ESD 101 Northeast WA Educational Service District

Which of the following were part of your own K-12 schooling? (Check all that apply.)

Music, Theatre

Which of these arts did you experience outside the K-12 school day? (Check all that apply.)

Music

How did your experiences with the arts impact your education, or your life after high school?

• For a painfully shy non-athletic teen, the arts gave me a sense of belonging and outlet to express myself. I played trombone in middle and high school, and even had the opportunity to tour Europe with an elite student band. I started piano lessons in 3rd grade and performed an hour long memorized senior recital. I still play the piano, which helps me relieve stress and center myself.

If elected, which of these strategies would you consider implementing? (Check all that would you would pursue.)

Attend events for our K-12 visual and/or performing arts programs, Research local arts programming and assess current needs, Work for a budget to financially support regular arts instruction at all schools, Develop or update a district level arts plan, Support non-arts teachers with professional development opportunities for arts inclusion, Support professional development and/or collaborative time for arts teachers, Support professional development and/or collaboration time for teaching artists, Explore opportunities for CTE and Arts Education, Seek out insights from local PTAs, Booster Clubs, and/or arts organizations, Study Washington’s arts requirements in depth to ensure effective implimentation

What strengths or challenges are unique to your school district's arts programming, and what would you like voters to know about your perspective on them?

I’m so proud of Cheney’s arts programs. The high school marching band is top notch and I love bringing my kids to the theatrical productions. The district I attended didn’t have an orchestra program, so I was excited when my daughter could play cello. I want voters know that I believe arts programs are so essential and I will work to ensure they are supported.

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your vision for supporting arts education, or how arts education fits with your campaign as a whole?

I want to improve our students’ sense of belonging, and I believe arts education can provide that for students.

Which of the following were part of your own K-12 schooling? (Check all that apply.)

Arts-focused Career & Technical Education, Cultural/Folk Arts, Dance, Media Arts, Music, Theatre, Visual Art

Which of these arts did you experience outside the K-12 school day? (Check all that apply.)

Cultural/Folk Arts, Music

How did your experiences with the arts impact your education, or your life after high school?

• My experiences in high school theatre and language learning had a profound impact on my education and career, as well as becoming a strong supporter of the arts as an adult. Performing in numerous theatre productions gave me confidence and helped me develop collaboration, communication, and leadership skills that carried into college, my professional life, and now my role as a school board director. At the same time, my passion for learning Spanish continued through college, where I earned a minor in Spanish as a sophomore and used the language regularly in my first job after graduation. Both theatre and language learning opened doors, strengthened my voice, and shaped the leader I am today.

If elected, which of these strategies would you consider implementing? (Check all that would you would pursue.)

Attend events for our K-12 visual and/or performing arts programs, Research local arts programming and assess current needs, Work for a budget to financially support regular arts instruction at all schools, Develop or update a district level arts plan, Support non-arts teachers with professional development opportunities for arts inclusion, Support professional development and/or collaborative time for arts teachers, Explore opportunities for CTE and Arts Education, Expand district-wide data collection for arts tracking and accountability, Seek out insights from local PTAs, Booster Clubs, and/or arts organizations, Study Washington’s arts requirements in depth to ensure effective implimentation

What strengths or challenges are unique to your school district's arts programming, and what would you like voters to know about your perspective on them?

Spokane Public Schools has a rich tradition of arts programming, from music and theatre to visual and digital arts, and these opportunities reach students across grade levels. One of our district’s greatest strengths is the dedication of our educators who bring creativity into classrooms and ensure the arts remain a vibrant part of a well-rounded education.

However, like many districts, we face challenges in maintaining consistent funding, equitable access, and adequate space for arts instruction, especially as we balance state funding gaps and other program needs. As a board director, I believe the arts are not “extras” but essential for student engagement, self-expression, and academic success. I want voters to know that I support protecting and expanding arts opportunities so that every student, regardless of background, can benefit from the creativity, confidence, and critical thinking that the arts provide.

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your vision for supporting arts education, or how arts education fits with your campaign as a whole?

Arts education has had a profound impact on my own family, which is why it is such an important part of my vision for public schools. My son participated in music from grades 5–12, developing not only strong musical skills and lifelong friendships, but also the analytical and mathematical abilities that often go hand-in-hand with music education and he is now studying mechanical engineering in college. My daughter attended a project-based public high school where she learned the skilled art of stained glass, gaining both material science knowledge and artistic expertise, and now teaches stained glass classes while attending college.

