Hi! I’m Jessica.

I’m running for re-election to the Columbia Heights School Board. Here’s why:

I believe that our public schools are a shining foundational asset in our community, and I am proud of what Columbia Heights Public Schools offers our families and provides our greater communities in Columbia Heights, Hilltop, and Southern Fridley. Our school district community is truly special - a small district with many opportunities and tremendous community support. We take care of one another, protect one another, and persevere together. I am running for re-election because I’ve worked hard as a board member since elected in 2022 to meet evolving needs for children and strengthen our district’s commitment to our communities, and I want to continue this progress for students, families, and staff.

It has been an honor to represent these communities on the ISD #13 School Board, and I remain passionate about Columbia Heights Public Schools. There are big challenges ahead for our schools - shifting enrollment, emergent loss of state funding, and restorative needs coming out of Operation Metro Surge - and I want to continue to meet these challenges head-on as a Board member.

In the course of my first term, I advanced policy changes that better serve students and staff, was a leader in the development of the district’s new strategic plan, and advocated for our district’s needs with the state legislature. I’ve continued to volunteer across our district, engage with families and staff, advance strong communication, and show up to help meet the safety, academic, and support needs of our kids.

I believe I have unique knowledge and experience to continue to advance the essential mission of our public schools. I lead through regular community engagement, equitable policy and practice, and consistent advocacy for the needs of our students, families, educators, and community members.

I am proud to be a Hylander, and I want to ensure that all students and staff see themselves reflected in the governance of our schools, as well as in our classrooms and across our learning communities.