I grew up in Jackson County, MO attending our local public schools and cheering on the Kansas City Royals and the Chiefs. I graduated from Fort Osage High School and then went to Mizzou on a Navy ROTC scholarship for a degree in Industrial Engineering.
I've spent 20 years as a U.S. Naval Officer serving on nuclear powered submarines, working in operational and strategic planning. A majority of my career was spent in the Pacific area of operations; stationed in San Diego, Guam, and Hawaii. I then served in London, UK and Norfolk, VA. The highlight of my service in the Navy was working with some of this nation's finest young men and women. What I miss and value the most about that time was my experience developing confident and resilient future leaders.
I met my wife at Mizzou. We've been married for 22 years and have four kids. We decided long before I retired from the Navy to return to the St. Louis area to be close to family. We researched the schools and the area and chose to put our kids into the FHSD. Our oldest graduated from Francis Howell High School, and we plan to have three more do the same.
I have always felt close to public school teachers. My mom was a public school teacher as well as the parents of my three closest friends. More recently, my father-in-law is a retired teacher and I have a brother who is a teacher. I’ve volunteered the last 4 years working with high school students from across the district as a mentor to the FHSD FIRST Raven Robotics team. I want the best for the students and school district.
Efficiently spend the remaining construction bond money. Restore lost teacher step pay and budget for annual teacher pay increases. Restore fiscal control and regain local taxpayer confidence.
Meet the needs of our students by raising English and Math scores putting FHSD into the top 10 schools in the state. Promote traditional values of hard work and meritocracy. Support teachers with a firm commitment to reduce their workload so they can focus on Reading, Writing, Math, Science & History.
The newest ideas of society should not be tested on our students. Only those ideas and values that are widely held across the local community, are consistent with our laws, and have been proven to work should be taught in the classroom.
Focus on giving our students a great knowledge base using a content rich curriculum. Provide multiple paths for students to gain the skills and habits that will allow them to succeed in all they do.
All schools should have secure entrances and police officers. Teachers should be respected by students and parents. Students should feel safe from bullying and intimidation. The district's Code of Conduct should be applied fairly and equally to all.
Students should be expected to honor their mothers, fathers, and guardians who provide and care for them. Students should honor their teachers who provide great opportunity to all. Students should learn to honor their country where they have the best chance in the world to thrive.
Your contributions make this campaign possible. Please make a donation now and help us win!
Please drop me a line and let me know your concerns.
Remember to vote on April 2, 2024