How do you define a "holistic" education, and why is it essential for a student's long-term success?

TL; DR: Educating the whole child balances academic growth with life-skills and purpose. A narrow, outdated focus on state mandates does not allow this. Our students can have a lifetime of connection and fulfillment when we integrate mental health supports, creativity, and real-world problem-solving.

I believe true success means preparing every child to flourish by growing their intellect, character, and ability to find joy and meaning in their lives. This holistic vision is threatened by a narrow, outdated focus on merely exceeding state mandates, which can overlook the vital skills our students need to thrive in a complex world.

The future will demand flexibility and lifelong learning, as today’s graduates will navigate not just multiple jobs, but multiple careers. This requires the courage to adapt—a skill not always taught in a traditional classroom. I model this in my own life; after a fulfilling 20-year career as an optometrist, serving on the school board inspired me to pursue a new path in public policy. My commitment to earn a doctorate was a deliberate choice to deepen my ability to serve our community, turning my passion into expertise.

This personal journey directly informs my vision. To prepare resilient thinkers and doers, we must focus on our shared humanity by integrating mental health supports, cultivating creativity, and championing real-world problem-solving. This is how we prepare students not just for their first job, but for a lifetime of connection, purpose, and fulfillment.

We’ve all seen how hard these past few years have been on young people. That’s why investing in programs that support mental health, peer connection, and a sense of purpose is essential to helping them succeed.