These experiences demonstrate how arts education enriches students’ academic, social, and personal growth, opening doors to future opportunities. As a school board director running to retain my seat, I am committed to ensuring every student has access to high-quality arts programs that foster creativity, critical thinking, and real-world skills, because the arts truly transform lives.

Which of the following were part of your own K-12 schooling? (Check all that apply.)

Arts-focused Career & Technical Education, Cultural/Folk Arts, Dance, Media Arts, Music, Theatre, Visual Art

Which of these arts did you experience outside the K-12 school day? (Check all that apply.)

Arts-focused Career & Technical Education, Cultural/Folk Arts, Dance, Media Arts, Music, Theatre, Visual Art

How did your experiences with the arts impact your education, or your life after high school?

• Throughout school, I immersed myself in anything that involved visual arts, from drawing and painting to photography and even playing in the school band (I can argue that this is a visual art, if needed). These experiences weren’t just extracurriculars
• they were foundational. The arts taught me to see the world through a lens of innovation and empathy. They helped me understand that every person’s path is unique, and that compassion and creativity are essential for navigating life. During high school, I participated in Running Start with a focus on visual and media arts. That program deepened my technical skills and broadened my perspective on how art intersects with communication, culture, and community. Since then, I’ve carried those tools into every aspect of my professional life. Whether it's designing marketing materials, creating visual content, or helping others express their ideas, I continue to be a resource for my community.

If elected, which of these strategies would you consider implementing? (Check all that would you would pursue.)

Attend events for our K-12 visual and/or performing arts programs, Research local arts programming and assess current needs, Work for a budget to financially support regular arts instruction at all schools, Create a local arts education task-force, Develop or update a district level arts plan, Develop or expand district support for teaching artist residencies, Support non-arts teachers with professional development opportunities for arts inclusion, Support professional development and/or collaborative time for arts teachers, Support professional development and/or collaboration time for teaching artists, Explore opportunities for CTE and Arts Education, Expand district-wide data collection for arts tracking and accountability, Seek out insights from local PTAs, Booster Clubs, and/or arts organizations, Study Washington’s arts requirements in depth to ensure effective implimentation

What strengths or challenges are unique to your school district's arts programming, and what would you like voters to know about your perspective on them?

Strengths of Spokane’s Arts Programming

Dedicated educators and community partnerships: Our district benefits from passionate arts teachers and collaborations with local organizations like Spokane Arts and the MAC, which expand access to performances, exhibitions, and mentorship.

Student talent and diversity: From visual arts to music and theater, Spokane students consistently showcase creativity that reflects the district’s cultural richness and resilience.

Integrated arts in some schools: Programs like Ferris High School’s music department and Libby Center’s creative curriculum demonstrate what’s possible when arts are prioritized.

Challenges We Must Address

Equity of access: Not all schools have the same resources—some lack full-time arts educators, instruments, or materials. This creates disparities in opportunity, especially for Title I schools.

Funding instability: Arts programs are often first on the chopping block during budget cuts, despite their proven impact on student engagement, mental health, and academic success.

Limited representation: Curricula and performances don’t always reflect the diverse cultures and identities of our students. We need more inclusive programming that uplifts marginalized voices.

What I Want Voters to Know

I believe arts education is essential—not extracurricular. It’s a core part of how students learn to express themselves, build confidence, and connect across differences. As a candidate for Spokane School Board, I’m committed to:

Advocating for stable, equitable funding for arts across all schools

Supporting inclusive curricula that reflect our students’ lived experiences

Partnering with local artists and organizations to expand access and visibility

Arts aren’t just enrichment—they’re empowerment. And every student deserves that.

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your vision for supporting arts education, or how arts education fits with your campaign as a whole?

Here’s how arts education fits into that vision:

It’s a driver of equity. When arts programs are accessible across all schools, not just those with extra funding or parent boosters, we create pathways for expression, confidence, and connection that benefit every student, especially those who may not thrive in traditional academic settings.

It’s a tool for inclusion. Arts education allows students to explore identity, culture, and lived experience. That’s especially powerful for neurodivergent students, multilingual learners, and those from historically marginalized communities. I want our district’s arts programming to reflect the full spectrum of who our students are.

