Jennifer Brumback, candidate for school board in Edwardsville CUSD 7, IL
Name: Jennifer Brumback
Political party (if applicable): Not Applicable
Age as of April 6, 2021: 52
Campaign website or social media page: jenniferbrumback.com
Office seeking: Edwardsville — District 7 School Board Member
Incumbent: Yes
Have you run for elected office before? Yes; Edwardsville-District 7 School Board Member (2 year term), 2019
Occupation: Chief Academic Officer, East St. Louis SD 189
Education: BA in Mathematics; M.Ed. in Administration, Curriculum Development, and Supervision
Please list highlights of your civic involvement: Throughout my children’s formal education, I have been an active participant in my children’s school activities and participated in events related to children’s issues. After moving to Edwardsville and prior to their graduation, I was an EHS Band Booster Treasurer and a Citizen Advisory Council member. When I could, I volunteered in the high school’s after-school math lab. Currently, I am a sitting District 7 School Board Member and serve on the Parent Advisory Committee for Quincy University.
Why are you running? I believe ALL students must have the support of their schools and community to explore and pursue their gifts, talents and passions! My goal is to be a voice for every child and continue to remove barriers to their education so they have a solid foundation for success in school and a successful start on their career journey. I am running because there is still so much work to be done. Initiatives taken on by District 7 over the past two years progressed slowly because of the pandemic. The implementation of the Equity Task Force and the development of a new strategic plan were in full swing prior to March 2020. We are eager to see both initiatives get back on track. In response to Dr. Henderson’s resignation, the school board has conducted a search for a new superintendent. Listening to the views of the community and considering the attributes of each candidate, I am eager to support the superintendent who will lead District 7 in what we hope will be a post-COVID world.
What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? My top issue is equity for ALL students. While attempts were being made to address the inequities that exist among specific student populations, COVID-19 exposed the depths of the problems that created access challenges for students. Prior to the pandemic, our focus was on racial inequities and inequities in CTE programming. Once students and teachers were forced to engage in remote learning, more evidence surfaced of gaps in access to an equitable education for all students. Not all families had a computer or broadband capability for every adult and student in their home. Students in CTE programs no longer had access to the resources needed to acquire hands-on skills necessary for certification requirements. Not all students had access to academic and social-emotional supports in their home. Access to breakfast and lunch became a challenge to overcome. Students needing special services and therapies had to undergo plan modifications. There are more to mention, but the end result is we have more work than we originally thought when it comes to equity work.
Why should people vote for you? Community members depend on those sitting on the board to consider the best interests of the community while providing direction for what is best for students. I have a vested interest in the success of the school district. I’m a mother of two EHS graduates, a current sitting board member, and a life-long educator. Listening to families and responding with action is my life’s work. I see the education of students as an investment in their future and the future of our community.