Keeping schools open is essential to student success. When schools remain open, students have consistent access to the resources, support, and learning environments they need to thrive. Every child deserves the opportunity to attend a school that fosters their growth, creativity, and academic achievement. However, if a school must be replaced or closed, there must be a clear, thoughtful plan in place to ensure that students and families have the support they need during the transition, and that no student’s education is disrupted.

Specialty programs such as Accelerated Learning Lab (ALL), Dual Language Immersion (DLI), arts, music, physical education, and media are essential to fostering creativity and personal growth in our students. As a trained singer with a degree in Theater Studies and a professional graphic designer, these programs literally shaped my life. Orem, with its rich diversity, is home to many of these important programs, including nine DLI schools offering Chinese, Spanish, and Portuguese. It’s critical that we keep these programs open and well-supported to ensure that every student has the opportunity to explore their unique talents. I’ve personally invested hundreds of hours directing music for PTA-sponsored plays at RME, and I know firsthand how vital these experiences are for students. Creativity is intelligence having fun, and I will fight to preserve and expand these opportunities for our children.

Students thrive when their communities are actively involved in both their education and safety. We are fortunate to have a community that deeply cares about our schools, and this involvement plays a vital role in supporting our students. Whether through volunteering, PTA efforts, or local partnerships, community engagement creates a safer and more enriching environment for learning. As your representative, I will prioritize maintaining and enhancing these connections to ensure our schools remain both educationally strong and safe for all children.

Students succeed when their teachers and principals are valued, supported, and given the resources they need to excel. Both teachers and principals play a crucial role in shaping our children’s futures, and when they feel appreciated and empowered, they are better equipped to lead, inspire, and guide students. By ensuring access to professional development, competitive compensation, and a positive work environment, we can create a space where educators thrive—and, in turn, so do our students. As your representative, I will prioritize making sure both teachers and principals have the support they need to continue making a lasting impact on our children.