It strengthens the community. Whether it’s a school play, a mural project, or a jazz concert, arts events bring families together and build pride in our schools. They’re also opportunities to partner with local artists, cultural organizations, and businesses, something I’ll actively champion as a board member.

It’s part of whole-child learning. My campaign is rooted in the belief that students deserve more than test scores and rigid metrics. Arts education fosters creativity, emotional intelligence, and collaboration, all essential skills for life beyond graduation.

Supporting arts education isn’t a side issue; It’s central to how we build joyful, equitable schools. And I’ll advocate for it with the same urgency I bring to academic achievement, mental health, and labor partnerships.

Which of the following were part of your own K-12 schooling? (Check all that apply.)

Cultural/Folk Arts, Dance, Music, Visual Art

Which of these arts did you experience outside the K-12 school day? (Check all that apply.)

Visual Art

How did your experiences with the arts impact your education, or your life after high school?

• I wasn’t especially involved in the arts during school, but I always enjoyed the creative parts of my education — from the dance elements in physical education to the required music classes in elementary school. In middle school, I participated in choir and even took on a leadership role, which helped me grow into a more well-rounded person who continues to appreciate the arts today. One experience that really stayed with me was learning tinikling in elementary school. We practiced it every year, though our teacher taught us in 4/4 time instead of the traditional 3/4. I loved it so much that years later, when my own children were in elementary school, I helped them create original acts for the annual variety show — including a tinikling routine with a group of eight kids. We kept the 4/4 rhythm and added moves I had never learned as a child. It became a fun and creative way to share culture, rhythm, and even math through dance — and to bring something original and joyful to our school community.

If elected, which of these strategies would you consider implementing? (Check all that would you would pursue.)

Attend events for our K-12 visual and/or performing arts programs, Explore opportunities for CTE and Arts Education, Seek out insights from local PTAs, Booster Clubs, and/or arts organizations, Study Washington’s arts requirements in depth to ensure effective implimentation

What strengths or challenges are unique to your school district's arts programming, and what would you like voters to know about your perspective on them?

Our district is working hard to strengthen student belonging through the EngageIRL initiative, which encourages every student to get involved in clubs, activities, or extracurriculars. The arts play a vital role in that effort — offering creative outlets where students can connect, express themselves, and find community. Even more variety shows!

We’re fortunate to have many dedicated arts educators who intentionally include and support students with disabilities, helping ensure that every child can experience the joy and confidence that come from participating in the arts. That kind of inclusion is something I deeply value, as a mom of a now adult with autism. We also have an updated K-5 music curriculum that our educators asked for in 2020.

At the same time, we face real challenges. Some of our elementary schools are so full that art must be taught “on a cart” rather than in a dedicated classroom. This, along with ongoing underfunding of public education, limits what our teachers and students can do. Still, our educators continue to find creative ways to make the arts accessible, and that resilience deserves recognition and support.

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your vision for supporting arts education, or how arts education fits with your campaign as a whole?

My campaign centers on creating a sense of belonging for students, families, and educators. Arts education is an important part of that — for many students, it’s where they find their voice and community. The arts also help develop well-rounded individuals, and through collaborative creative experiences, students build social-emotional skills that support them far beyond the classroom.

Which of the following were part of your own K-12 schooling? (Check all that apply.)

Visual Art

Which of these arts did you experience outside the K-12 school day? (Check all that apply.)

Dance, Music

How did your experiences with the arts impact your education, or your life after high school?

• A greater appreciation. Recognizing how important the arts are and how they enrich our lives.

If elected, which of these strategies would you consider implementing? (Check all that would you would pursue.)

Work for a budget to financially support regular arts instruction at all schools, Explore opportunities for CTE and Arts Education, Support community engagement to improve appreciation for the arts

What strengths or challenges are unique to your school district's arts programming, and what would you like voters to know about your perspective on them?

Strength is in the area of having several accomplished local artists. Challenges are often that there is a lack of understanding for the value of the arts.

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your vision for supporting arts education, or how arts education fits with your campaign as a whole?

I’m involved with a nonprofit organization that provides different types of arts and education to the community throughout the community. It’s a unique way to engage with individuals and families.

Which of the following were part of your own K-12 schooling? (Check all that apply.)

Media Arts, Music, Visual Art

Which of these arts did you experience outside the K-12 school day? (Check all that apply.)

Music

How did your experiences with the arts impact your education, or your life after high school?

• I loved the variety of arts and just getting to try new things!

