How My Perspective on Public Education Has Evolved

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how my perspective on public education has evolved over time.

I attended public school from kindergarten through 12th grade, and because my family moved several times, I had the unique opportunity to experience very different school systems along the way. I went to elementary school in Reno, Nevada and in the suburbs of Chicago, attended middle school and some of high school in the Chicago suburbs, and finished high school in Baltimore County.

At the time, I didn’t fully appreciate what a gift that was. But looking back, being able to see - firsthand, as a student - how different schools operate has been incredibly valuable. I experienced different approaches to teaching, different school cultures, different levels of resources, and different ways of supporting students. It gave me an early understanding that there is no one “right” way to do things - but that the quality of a school experience is deeply shaped by the people, the priorities, and the systems in place.

Later, my perspective expanded again through my professional work. For a large portion of my career, I’ve been involved in teaching and training school psychologists. That work offered a window into schools from a very different vantage point - one that focused on how we support students not just academically, but emotionally, socially, and developmentally. It deepened my understanding of the complexities schools navigate every day, and the importance of collaboration between educators, mental health professionals, and families.

And now, as a parent, my perspective has broadened yet again.

There is nothing quite like seeing a school through your child’s eyes. You notice different things. You feel the impact of decisions in a more immediate and personal way. You become more attuned to what helps a child feel confident, supported, and connected - and what might get in the way.

All of these experiences - student, professional, and parent - have shaped how I think about public education today.

They’ve also deepened my appreciation for what we have here at Haldane.

We are fortunate to be part of a district that is strongly positioned to support students - academically, socially, and emotionally - even in the face of ongoing state and federal funding challenges. We haven’t arrived here by accident. It reflects thoughtful planning, dedicated educators and staff, and a community that values its schools.

At the same time, I think it’s important to keep asking: How do we continue to build on that strength? How do we ensure that every student feels supported, challenged, and connected? How do we maintain what’s working while also adapting to new needs and realities?

For me, that’s what public education is about - not just preserving what we have, but continuing to grow it in thoughtful, intentional ways.