Servant Leadership
It has been an honor to serve our community on the Osseo Area Schools 279 School Board. I have served as Chair or Vice-Chair for six of the eight years, partnering with different Superintendents, district leaders, and fellow board members and board leaders. My leadership philosophy is grounded in service and excellence, which are core to who I am and how I show up in my private life, career, and community service roles.
As a Rotarian, one of my principles is “service above self.” This idea has shaped my thinking and enabled me to work collaboratively with others across multiple perspectives and approaches. Our school board serves one single mission: “To inspire and prepare each and every scholar with the confidence, courage and competence to achieve their dreams; contribute to community; and engage in a lifetime of learning.” I view my role as a Board Member, and as Chair, as placing this student-centered mission above myself at all times. This is why, at board meetings and work sessions, you will see me focus on integrating multiple board members' perspectives into areas of collaboration and agreement, and on directing my thoughts and ideas toward actions that will improve student outcomes.
As a track and cross-country coach in the urban metro area early in my adult life, I was deeply affected by the unique stories of each student-athlete. Each came from unique circumstances, often challenging, and the possibilities for unleashing their potential were limitless before them. Unfortunately, these young people didn’t always see that about themselves, and too often they had received only negative messages from the adults in their lives. I had the unique opportunity to support them and see them believe, grow, and achieve both in running and in their school life. When I serve as a board member, I remember this is what my job is - to serve our scholars and to enable our mission in their lives.
Since then, I have chosen to spend time serving because it brings me into the reality of our community and our students. I love being in our schools, serving at district events, and engaging with the community because it makes me a better leader, decision-maker and community member. I choose to bring a mindset of collaboration and excellence because our kids deserve this from us - they deserve our best as board members and they deserve to be first in our work, always.
Thank you for the privilege of serving you and our students, and I hope to earn your vote and support to continue serving in the future.
