||| FROM GIGI BERARDI |||
I write to highlight the profound actions SJC Council candidate longtime-islander Jennifer Swanson’s taken in our community, which are easily applied to the larger islands. Most notably, she has served as an elected official for repeated terms as a school district board member (and board chair for part of that), and then as appointed superintendent.
School board member and superintendent duties are the same for small districts as for larger ones. The requirements include budget management, record keeping, reporting, information gathering (including performance statistics, forecasts), employee supervision, and listening to and caring for students and their families.
Jennifer served for 11 years as an elected member of the Shaw Island School District (and as the district’s superintendent, for 7 years of that). Her experience brought a deep understanding of how to reach out to sometimes polarized constituencies during the Covid pandemic: parents, the board, students, staff. She also regularly met with officials and directors to develop the latest best-practices to keep the school safe.
Many school board and superintendent duties align with what is required of a county council member, including clear and compelling visioning, complying with federal, state, and county laws, and living within our means (managing budgets and grants).
Hers is not a negative campaign. This is not about the interest of one island over another; what’s needed is creating reasoned solutions for living our lives, together. As council members make laws and policies for local government, communication is critical with residents, and coordinating with regional and state leaders.
Outstanding is Jennifer’s calm and even temperament—essential for a county council member to be successful. As such, Jennifer would ensure that communication is wide open. Her experience is proven, with eloquence and reasoned positions, without alienating or deepening interest groups.
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