Why I’m Running

Black and white photo of a man with a beard and mustache smiling, wearing a collared shirt.

Corbett has been my family’s home for nearly a decade. My two children attend elementary school here, and I’ve spent years volunteering in their classrooms, coaching youth sports, and building relationships with educators, students, and families. I care deeply about this place and the people who make it what it is. I believe strong public schools are the heart of a thriving community, and I’m committed to helping ours succeed.

In recent years, our school district has faced a growing financial crisis. Poor leadership decisions have drained our reserves, forced a $2 million emergency loan, and resulted in staff layoffs and cuts to student services. These challenges didn’t happen overnight—they were the result of consistent mismanagement and a lack of proper fiscal stewardship. Our students, staff, and families deserve better. It’s time for steady, collaborative leadership that listens to the community and gets us back on track.

I’m running because I believe I can help. I bring over 15 years of experience as an educator at Portland State University and more than two decades of leadership in budgeting, strategic planning, and community-based organizations. I have a strong track record of financial stewardship and a deep commitment to public service. I’ve learned that real change starts by listening closely to those most impacted—and then working together toward practical, lasting solutions. I’m ready to bring that approach to the Corbett School Board.

Bar chart showing financial data from 2021 to 2024 with decreasing numbers: 2021 at $2,664,492, 2022 at $1,314,040, 2023 at $435,447, and 2024 at -$219,063.

This graph - presented in the January 2025 board packet - is from Umpqua Valley Financial and summarizes the trend reported to the board in the financial statements over the years resulting in a deficit that then deepened at the end of 2024 requiring $ 1 million in cuts and a $ 2 million dollar loan so that the district could meet payroll.

More information can be found here at this community overview of the budget crisis.