Choosing Hope for McPherson’s Future

One of the biggest concerns I hear from no voters regarding the bond issue is a lack of trust and transparency in our district. That concern is real. I am not here to dismiss it or argue that mistakes have never been made. Like any organization, our district has faced challenges and moments that have tested confidence.

But I am, by nature, a hopeful person.

I have learned over the years — in life and in education — that dwelling in the past does not move us forward. Letting go of past mishaps, misfortunes, or frustrations is difficult. Trust takes time to rebuild. Yet if we remain anchored to what went wrong yesterday, we risk losing hope in what could go right tomorrow. We also risk overlooking an important truth: people can learn, and systems can improve.

As individuals, we cannot control every past decision. What we can control is how we move forward.

I have been an educator for nearly 20 years- McPherson for 17, and I am incredibly proud of the work happening in our classrooms every single day. Our teachers are dedicated, talented, and deeply committed to students. They create meaningful, engaging learning experiences and pour their hearts into this community.

Our students — past, present, and future — deserve the very best opportunities we can provide. They deserve facilities that match the excellence of the educators who teach them. They deserve spaces that reflect their drive, their creativity, and their potential.

This bond decision, for me, is not about reliving past frustrations. It is about choosing to invest in the future. It is about believing that our community can grow, that our district can continue improving, and that our children are worth that investment.

Hope does not ignore the past. It acknowledges it — and still chooses to move forward.

I encourage our community to consider what kind of future we want for McPherson and to remain hopeful as we make this decision together. I am a very hopeful YES vote!

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