Earlier this month, we sent Q&As to the Democratic and Republican Town Committees. Our goal was to give the candidates for the Board of Education (BOE) a chance to respond with their thoughts and speak directly to all of Stafford. The Republicans chose not to answer.
The next installment of our Candidate Q&A series comes from Jennifer Biedrzycki, who is running for the BOE. Read on to learn more about Biedrzycki and her priorities as a member of the BOE.
Q: There are many boards and commissions in Stafford. Why have you chosen to run for the Board of Education specifically?
A: I chose to run for the Stafford Board of Education because I strongly believe our youth should have the best possible educational experience. My husband and I have called Stafford home for 19 years. I am a parent of two children who have attended Stafford Public Schools, starting at Learn & Play Group with the Stafford Family Resource Center and then entering Pre-kindergarten at Staffordville School; today they’re in the middle and high schools. Over the past 12 years, my time as a volunteer and my engagement in the Stafford school system has given me powerful insight into our district, especially our special education program. Having a child with diagnosed special needs, I know firsthand the importance of the work the special education team does and how collaborating with them is essential to our children’s success. As a member of the Special Education Advisory Council (SEAC), I also work to support other children and parents dealing with similar issues. In addition, through my roles as President of both the Staffordville and Stafford Elementary School PTOs, my involvement in the Stafford Music and Drama Boosters, and my work with SEAC, I've consistently aimed to enhance the educational experience for ALL students. Advocating for Stafford’s youth and engaging in community service has always been dear to my heart. To be entrusted with a seat on the Board of Education would allow me to continue making a difference for students across the district.
Q: The education budget has been at the top of everyone’s minds lately. How will you approach the challenge of ensuring students have what they need while keeping the budget challenges in mind?
A: Throughout my career and volunteer service, I've learned the value of teamwork and resource sharing. Over time, programs across our district have lost full or partial funding due to constant budget cuts and redistribution of funds. Every weekend, it seems there is a car wash or benefit dinner to help offset the costs of sports, music, transportation, or school events. As a member of the board, I’m excited to help identify areas of opportunity to share resources across the district and encourage more collaboration between programs. It is extremely important for the Board and the public to pay close attention to the detailed presentations provided by the Director of Finance and Operations at the BOE meetings regarding the audits and financial reports. This information helps the district to identify potential credits and cost-saving measures that can be applied to other areas of need. These reports ensure transparency, granting all community members the chance to understand the composition of the BOE budget in preparation for the budget referendum. Through my professional background as a registered nurse with a Master’s degree in nursing administration, I have the skills to make decisions that strike a balance between addressing people's needs and responsible budgeting. As part of my day-to-day responsibilities, I perform utilization management; I pledge that my patients receive the best quality care, but I am also mindful of financial stewardship. This skill will help me advocate for our children and teachers, while always keeping our budget challenges in mind. Q: If you could achieve one thing during your time on the Board of Education, what would it be?
A: If I could accomplish just one thing during my tenure on the Board of Education, it would be to make certain that every student, no matter their abilities or individual needs, receives the tailored support essential for their success and also feels a sense of safety and belonging in our community. As a parent of a child who is in the special education program, I want to help people understand what equity and inclusion truly mean. Equity is receiving resources and support so all our children can be successful. It can include accommodations such as movement breaks, using audiobooks, modifying assignments, or having more time to complete a test. Inclusion is more than feeling valued and respected. To me, it means ensuring our children feel welcome and proud to be part of something bigger than themselves - part of their community, classroom, grade, club, sports team, or whatever it may be. When watching the district stakeholder survey presentation at the July BOE meeting, I learned that 63.9 percent of our middle schoolers feel that their fellow students don’t respect differences in other students. I recognize this as an area of improvement across our district. As parents and community members, I believe we all share the hope and dream that our children feel loved and welcomed, are prepared for life after Stafford High School (whether it be work, trade school, college, or the military), and who become successful, kind, and proud members of our society.
[Responses have been very lightly edited for clarity, typos, etc., but the answers are primarily as the candidates wrote them.]
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