If elected, which of these strategies would you consider implementing? (Check all that would you would pursue.)

Attend events for our K-12 visual and/or performing arts programs, Work for a budget to financially support regular arts instruction at all schools, Support non-arts teachers with professional development opportunities for arts inclusion, Support professional development and/or collaborative time for arts teachers, Support professional development and/or collaboration time for teaching artists, Explore opportunities for CTE and Arts Education, Seek out insights from local PTAs, Booster Clubs, and/or arts organizations

What strengths or challenges are unique to your school district's arts programming, and what would you like voters to know about your perspective on them?

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your vision for supporting arts education, or how arts education fits with your campaign as a whole?

Which of the following were part of your own K-12 schooling? (Check all that apply.)

Music, Theatre

Which of these arts did you experience outside the K-12 school day? (Check all that apply.)

Music, Theatre, Visual Art

How did your experiences with the arts impact your education, or your life after high school?

• Arts education was a key part of my K-12 education. The opportunity to take the classes and participate in music helped me develop skills and gain appreciate that have made my life richer every day. Music taught me to work hard, recover from failure, work in a team, follow directions, and find joy in ensemble. High school chorale, band, and theatre were joyous, powerful, challenging experiences for me. I started singing in a kid's choir in church and enjoyed band, choir, select groups, and solo performance in middle school and high school. I loved that my friends and I, under the leadership of a skilled musician/teacher, could come together to make incredible music. Individually we practiced to grow our skills to improve the ensemble, worked hard to earn a spot in the select groups, and even harder to compete in festivals. I was in a select singing group that earned a top score at the state competition in 1976. I can still feel the exhilaration and joy we felt making incredible music together. My high school experience instilled a deep appreciate of music that expanded to the visual and theatre in my adult life. Today we support many arts organizations in our community My experience in theatre provided an individual challenge where I had to overcome the fear of individual performance. I had to face up to not delivering the performance I wanted. This started my journey to deal with the anxiety of public speaking and performance. The lessons learned have helped me throughout my career.

If elected, which of these strategies would you consider implementing? (Check all that would you would pursue.)

Attend events for our K-12 visual and/or performing arts programs, Research local arts programming and assess current needs, Work for a budget to financially support regular arts instruction at all schools, Create a local arts education task-force, Develop or update a district level arts plan, Develop or expand district support for teaching artist residencies, Support non-arts teachers with professional development opportunities for arts inclusion, Support professional development and/or collaborative time for arts teachers, Support professional development and/or collaboration time for teaching artists, Explore opportunities for CTE and Arts Education, Expand district-wide data collection for arts tracking and accountability, Seek out insights from local PTAs, Booster Clubs, and/or arts organizations, Study Washington’s arts requirements in depth to ensure effective implimentation

What strengths or challenges are unique to your school district's arts programming, and what would you like voters to know about your perspective on them?

CVSD has excellent arts education programs in music, theatre, and visual arts. I fully support these and other extracurricular programs in all grades from kindergarten to high school. Extracurriculars are extra, they are essential. For students, arts education offers incredible, unique opportunities to grow and gain confidence. For our community, the arts offers volunteer opportunities where we can share our talents and events where we come together to celebrate our student’s accomplishments. If elected, I want to ensure that all students are able to participate in the arts classes and extracurricular programs they choose regardless of their ability to pay.

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your vision for supporting arts education, or how arts education fits with your campaign as a whole?

I am concerned that threatened Federal cuts to education could reduce the funding designated for arts education and arts extracurricular programs. We need to fight hard and organize to help our national representatives understand we do not support cuts to federal education funds.

Which of the following were part of your own K-12 schooling? (Check all that apply.)

Music, Theatre

Which of these arts did you experience outside the K-12 school day? (Check all that apply.)

Music

How did your experiences with the arts impact your education, or your life after high school?

• Not much. The piano lessons I took outside of school helped me appreciate music somewhat. I was not skilled at things like drawing, painting, and pottery. So I gravitated towards math and sports where I had more talent. I would have like md to have tried choir but it didn’t fit my schedule. Someday I might take some voice lessons as I enjoy singing in church choirs but am not very good at it.

If elected, which of these strategies would you consider implementing? (Check all that would you would pursue.)

