Columbia Board of Education Application

I would like to thank everyone for their show of support over the past week.  A lot of people have asked me why I applied to fill this vacancy.  Below I am posting my answers to the two questions the board asked in the application and a link to the CPS posted PDF of my application.  If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact me.  Again, thank you for your support. And know, either way the board decides, I plan to run come April.

Please describe why you wish to serve as a member of the Columbia Board of Education.
My educational experience growing up in Columbia Public Schools was a great one.  So great, it inspired me to pursue a degree in education.  My passion to support and assist the educational community of Columbia has not waned though I’ve elected not to be an educator as my primary career.  Through friendships with educators, administrators, and parents within this community, I keep up to date about the challenges facing our district.  I feel I would offer a fresh yet informed perspective on solutions for these issues.

I am an invested citizen in Columbia’s success.  I grew up here, and my family is here.  I own a small business, Tech 2, for which I create, install and maintain technology systems for other Columbia businesses.  Personally and professionally, I support education events in our community.  I intend to make Columbia my permanent home.  I know what Columbia was and is, and what Columbia can become.  The current and continued success of Columbia is rooted in a strong public education.  As an administrator of this educational system, I would work to cultivate systems that will further expand our students’ success.

Please list the strengths you would bring to the position.
Growing up in Columbia, I experienced Columbia Public Schools first hand.  Having graduated from Hickman less than ten years ago, I have a unique perspective.  My age places me in a unique position from which I can work comfortably with educators as colleagues, while also having a keen appreciation for our students’ experience.  Having earned a degree in education from the University of Missouri, I have participated in a detailed program of study including classroom experience in Columbia Public Schools.  This has provided me with keen insight on the complicated issues involving educators, students and parents, for which administrators must find solutions. As an educator, entrepreneur, and Columbian I recognized the need to close the achievement gap.  Through classroom experience at Eugene Field, Midway, and West Boulevard Elementary Schools, as well as a considerable amount of continued research, I deeply understand the issue.  It is important this remains a priority of Columbia Public Schools.

As a small business owner, I must consistently find ways to effectively manage resources, time, staff, and finances with the ebb and flow of the economy.  During these challenging economic times it is necessary to be frugal, but important remain financially competitive.  I understand the subtleties this requires.  My professional experience in integrated technology would also enable me to provide insightful information to the board regarding ever-changing technological advances and its impact on Columbia Public Schools, as well as the skills required of students entering our 21st century service-based economy.

Business culture does not immediately think of early childhood development as an investment.  However, projects like Geoffrey Canada’s Harlem Children’s Zone; and the research presented by Rob Grunewald of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, at the Columbia and Boone County Early Childhood Summit, shows the importance and value of such investments.  My experience as both as an educator and entrepreneur has led me to support these findings.  This understanding has caused me to be a strong advocate for early education within Columbia’s growing business community. 

As a member of the Columbia Chamber of Commerce, I have developed and strengthened many relationships with Columbia business leaders.  This month I will complete my participation in Leadership Columbia, a joint program offered by the Chamber, with Trulaske College of Business.  This program creates opportunity for young businesspersons to develop a strong knowledge of Columbia’s business community.  I feel this program will open doors to share my perspective on early childhood education’s effects upon the future of our business community.  This would also enable me to better communicate the goals and needs of our school district to other Columbia business owners.

As a young entrepreneur with a background in education and deep roots in Columbia’s educational system, I believe my abilities will complement the board in achieving its goals.