Candidate Name: Jennifer Clark

Office Sought: Region 4 Board of EducationAre You an Incumbent for this Seat? Yes

Party Affiliation: Democratic

Campaign Phone Number: 860-767-7492

Website: https://www.facebook.com/essexdemocrats/

Email Address: jennifer.clark@snet.net

Family

My family immigrated from South Africa when I was quite young. I got my U.S. citizenship at the age of 26, because I recognized how important it is to vote.

My husband and I moved to Essex in 1993 to start our careers and family. We couldn't be happier with our choice. We are the proud parents of two Valley Regional High School graduates who are now successful young adults.

Education

University of Pennsylvania, College of Arts and Sciences

Boston University School of Medicine

SUNY Stonybrook Residency Program

University of Massachusetts Fellowship in Infectious Diseases

Civic Involvement

I have been on the Region 4 Board of Education for 2 terms now, that is, 12 years! I can't imagine not being on the board. Prior to that I was on the Clubhouse Board (a non-profit childcare) for 5 years. Prior to that, I've been involved in and supported numerous civic groups aligned with my values. I support environmental conservation, local arts, health equity and children's health.

Elected/Appointed Offices Held

Above

Other Government Service

None

What led you to seek this office?

It is important for the whole community to provide for the education of our children. We need our future adults to be thoughtful, informed citizens, much like you!

I joined the Region 4 board originally to ensure a great educational experience for my children. Then I realized how important it is for our entire community to have a sound educational system. The decisions of tomorrow start with what we teach today.

What are your qualifications for this position?

As a physician in leadership position at several hospitals, I have years of experience in making challenging decisions in a group dynamic.

As a board member of 12 years, I have over a decade of experience in evaluating and crafting our schools' budget, understanding our curricular programs and writing our operational policies.

As a former chair of the board, and chair of the finance committee, I have formed good relationships with our Essex and tri-town leaders.

What do you see as the top three issues or priorities for this position?

1. The most important issue of the next year, and the next five years is keeping our children safe during the pandemic, and keeping them in school. The pandemic will be with us for a long time, and we need to plan for that. Some of our children have fallen behind, or are suffering from the social isolation. We need to identify those children and provide them with the resources they need.

2. Our teachers have met huge challenges teaching children in a hybrid model, in person and on line simultaneously. Many worked exceedingly long hours. The challenges of this next year will not be easier, they will be just different. We need to be sure that they are supported inside and outside the classroom.

3. The pandemic has imposed an enormous economic stress, felt largely by our neighbors with fixed or low incomes. The Region 4 district needs to find new ways to share resources across all five schools and decrease the costs. We need to be respectful of the fact that our children's education and all Essex town services are paid for by everyone's property taxes. Every increase in the budget needs to be justified.

How has the district handled the COVID-19 crisis so far, and what changes or adjustments, if any, would you like to see going forward?

Our Region 4 superintendent and the administrative team has worked closely with the local public health authorities and the Region 4 School Board to make the best decisions for the children, the teachers, the schools' staff and the community. I believe that together, we have done an excellent job. I look forward to continuing that work.