ESD 113 Capital Region Educational Service District

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

Music

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?

• I was a band kid as soon as that option became available, and later I began taking private piano lessons. Music quickly became more than just an extracurricular. It was a way to express myself when words didn’t feel like enough. The arts gave me an outlet to process emotions, communicate in new ways, and connect with others. Learning music also taught me discipline and built my work ethic. Practicing an instrument requires patience, consistency, and focus—skills that carried over into my academics and continue to serve me in my professional life. Just as importantly, music broadened my perspective. It deepened my understanding of storytelling in film and theater and showed me the value of creative expression as a universal language. These experiences are why I believe arts education is so vital for students today. Not every student thrives in traditional or “conventional” ways of learning or expressing themselves, but the arts give them a pathway to be seen, heard, and successful. The discipline, creativity, and empathy students build through the arts stay with them for life and help them grow into well-rounded adults.

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?

Olympia has incredible arts programs that showcase the creativity and talent of our students, thanks to dedicated teachers and strong community support. From music and theater to visual arts, these programs give students opportunities to grow in confidence, discipline, and collaboration.

At the same time, we face challenges that threaten access and equity in the arts. Budget constraints, staffing shortages, and inequities between schools mean not every student has the same opportunity to participate. Too often, the arts are seen as “extras” instead of essential components of a well-rounded education, and that creates gaps in access.

I want voters to know that I see the arts as vital, not optional. Every student—regardless of which school they attend—deserves the chance to discover their creative voice and the skills the arts build. My perspective is that we need to protect and strengthen arts programming, even in tough budget times, by prioritizing equitable access and seeking creative partnerships with our community to sustain these opportunities for all students.

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 is not separate from my vision for our schools—it’s woven into it. My campaign is about inclusivity, accessibility, accountability, and transparency, and the arts play a critical role in all of those areas. The arts invite every student to participate and succeed in different ways, regardless of background or learning style. They build bridges across differences, create opportunities for collaboration, and help students develop the creativity and resilience they’ll need in life beyond the classroom.

Supporting arts education means making sure every student, in every school, has access to these opportunities—not just those in well-resourced programs or families who can afford private lessons. It also means listening to our educators and community partners about what resources and support they need to keep the arts strong in Olympia.

For me, protecting and strengthening arts education isn’t just about defending “programs.” It’s about ensuring that every student has the chance to discover their own voice, build confidence, and connect to something larger than themselves. By giving students these opportunities now, we’re preparing them to be successful, creative, and engaged members of our community long after they leave the classroom.

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

Media Arts, Music, Theatre, Visual Art

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

Media Arts, Music, Theatre, Visual Art

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

• My experiences in the arts shaped me in lasting ways. Being part of band taught me discipline, teamwork, and the value of consistent practice. Theatre helped me appreciate the importance of storytelling and empathy. Visual arts allowed me to explore creativity and problem-solving from a more personal, reflective space. Together, these experiences made me a more well-rounded learner and helped me develop strong communication and leadership skills. After high school, the lessons I learned from the arts continue to influence how I approach challenges, with creativity, resilience, and an appreciation for diverse forms of expression.

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, 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?

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 aligns closely with my overall vision of empowering educators and valuing their professional expertise. I believe teachers are the heart of innovation in our schools, and supporting them through high-quality professional development, especially around integrating the arts across content areas, can enhance engagement and deepen learning for all students. My campaign emphasizes collaboration and creativity, which are core values of arts education. Finally, I believe in strengthening partnerships with community organizations, local artists, and cultural institutions to create a vibrant, well-rounded educational experience. By investing in the arts and the educators who bring them to life, we empower students to think critically, express themselves, and thrive in an ever-changing world.

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

Music, Theatre, Visual Art

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

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

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

• I worked as a newspaper designer for 5 years and drew a lot on my arts education in that work.

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, Develop or update a district level arts plan, Explore opportunities for CTE and Arts Education, Expand district-wide data collection for arts tracking and accountability, Study Washington’s arts requirements in depth to ensure effective implimentation, Continue partnership with Inspire Olympia, which supports arts programming in our local schools

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?

Olympia School District is unique in that we are able to partner and receive supplemental dollars to fund programs through the Inspire Olympia tax. This collaboration with other local government is a tremendous strength. I think it serves as an excellent model for many areas where we would benefit from partnerships.

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?

The Olympia School District has amazing music and arts programming, both as part of the school day and as extra curricular opportunities. The deep investment of the community in these opportunities is clear. I’ve reviewed the the district’s budget survey that a variety of arts programming is one of the things that students and families value about their school experience. As a director, I commit to doing my best to continue to support a wide range of opportunities for students both inside and beyond the classroom.

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

Arts-focused Career & Technical Education, Music

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

Dance

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

• The arts had a lasting impact on my education and my life. In high school, choir taught me the importance of teamwork and listening, skills I use every day as a business owner and parent. Ceramics class gave me a creative outlet and a lifelong appreciation for hands-on learning, and it’s also where I met my wife, so it’s safe to say the arts changed my life in more ways than one. Those experiences remind me how essential the arts are for helping students find confidence, connection, and creativity. As a school board member, I want to ensure every student in Olympia has the same opportunities to discover their passions through the arts

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?

Olympia has a proud tradition of supporting the arts, from strong music and theater programs to dedicated teachers who inspire creativity in our students. That’s a real strength of our district, and it reflects our community’s values. At the same time, we know access and equity can vary from school to school, and budget pressures too often put arts programs on the chopping block.

As a parent and business owner, I’ve seen how creativity and collaboration, the very skills fostered by the arts, are essential for success in life and work. Every student deserves the opportunity to explore music, visual arts, and performance. I’ll advocate for maintaining and expanding arts opportunities, ensuring that creativity remains a cornerstone of an Olympia education.

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

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

• Not very much

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, 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

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.)

Dance, Music, Theatre, Visual Art

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

Dance, Media Arts, Music, Theatre, Visual Art

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

• My experiences in a variety of the arts made my educational experience richer and more enjoyable. It helped develop additional skills outside of traditional classroom work and definitely increased my confidence and comfort in new situations.

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, 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, Willing to consider any of the above options based on needs

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 value the wide variety of arts experiences available to our students and their many benefits. I will continue to be a supportive advocate for our arts programs.

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?