A Lifetime of Service to Nebo Students, Families, and Schools.

Raised in Payson and West Mountain, I am grateful to call South Utah County home. My wife, Carisa, and I are parents to nine children and grandparents to three energetic grandsons. We currently reside in Elk Ridge, where we have been for nearly 30 years. 37 fabulous years as a fifth-grade teacher have just come to an end with my retirement. In addition to spending more time with my family, I wish to continue encouraging and supporting Nebo students, families, and employees. 

Committed to Nebo Community
Nebo School District is about as familiar to me as it is to anyone. My own education occurred in Nebo Schools, from Kindergarten at Peteetneet to graduation from Payson High. I’ve given my entire career to teaching, helping students achieve their potential through high expectations and personal encouragement. Their parents have had my solid support, as have my colleagues and administrators. Six of my own children graduated from Salem Hills High, and my youngest three are now at Salem Jr. and Valley View Middle. I am not ready to just turn my back on all that. As my teaching career comes to a close, I wish to give back through continued service to our students, families, and schools. Since I am retired, I will have more ability to listen, to learn, and to advocate for the needs of all those our district serves, including the taxpayers. 

Inside Perspective
Having taught for 29 years in Nebo School District, and an additional eight years in Alpine District at the beginning of my career, I have had the opportunity to see many changes, for good and less great, in our school system. I’ve been around long enough to observe much from the teaching trenches and from leadership positions in the Nebo Teachers Association and the district’s Health and Wellness program. Although on a much smaller scale than a school board position, my  experience as a Payson Community Theatre board member for 18 years has taught me much in the way of organization, collaboration, commitment, and budget management. 

Truly Conservative 
My definition of “conservative” goes beyond being “right wing”. I believe this includes holding to beliefs of faith in God, the nuclear family, the Constitution, and the exceptionality of the United States. It encompasses valuing government at the lowest levels, respectful yet resolute dialogue, tight-knit communities, and a well-educated populace. In addition, it consists of fiscal responsibility and avoiding waste of resources, hard work, and honesty. I am not perfect at any of these, but I hold them dear and do my best to align my life with these.
I am active in the Republican Party and currently serve as the Vice Chair for Legislative District 65. I know our legislators and have interacted with both Representative Doug Welton and Senator Mike McKell. I have been endorsed by the Utah County Republican Party as their nominee for this campaign.

Analytical and Willing to Speak Up
I have an ability to see issues from a broad perspective, allowing me to see the whole “forest” and not get lost in the “trees”. I am willing to speak up and ask questions. “Stepping up to the mic” is not intimidating for me. I am definitely not a “rubber stamp” person. 

Team Player
In my entire career, there has never been a team-mate I have not gotten along well with. That is a compliment to each of them, but I believe it also indicates that I work well with people and value all voices. I do believe that compromise is important unless it is regarding core values.