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Editor’s Note: Candidates were sent a questionnaire via email.

 

• JENNIFER FRIZZELL

Date of Birth: December 6, 1972

Profession/current employer/ retired: VP Population Health and Quality, Ascension DePaul Services

Why did you choose to run for school board?  After much thought and prayer, I made the decision to run for school board because I see that a change to move our district forward in a positive direction is desperately needed.  As the parent of a student at ESJH, it is personal to me that we strive to expand the opportunities for EVERY child, EVERY day.  It is critical that we have responsive, accountable board members that make all decisions in the best interest of students, employees, and our community.  I want to represent District 6 to bring a new voice with a new vision to work collectively through evidence-based practices that achieve high outcomes while eliminating wasteful spending to our school system.

What is our public school district’s No. 1 challenge? While the list of challenges are many, I believe the school board needs to build back community trust with transparency, accountability, and communication so that all stakeholders feel heard.  None of us can do this alone; we must reverse the trend and work collectively to engage students, parents, staff, and the community as a whole to set a strategic plan we can be proud of that contains key performance indicators with benchmarks and aligned goals for success under consistent leadership.

What is our public school district’s No. 1 asset? I believe our dedicated team of educators and employees are our greatest asset.  We need to do a better job of hearing their needs and allowing them to share their ideas.  There is not one better to ask then those actually performing the work on ideas of ways to improve.

What would you like to see improved or upgraded with our public school district? Our public school district needs a comprehensive strategic plan with input from all stakeholders.  Every department should have key performance indicators with targeted goals to achieve success.  The public school district needs to improve the district rating and student achievement but you must have a strategic approach to get there which means being involved, using data to drive decisions, and focusing on clearly communicated outcomes from the strategic plan.  From a fiscal perspective, we must eliminate wasteful spending including at the board member level through updated policies, budgets, and monitored internal controls which is another critical aspect of a strategic plan.  All students need access to extracurricular activities and creativity outlets to expand the horizons for their future including mentorship and training programs.

What qualities would you like to see in a new superintendent? A leader that sets high expectations for students, staff, and the community that is able to create a culture of inclusion for all stakeholders.  A leader that communicates with transparency and listens to stakeholders while ensuring the district is in compliance with all laws and policies.  A leader that drives change through evidence based interventions and best practices to achieve student and district success. A leader that is committed to celebrating the success of all students and employees throughout the year to improve morale.  A leader that has an established record of improving truancy rates, student achievement, and has innovative ideas for bettering systems for all stakeholders to have a voice.

How do you plan to make a difference? I plan to make a difference in the public school system by being an informed, involved, and accountable board member.  I prepare for meetings, ensure I understand the content, and participate in committee meetings to ensure I am part of the discussion and hear all perspectives.  It is unacceptable for a board member to show up to a board meeting unprepared when it is time to vote.  I will make a difference by being available to the constituents of District 6 or any district that needs my ear to hear concerns.  I bring mastery level skills of strategic planning in my list of qualifications to the table that will benefit the school district to improve outcomes while eliminating waste.  I will be a voice for every student, every day.  A voice of integrity.

 

• KEITH A. JONES – INCUMBENT

Date of Birth: August 5, 1966

Profession/ Current Employer/Retired: Business Owner (Real Estate Investor), Property Owner

Why Did you choose to run for School Board? I’m the incumbent. My motto is to always put children first, reduce the dropout rate, and increase the graduation rate.

What is our public school District’s No. 1 Challenge? Parental involvement

What is our public school District’s No 1 asset? Our children and our employees (all)

What would you like to see improved or upgraded with our public school district? Safety protocols throughout the district for all stakeholders, more resource officers in all schools, increase all employee salaries

What qualities would you like to see in a new superintendent? Experience, professionalism, dedication, fairness

How do you plan to make a difference? By always putting children first, increasing test scores and increasing MFP funding