Attend events for our K-12 visual and/or performing arts programs, Work for a budget to financially support regular arts instruction at all schools, Support professional development and/or collaborative time for arts teachers, Explore opportunities for CTE and Arts Education, Seek out insights from local PTAs, Booster Clubs, and/or arts organizations, Consider adding an arts appreciation or humanities class to the curriculum. Something that exposes a range of arts to students, instead of just one art per class like pottery class, photography class, or jazz band.

What strengths or challenges are unique to your school district's arts programming, and what would you like voters to know about your perspective on them?

We have a history of great drama programs and school plays as well as our band programs doing well in competitions. We have music in our elementary schools, 5th grade strings, elementary school plays and good parent support. I think there are too many requirements in order to graduate. I think we could relax some of our math, PE, and CTE requirements in order to allow a few more electives. For example, my daughter took health over the summer, and got a PE credit by playing on the tennis team in order to make room for chamber orchestra her junior year. Why have athletes required to take PE? Why have honors/college bound/AP class taking students do CTE? Give us some flexibility.

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your vision for supporting arts education, or how arts education fits with your campaign as a whole?

Arts are great. Spokane honors a student from each high school every year in their “Spokane Scholars” awards and along with math, social science, physical science, language arts, and foreign language, they honor an arts student. One year, my son’s friend was honored for his talents and hard work as a trumpet player. Continuing our districts support of things like that by passing our levy and keeping arts funded is a priority of mine for the school board.

Which of the following were part of your own K-12 schooling? (Check all that apply.)

Cultural/Folk Arts, Dance, Music, Theatre

Which of these arts did you experience outside the K-12 school day? (Check all that apply.)

Cultural/Folk Arts, Dance, Music, Theatre

How did your experiences with the arts impact your education, or your life after high school?

• Greatly! In high school theater was life. I still participate at the Chewelah Civic Arts Center. Singing and dancing have always been a part of my life and family culture. I think art is imperative to life and a well rounded education. Music specifically is the bases of all academia from math to literature. This is how humans have past down information and ideas from the earliest points of human existence. It is rooted in our DNA.

If elected, which of these strategies would you consider implementing? (Check all that would you would pursue.)

Attend events for our K-12 visual and/or performing arts programs, Research local arts programming and assess current needs, Work for a budget to financially support regular arts instruction at all schools, Create a local arts education task-force, Develop or update a district level arts plan, Develop or expand district support for teaching artist residencies, Support non-arts teachers with professional development opportunities for arts inclusion, Support professional development and/or collaborative time for arts teachers, Support professional development and/or collaboration time for teaching artists, Explore opportunities for CTE and Arts Education, Expand district-wide data collection for arts tracking and accountability, Seek out insights from local PTAs, Booster Clubs, and/or arts organizations, Study Washington’s arts requirements in depth to ensure effective implimentation

What strengths or challenges are unique to your school district's arts programming, and what would you like voters to know about your perspective on them?

I believe we have a great art director at our school. I would like to create new avenues to get more funding for the arts department.

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your vision for supporting arts education, or how arts education fits with your campaign as a whole?

My entire plan is to foster arts, sports, and life skills in the school district. I believe that focusing on these areas will create a natural environment for the children to desire to learn core academic skills to help them be better in the things they enjoy and the skills that will be with them throughout their lives.

Which of the following were part of your own K-12 schooling? (Check all that apply.)

Cultural/Folk Arts, Dance, Music, Theatre, Visual Art

Which of these arts did you experience outside the K-12 school day? (Check all that apply.)

Cultural/Folk Arts, Music, Theatre

How did your experiences with the arts impact your education, or your life after high school?

• Arts allowed me to see the difference in cultures around the world. The arts also allowed me to experience other ways that people express themselves through music, visual arts, etc.

If elected, which of these strategies would you consider implementing? (Check all that would you would pursue.)

Attend events for our K-12 visual and/or performing arts programs, Work for a budget to financially support regular arts instruction at all schools, Create a local arts education task-force, Support professional development and/or collaboration time for teaching artists, Explore opportunities for CTE and Arts Education, Study Washington’s arts requirements in depth to ensure effective implimentation

What strengths or challenges are unique to your school district's arts programming, and what would you like voters to know about your perspective on them?

The budget for every school district is a challenge for keeping the arts and other program funded. Mead School District has a strong arts program, and I would like to see it continue to grow using technology, etc.

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your vision for supporting arts education, or how arts education fits with your campaign as a whole?

I would like ALL students to have access to arts starting in kindergarten and throughout their educational career.