FAQs For Monica

What is the foundational reason you’re running for Lakewood City Schools' Board of Education?

Public schools are the heart of a strong community, and they need leaders who listen and lead with transparency. As a parent of three elementary-aged Lakewood students, lifelong Lakewood resident, and education advocate, I’ve spent years walking our schools, talking with families, and hearing what matters: inclusivity, safety, collaboration, and community.

Our schools face big challenges: facility decisions, funding shifts, student well-being, equity, and transparency, among many others. That's why I became a founding member of Preserve Lakewood Schools to tackle these issues and hold our elected officials accountable, and now I’m stepping up to lead.

I’ve made a career in K-12 education planning and advocacy. I’ll ask tough questions, push for clarity, and keep students at the center. This isn’t about the status quo, it’s about moving forward with purpose.

What is your vision for public education in our district?

I envision public education in Lakewood as a thriving ecosystem rooted in neighborhood connection, equity, and thoughtful planning. We’re a walkable city with deep community bonds, so we must leverage that by preserving and strengthening neighborhood schools, and ensuring each facility is healthy, well-utilized, and reflective of the values we share. We need to take advantage of opportunities to elevate and promote Lakewood City Schools. Together, let’s make our school district the first choice for families and a true point of pride for our community.

What do you love about Lakewood?

Lakewood is home. I’m a lifelong resident and a proud Lakewood Ranger graduate. This community shaped me, and I want every student to have the same strong foundation I did.

What makes Lakewood special is its vision for the future. In 2019, our schools committed to graduating students with six essential competencies: creative and critical thinking, communication, collaboration, growth mindset, global awareness, and empathy. Those values don’t just prepare students for the world; they reflect who we are as a community.

I love Lakewood because it believes in its kids, its schools, and its people, and I’m committed to protecting that vision.

What is your current political affiliation?

If you Google me, you will see that the last ballot I pulled was Republican. I consider myself more of a centrist/Independent. I do not make my decisions or actions through the lens of a particular political party, nor do I generally donate to federal or state campaigns. I have supported local Democrats in Lakewood that are advancing the same ideologies that I support. I have a strong history of being an advocate for public education - participating in the ACE Mentor Program of Cleveland, Preserve Lakewood Schools, and Lakewood Rangers Education Foundation. I have three adopted children, two of whom are biracial and all of whom have varying support needs. I want to give all of the students in Lakewood the same opportunities as I had.

Are you a Trump supporter or part of the MAGA movement?
No. I am not connected to MAGA politics, Trump, LifeWise, or Moms for Liberty. I am fiscally conservative and socially progressive. My fiscal strategy for the district would include a broad lens on our spending priorities and alleviating administrative bloat so that more dollars can be routed to support our children and our community values.

My focus is entirely local: on keeping Lakewood’s schools strong, transparent, and inclusive for every student and family. I understand why people ask, because national politics can feel overwhelming, but this campaign isn’t about that. It’s about being a good neighbor, listening to our community, and making decisions that reflect Lakewood’s values of inclusivity, community, and respect, which I share. I don't believe that politics or religion belong in schools.

I invite you to get to know who I am and what I stand for, and I welcome getting to know you and listening to your ideas and concerns about our public schools. I want to work collaboratively with everyone to elevate Lakewood as a whole, regardless of political affiliation. We're all in this together.

How do your personal values align with our community’s progressive priorities?

As a lifelong Lakewood resident, educator, parent, and special education advocate for my own children, I live the progressive ideals we hold dear. My values of equity, inclusion, listening, and collaboration are rooted in decades of both professional and family experience—leading master planning sessions, balancing budgets, and most importantly, sitting beside intervention specialists and teachers to advocate for my own children, as well as for every Lakewood student.

How will you ensure our schools are safe and affirming for LGBTQ+ students, students of color, and multilingual learners?

I believe in building schools where every student and staff member feel seen, heard, and protected. That starts with listening to voices from every background, investing in culturally responsive teaching, and ensuring district policies reflect inclusiveness. With my track record as a founding member of Preserve Lakewood Schools, I’ll continue to elevate marginalized voices, facilitate restorative community dialogues, and champion professional development for educators on identity, equity, and belonging. Lakewood does an excellent job of affirming our LGBTQ students and I pledge to continue this.

How will you ensure that every student, regardless of background, has access to a high-quality education?

K-12 education has undergone significant changes over the past 30 years, and we need to meet students where they are. If elected, I’ll advocate for:

Equitable funding for schools and students with the greatest needs
Access to experienced teachers, modern technology, and culturally responsive curriculum
Strong support services like mental health resources, and early intervention

Every child deserves the tools to succeed, no matter their background.

How will you support students with disabilities and ensure they have inclusive learning environments?

As a mother and special education advocate, I’ve been at the table with intervention specialists, therapists, and teachers, working to secure the services that support my children’s success and the success of students across the district. I’ll continue to do that at the board level: maintaining open communication with families, monitoring implementation in classrooms, and ensuring the district follows through on inclusive best practices.

What is your stance on Critical Race Theory?

