About
I was born into an Air Force family with Iowa roots. I made my final move to Iowa in 1990 and after experiencing my first Iowa snowstorm, I swore I would never spend another winter here. As often happens, God has different plans, and in the Spring of 1991 I met my wife and have been in Iowa ever since. I have 7 wonderful children, 3 daughter in laws, and 3 beautiful grandchildren, with one more on the way.
For the last 32 years, I've had the privilege of standing in front of Iowa classrooms, watching young minds grow, helping students discover their potential, and yes, sometimes struggling to get them to understand fractions or to just plain pay attention. I've taught three decades' worth of Iowa's children, many of whom now live and work in our district.
Since 1994 I’ve watched our education system drift away from common sense, away from parental authority, and away from the values that made Iowa schools the envy of the nation.
I've watched curriculum become more politicized and less focused on the fundamentals. We have continually lowered the bar and students have suffered the consequences. I've watched property taxes climb as educational spending has exploded, yet teachers are still buying classroom supplies out of their own pockets, and administrative salaries are growing and growing.
I'm running for the Iowa House because our children deserve better, our teachers deserve better, and our taxpayers deserve better.
Priorities
Back to Basics
We know what works. We need students who can read, write, and understand basic math. We need to prepare them with lifelong skills that will equip them for the world beyond school. This starts with setting guidelines and expectations, holding the students and teachers accountable, and having logical consequences when needed.
At one time, Iowa was the pinnacle of educational success. We are now 13th in the country in academic success. It's time to return to the basics and make education in Iowa great again.
Stewarding the Budget
The state of Iowa spends 41% of the state budget on education ($3.9 billion). We need to make sure every dollar goes to the student and the classroom, not to administrative bloat. We need accountability for results, not just for spending. And we need school choice options that respect both our excellent public schools and parents who need alternatives for their children.
After 32 years of public education, I know that regardless of what side of the political aisle parents are on, we all want the same things: schools that are safe, that teach well, that prepare their children for good lives, and that respect Iowa values.
Protect Children
There's age-appropriate material for every grade level, and schools need to respect developmental boundaries and parental values. Our students are our future, and they deserve the best protection possible.
As a Christian, I believe every child is created in the image of God with inherent dignity and worth. Our schools should be places where all students feel safe and respected.
Protect Iowa Values
Iowans have always stood on the values of protecting life, liberty, and our civil rights. I'll stand for those and work to make sure they are protected from encroachments.