Communication
Good communication is at the heart of strong leadership. It’s how trust is built, how expectations are made clear, and how people stay connected and working toward a shared goal. A good leader doesn’t just talk—they listen, too. Being open to feedback and concerns helps create a respectful, inclusive environment where people feel heard. Especially during times of change or challenge, clear and steady communication can ease uncertainty and keep morale up. When leaders communicate honestly and consistently, they earn trust, encourage teamwork, and help others feel confident moving forward together.
Improved communication is something the community has been asking for from the Kent School District for many years now. However, few meaningful, lasting improvements have been made in that time. Voter support has been very low for levies and bonds in recent years. We will be asking the community to renew levies again in 2027. In just these past few weeks there have been discussions regarding the continuation of 5th grade camp as an overnight experience. The community has overwhelmingly supported the continuation of the full camp experience. Additionally, several current school board members recently expressed the desire for this program to continue.
However, the agenda has been released for the special board meeting to be held on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, and there is no mention of camp. At the last regular board meeting we were led to believe that this would be the last opportunity to discuss camp before the deadline to notify Camp Osprey. The Director of Finance said KSD would be looking for the additional money to make this experience happen for our fifth graders – and their high school mentors. So why is camp not going to be discussed? Where is the communication surrounding this issue that is important to so many? This is just one example of where KSD has fallen short in its communication with stakeholders.
As a School Board Director, I will prioritize open, honest, and respectful communication with our community, staff, students, and fellow board members. I believe transparency builds trust, so I will work to keep the public informed about board decisions, priorities, and challenges through regular updates and timely responses to emails. I will also actively listen to feedback, making sure community voices are heard and considered in decision-making. These are elected positions, and we answer to the public. Whether in public meetings or one-on-one conversations, I will communicate with empathy and professionalism to ensure that all stakeholders feel valued and informed.