Jayson Baker, candidate for Freeburg 70 School Board
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More in the election for Freeburg CUSD 70
Read questionnaires from candidates for the Freeburg CUSD 70 School Board. Candidates are listed alphabetically.
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Name: Jayson Baker
Political party (if applicable): N/A
Age as of April 6, 2021: 37
Campaign website or social media page: N/A
Office seeking: School Board Member
Are you an incumbent? No
Previous offices sought: None
Occupation: Elementary School Principal
Education: B.S. in Early Childhood Education and M.Ed. in Educational Administration
Please list the highlights of your civic involvement: My family and I very recently relocated to Freeburg and have just gotten settled after our move, but I am excited to be of service to the Freeburg community. I do have experience volunteer coaching and completing community gardening projects with my church group before moving back to Freeburg in August. I plan to continue volunteering my time in the Freeburg community, and would be grateful for the opportunity to do so as a school board member.
Why are you running? I am running for a seat on the school board because I believe that my experience in the world of education, as a father of school-age children, and a Freeburg Elementary School Alum gives me good insight to make decisions for the district. I was a classroom teacher for 10 years and have served as a public school principal for the past four years. My experience working in the education system offers me a unique perspective and deep knowledge of the inner-workings of school systems. The time I spent as a teacher has given me a strong knowledge base on how children learn and thrive in schools. My experience as a school administrator has given me an understanding of how to look at the big picture of what is best for a school district and how schools may best serve our children and the community.
My wife, Lauren, and I have two children. My son, Emmett is in second grade, and my daughter, Adelia, is in kindergarten. Aside from the obvious reasons of being a taxpayer in Freeburg, I also have a vested interest as a parent of two children with many years ahead of them in the Freeburg School District. The success of the school leads to the success of my children and the children in District 70. I would represent parents as stakeholders in the district.
What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? I believe the hot-button topic right now is educating our children during a pandemic. I would use what I know about running a school with in-person learning during the pandemic, the guidance from the state, the needs of the District 70 families, and the strengths and limitations that exist in staffing a school during a pandemic to make balanced, informed decisions.
Why should people vote for you? I enter this race with a willingness to serve a community that has given so much to me. My love for education was inspired by many educators in Freeburg, and I believe that I have a lot to offer our community. Education is very important to me, and I want the best for the children, families, teachers, staff, administrators and taxpayers in the district. I believe that I will represent our community well, and would be honored to do so.
This story was originally published February 24, 2021 at 3:39 PM.