Jennifer M. Jendras: 2023 candidate for Glenbard Township High School District 87, 2-year unexpired term

Bio

Town: Glen Ellyn

Age on Election Day: 54

Occupation: Manager occupational health and safety

Employer: U.S. General Services Administration

Previous offices held: Glenbard Township High School District 87 board member, 2013-21

Q&A

Q: Why are you running for this office, whether for reelection or election the first time? Is there a particular issue that motivates you?

A: I am running because I am a parent of a student. I will make sure that voices of parents are being heard and considered by the school board and school administration. Parents want to be a part of the education of their children.

Q: What is the role of the school board in setting and monitoring curriculum?

A: The school board is a collective, responsible for guiding the school or district's budget, approving bills, setting effective policies and district goals which lead to spending and curriculum priorities.

Board members individually must prepare to participate in board meetings responsibly, have a focus on serving the needs of all its children, represent the entire community, not a single constituency, and be responsible for group behavior and productivity. It is also important for a board member to follow its own rules of protocol.

Board members need to ensure the school policies are followed within the curriculum developed. School Boards must create transparency in all aspect of their community education system.

Q: Are there curriculum issues within the district that you feel need particular attention from the board?

A: Yes, the curriculum developed for students must follow school policies within the state mandates.

Q: How do you view your role in confronting policy or curriculum controversies: provide leadership even if unpopular, give a voice to constituents - even ones with whom you disagree, or defer to state authorities?

A: People understand there are voices on all sides of an issue. What they need to know most is that their voices are heard, their opinions have been considered and discussed. Right now some parents feel discounted, helpless, and marginalized. Parents feel left out of their kid's educational process. The board needs to find ways to lessen this and find middle ground solutions.

Q: Concerns are growing regarding a new resurgence of the pandemic. If another massive outbreak of infectious disease occurs, what have we learned from the COVID-19 pandemic that will guide your decision making?

A: There have been many pandemic resurgences since the initial pandemic. These have been managed just fine. The majority of people have received vaccinations and/or have survived COVID so there is immunity to this disease that has been acquired, and there are plenty of effective treatments. Unless the symptoms from this disease increase in severity, the management of the disease can be handled within schools similar to influenza.

Q: Describe your experience working in a group setting to determine policy. What is your style in such a setting to reach agreement and manage school district policy? Explain how you think that will be effective in producing effective actions and decisions of your school board.

A: I have been a previous school board member for 8 years. I have never had difficulty in working with fellow members and reaching agreement because I am open to listening to different perspectives.

In fact, it is good when people think differently. When people all think the same, it can sometimes mean not everyone is thinking. Listening to different viewpoints opens the concepts to deeper discussion and better conclusion making. You want a school board that is diverse in thought.

Q: What makes you the best candidate for the job?

A: I am an independent thinker. I am an avid researcher. I am open and approachable to considering all sides of an issue. I have zero association with an outside special interest groups. My interest lies with improved education for students.

Q: What's one good idea you have to better your district that no one is talking about yet?

A: More semester type classes to give students more opportunity to sample different classes before college. Opening up the opportunity for underclassman to take electives currently reserved for upperclassman. Incorporating more data collection and capturing within curriculum and computer usage. Data collection and presentation is a big part of most college degree programs and careers.