Age: 41

Occupation: Attorney; partner with Baudler, Baudler, Maus & Blahnik, LLP.

Previous service on elected or community boards: director, Austin Area Chamber of Commerce, 2006-present, president, 2009; director, Development Corp. of Austin, 2007-present; director, Riverland Community College Foundation; 1998-2007, president, 2005; director, United Way of Mower County, 1999-2006, fund distribution chairman, 2003-06; city of Austin Police Civil Service Commission, 2003-05; city of Austin Charter Commission, 2000-07; Austin Noon Lions Club, 1998-present; candidate for Austin City Council, 2002.

Why are you running for school board? What's prepared you to be on the school board?

I want to help ensure that the children of our school district have access to the best possible educational opportunities. I also have three school-age children, and I believe we need more parents on the school board. I have been an attorney, a business person and an active volunteer in our community for more than 12 years, and I believe my knowledge and experience will be a valuable asset on the school board.

What's the biggest challenge facing the Austin Public Schools district, and what would you do to correct it?

I think the budget is the biggest current challenge facing the district. Fortunately, we have an administration that has proved itself to be fiscally responsible. Good examples are the energy-savings steps the administration has taken in recent years and the voluntary freezing of their own salaries. We need to continue that tradition of finding ways to become more efficient and reduce expenses in a manner that does not harm the students.

What is an outstanding feature in Austin Public Schools, and what will you do to maintain and improve it?

Community support is probably the most outstanding feature of our district. The Hormel Foundation, the Austin Public Education Foundation, Hormel Foods Corp. and a myriad of other local businesses and organizations have enabled the district to implement model programs such as the math/science initiative. As a board member and an active community member, I will work to strengthen those essential partnerships.

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