I support teaching students a full and honest history, one that doesn’t shy away from the hard truths of our past and present. Critical race theory, at its core, is about examining how systems and policies have shaped inequities over time. The principles behind it- understanding perspectives, questioning fairness, and recognizing patterns of inequality- are valuable at every level of learning.

In our schools, this means making sure students have the tools to think critically, to engage with different perspectives, and to grow into empathetic, informed citizens. When we help students understand the context of our shared history, we give them the skills to build a more inclusive and fair future.

As a board member, I’ll support curriculum that reflects the diversity of our community, acknowledges systemic inequities, and encourages respectful dialogue. Every student deserves to see themselves in what they learn and to be prepared to thrive in a diverse world.

How will you protect educators' ability to teach honestly about history and current events?

Teachers deserve trust, respect, and autonomy. I will push back against politicized censorship, advocate for clear board policies that protect academic freedom, and create channels where educators can safely raise concerns before action is taken. We cannot compromise integrity for politics. My commitment to transparent community engagement ensures our district stands firm on truth, not pressure.

How do you balance preparing students for college and career with their social-emotional learning needs?

Education isn’t just academics; it’s about nurturing the whole child. I’ll support initiatives integrating project-based learning, mental health resources, and social-emotional instruction into every grade. My background in K-12 education planning and community engagement means I’m well-versed at identifying not just academic needs, but the support that helps students thrive emotionally and socially, with the goal of becoming contributing citizens.

How would you prioritize spending in Lakewood City Schools' budget?
I believe budget decisions should be guided by data and community input. My top priorities:

Facility integrity and equitable access: Making sure our buildings are well-maintained and welcoming across Lakewood, with a focus on continuing our current model of seven walkable neighborhood elementary schools.
Student support: From mental health to intervention services.
Teacher investment: Professional development, fair pay, and autonomy.

Would you advocate for increased public funding for schools, and how would you work to secure it?

Yes. Public schools deserve public investment. I have and will continue to:

Engage the community with transparency to build support.
Advocate with state leaders and legislators, drawing from my professional experience navigating Ohio’s funding regulations.
Leverage our district’s strengths (such as neighborhood school bonds) for future investments.

How will you ensure transparency and community input in board and financial decisions?

With authentic community engagement, which includes regular town halls, public updates, and easy-to-understand financial summaries. My career leadership style is built on trust: I will make sure that residents, families, and staff are partners, not just observers. Community input isn’t just welcomed; it’s essential to crafting policy that truly works.

How do you plan to maintain open communication with the community and respond to concerns?
I’ve always been visible and approachable, from “Meet Monica” events to parades and community forums. As your board member, I’ll continue that practice: being present in neighborhoods, maintaining clear lines of email and phone communication, and ensuring community feedback shapes every decision. I’m also a big proponent of face-to-face chats over coffee.

How would you respond to attempts to ban books or limit curriculum based on political pressure?

I’d stand firmly for intellectual freedom. Lakewood shouldn’t yield to fear or political whims. I’ll review any book ban proposals through an equity lens, push for due process, and speak out clearly: our students deserve access to information that expands their understanding and empathy.

What’s your position on school choice, vouchers, and charter school expansion?

Public schools are the backbone of our democracy. I support strengthening, not draining, our public system. That means protecting neighborhood schools from unfettered voucher expansion and charter growth that siphons resources. We should focus on investing in what works here, not exporting our dollars elsewhere. I would urge the Lakewood City School District to sign onto the Ohio-wide voucher lawsuit "Vouchers Hurt Ohio".

How do you plan to address rising levels of anxiety, depression, and burnout among students?
We must embed mental health and wellness supports into district systems. That means increasing counselors, training staff in trauma-informed practices, and providing structured Social and Emotional Learning programs. My K-12 education planning background has prepared me to work strategically, allocating funds and designing systems so mental health isn’t an add-on, but core to a school district and student’s success.

What is a typical weekday like for you?

With three elementary-aged children, getting the kids up and ready for school takes a concentrated effort. I am fortunate to be able to work from home, and my day is typically filled with virtual calls, computer work, and meetings. I also try to fit in a 30-minute bike ride in my home gym. A few times a month, I travel to various school districts in Ohio for K-12 education planning meetings.

If you could bring one school tradition back (or invent one), what would it be?

During COVID, some graduation traditions were put on hold, and the district was forced to find creative new ways to honor the seniors. One of those new activities was a car parade for the seniors through town. I remember lining up along Hilliard as car after car drove by carrying the smiling and waving students. We cheered and congratulated not just the students but the parents and family members who also rode in those cars. High school graduation is monumental, not just for the hard-working senior, but also the family that has been supporting that student. What a nice way for the community to celebrate the graduating class and the families to see the community support.

If you were a student today, what club would you join first?

I’d most likely join the youth volunteer organization, H2O (Help to Others). I’ve always been inspired to take my skills and help where I can. I’ve served as the community service chair in several professional organizations over the years and volunteered with Cleveland Food Bank, Cleveland Book Bank, Habitat for Humanity, and various community meal programs. Making time for others is one of my highest priorities.