As a woman running for public office, what legacy do you hope your candidacy leaves for the next generation of women and girls in our community?
Honestly, I don’t know how impactful my candidacy is—other than sending a message that those who have been teachers possess valuable experience they bring with them into their future endeavors. But if my service on the School Board does leave a legacy for the next generation, I’d like it to be these beliefs and priorities that have been the foundation of my tenure, and I hope they will last:
Our country has made a promise to its children that they will be provided with a quality education. That promise must be kept and must include EVERYONE’S children.
Every classroom and school experience should feel welcoming, safe, and engaging. We need to ensure every school is a place students want to be while they are growing academically and emotionally.
Student perspectives and student voices must be heard and seriously considered in decision making. Including those perspectives and voices has been a priority for the last several years.
The most important resources a school district offers are the people it recruits, hires and supports. Having the highest quality teachers, administrators and staff interacting with our students every day is critical for student success.
School Board members should be servant leaders. The work they do should always be in service to our students and our community, and Board Members’ success should be measured by the success of the district’s students.
It really does take a village to raise a child. When school districts develop partnerships with families, community members and organizations and share the goal of supporting our schools and students, everyone does better. Good School Board members must be actively involved and engaged in the community.
What do you hope another woman or young girl sees in you that gives her the courage to believe, “If she can do it, so can I.”?
Sheryl Sandberg, technology executive, philanthropist, and writer wrote, “If more women are in leadership roles, we’ll stop assuming they shouldn’t be.”
It’s about time to stop the assumption! Historically, women have been stereotyped as being less capable and less effective as leaders in business, industry and elected positions. Clearly, that stereotype was never true, and women and men have been dismantling it for many decades, refusing to let gender define or limit them.
When I first ran for school board, I’d been teacher my entire adult life. When I retired, I continued to be passionate about education, and I saw changes that needed to happen in our school district. But I didn’t know if this was the “perfect time” to take on the challenges that come with campaigning and potentially serving in a public office. Then I realized I still had the passion and energy needed to do the work, and this was the right time. I felt a bit nervous, but I also felt ready. So, I filed to be a candidate for school board.
And I won.
When is the right time for YOU to step up? Malala Yousafzai, a Pakistani school girl, began speaking out against the Taliban’s restrictions on education for girls when she was eleven years old. At age sixty-five, Maggie Kuhn co-founded the Gray Panthers, an organization that combats age discrimination.
To be a leader, you don’t need to have all the answers. You do need the commitment to work with others in order to find the answers. Your time may be now!
Website: http://jeanmarvinforschoolboard.com/
Rochester Women Magazine Statement
Rochester Women Magazine is committed to elevating the voices of individuals in our community. This candidate spotlight is part of our effort to inform and engage readers by introducing candidates seeking elected office in Rochester and Olmsted County.
Rochester Women Magazine does not endorse or oppose any candidate. These features are intended solely to provide voters with an opportunity to learn more about the individuals who have chosen to serve their communities through public office.