keep progressing despite that?
I believe the district can continue to progress despite declining enrollment by focusing on the quality of opportunities we provide our students. We need to continue advancing our educational offerings so that students have access to challenging coursework, new technologies, and experiences that prepare them for the future.
It is also important that we continue to recruit and retain the best teachers and staff possible. Our educators have a tremendous impact on student success, and investing in high-quality staff is one of the best investments a district can make.
Finally, we must ensure that all students have opportunities to participate in activities and programs that interest them. Whether a student’s passion is academics, athletics, arts, music, agriculture, or another area, those experiences help them stay engaged, build confidence, and develop important life skills. By continuing to provide strong educational opportunities and a supportive environment, our district can remain successful and attractive to families even as enrollment challenges continue.
