I have to say, I might have made a slight miscalculation when I decided to run for local office as I begin my life as a kindergarten parent. Don’t panic, I’m not having any second thoughts. I think what troubles me is that someone else is now responsible for ensuring their safety for the majority of the day. Until now, we have been responsible for their protection and well-being. Given the level of violence throughout the country and what we have seen in this state alone, you can understand my anxiety. Coupling this with the fact that I do not see them nearly as much because of the campaign, and it has been a major struggle for me to work through.

Welcome to the new school year!

For most of you, this is nothing out of the ordinary. For me and the other kindergarten parents, this is brand new territory. I can only hope that Kaylee and I have done everything we can to prepare our kiddos for this next chapter.

This, of course, begs the question: how will we know if we have been successful? How will we be able to determine whether we adequately prepared them for what is next? I suppose being able to write their name, count to 20, or recognize their ABCs would be a fairly decent indicator of success.

Today marks four weeks since I filed my candidacy for Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools school board. To mark the occasion, I want to share a few thoughts on my vision for our students, the district, and our community.

Before I do that, I have to say thank you. Thank you to everyone who has asked a question, made a donation, offered support, or shared something on social media. The response has honestly been overwhelming (in a good way) and I am still trying to comprehend all of it. I wish I could thank each and every one of you individually. I do not know if you will ever understand how truly grateful I am for the trust you have placed in me.