It starts with parents!

I've been asked, why are you running for DPS Board of Education by a number of people. Some have called it insanity to want to serve in a volunteer position dealing with such a critical matter as the educating of our children. I definitely don't think it is insane.

As a father of (4) children, all soon to be students within DPS, I see it as insane if I did not seek this opportunity; for them and the many students like them who trust their parents and other adults to make the best decisions for their futures. That's what this is about for me.

It is a dad saying to his children that I will be a good steward of the trust that you have placed in me. I will remember my responsibility to you; to raise you in love and prepare you for your future. I will remember that as your parents, your mother and I are your first teachers.

We are responsible for preparing you to be the best student that you can be. We are responsible to support you by being engaged in your learning. We are responsible to develop in you the character and moral fiber that will make you a great student, a great citizen, but more importantly a God-honoring person.

We are responsible to support you, to aid you when needed, cheer you and comfort you when you struggle, to yell "that's my baby" at every school event you are in! We are responsible to discipline you in love, to teach you that our standards for behavior don't just apply at home, but in school and wherever you go. It is our responsibility as parents to stand up for you when you are wronged, and to teach you to own your choices and consequences when you have wronged someone else.

It is our responsibility as parents to take time to laugh with you when it is funny. To cry with you when it is sad. To learn with you, because we really don't know it all, especially every day math! It is our responsibility to make sure that you are well rested, well fed, and constantly loved. To call your grandmother when neither of us understands the homework. We are your parents, and before anyone else, we are responsible for you.

We will not push you off on the school for the things that we are responsible for. We own up to the high call of parenting. You are a gift to us; a gift that is appreciated and will always be cherished. We know that for you to get the most from your education, we must meet our responsibilities as your parents. There is no getting around it. You need us to be your parents; to do what is right for your future.

I am running for the DPS Board of Education because I believe that my children and your children need parents who will take responsibility for them and hold sacred the trust that our children place in us for their futures! It begins with parents!

More to come.....