Sycamore is not just another school district within a community. Our school district is the community that brings all of us here. Whether you are a young family, an empty nester, a business owner, a retiree, or someone who chooses alternative schooling for your children, chances are that you chose to live here, in part or in whole, because of the value and performance of our public school district.

Like you, I am a homeowner and a taxpayer. I am also an independent engineering consultant whose business is based here. As a father of five young children, I believe we must keep the community focused to maintain and continuously improve a school district that offers true value for all residents AND all students.

We moved here seven years ago for the excellent public schools and quality of life in our neighborhoods.   We learned shortly thereafter that relations between the community and the district were strained, leading eventually to the district’s levy defeat in August 2004.  Prior to this, the district had not failed a levy in over 30 years.

As a concerned citizen and parent,  I engaged with the district and volunteered my professional expertise to examine the schools’ financial, enrollment, demographic and academic parameters in an open and honest way. My efforts helped the district adopt a “data-driven” approach to financial planning and decision-making in 2004.  This has provided voters a better understanding of the true relationship between school finances and academic performance. 

Regardless of where you are in life right now, you know that the schools impact YOU, and ME, and all of our neighbors. When it comes to education and our community, we need to always work together. I am confident that I can add value to the school board and help achieve a common goal: a financially responsible and academically strong Sycamore that serves every student and every taxpayer. Here’s how: