Every child deserves full access to the Avoca experience, regardless of financial barriers. The complete Avoca experience extends beyond the classroom—it’s about strong connections to the school through sports, theater, clubs, academic teams, and trips. Avoca’s mission is to include every one in the enhanced education we offer, but rising fees have made participation prohibitive for some families.

Fiscal responsibility is not just about balancing the budget—it’s about making smart, long-term investments in our students, staff, and schools. Our finances have stabilized in the short term, but we remain in a precarious position. I’ll work to find sustainable, long-term solutions that keep Avoca strong while respecting the financial commitment of our community.

The teachers' union contract is due to expire. Negotiating the new contract is the single most important issue impacting our district’s future. In the contract we negotiated in my first term, the district secured key reforms that increased student differentiation, reduced expenses, and maintained our full faculty. With payroll being 70% of our budget, we must again find a balance—offering competitive compensation to attract and retain top educators while ensuring financial sustainability that protects both students and taxpayers.

Over the past 8 years, we’ve made major strides in communication, but true engagement requires more than just outbound messaging—it demands connection. Many in our community, especially those without children in the district, don’t realize how our schools impact them. Strong schools protect property values, shape the future of our community, and foster a sense of shared investment in Avoca’s success.

We must go beyond newsletters and meetings. We need proactive outreach—directly engaging all residents, hosting more events, and ensuring that every voice is heard.