Ensuring that every student in our district has the opportunity to thrive.

I am a firm believer in the philosophy that “people do well if they can”, which offers a simple yet profound way to view behavior. Rooted in empathy and supported by decades of research, it reminds us that struggles often come from barriers, not unwillingness.

Public schools exist to ensure a high-quality education for all. Today, our efforts are complicated by challenges and changes unknown to earlier generations. The reasons why public schools came into being—preparing people for jobs and citizenship, unifying a diverse population, and promoting critical-thinking and general life skills, among others—remain relevant, even urgent.

When we ask ourselves, as individuals and as a society, “How can we empower kids to do the best they can?” and identify reasons that may be holding them back, we can make real strides toward building relationships, families, schools, and a world where everyone is understood, embraced and empowered.

Public schools reflect our values and influence our future. And that future is dependent on recommitting to public education for the common good of all our residents.