I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself as the newly appointed school superintendent of USD 465. With a deep passion for education and a commitment to fostering a positive learning environment, I am excited and eager to work alongside our educators and community to ensure the success of our students

Having served in various leadership roles within the education sector for over three decades, I bring a wealth of experience and expertise to this position. My background includes serving as a classroom teacher for 18 years, seven of them in Winfield Public Schools. After my time in Winfield, I spent 11 years as principal of an elementary school in Great Bend. In 2018, I moved to the USD 428 district office and served as Director of Federal Programs, Director of Teaching & Learning, and Assistant Superintendent, respectively. While in Great Bend, I was also happy to serve on the Board of Trustees for Barton Community College from 2018-2022. I earned a BA in Elementary Education from KSU, a M.A. in School Leadership from Baker University, and an Ed.S. degree in Educational Administration from Fort Hays State University. My husband is a retired educator having served as a school administrator for over two decades. Dillon, Bethany and Kaylee are our three grown children who live in Manhattan

In line with our district's vision, I am excited to share two key initiatives that we will be focusing on: "Capturing Kids' Hearts" and the importance of students attending school regularly. The "Capturing Kids' Hearts" program aims to create a positive and inclusive school culture by fostering strong relationships between students and staff. By implementing social-emotional learning strategies and emphasizing the importance of empathy and respect, we aim to create an environment where every student feels valued and supported.

Additionally, we recognize the critical role that regular school attendance plays in a student's academic success. We have launched a district-wide campaign to raise awareness about the importance of students coming to school every day. Through partnerships with parents, community organizations, and local businesses, we aim to address barriers to attendance and provide resources to support families in ensuring their children are present and engaged in their education. I am confident that by working together, we can create a community where every student thrives academically, socially, and emotionally.