Four years ago, Mahtomedi families trusted me with a seat on the school board. That trust has guided every vote, every committee meeting, and every visit to our classrooms since. I'm asking for your support to continue that work for four more years.
Serving on the Mahtomedi School Board since 2022 has only reinforced what over twenty years of teaching our youngest learners throughout the St. Croix Valley already taught me — a child is the sum of the systems around them, and school, family and community all have to work together.
Clear communication between teachers, parents and district staff matters at every grade level, from kindergarten through graduation.
A child's first years of school should be joyful, caring and fun — I still remember my Wildwood Kindergarten teacher Mrs. Heinsch's classroom that way.
Our four schools sit on beautiful hardwood forest property that should be a true extension of the indoor classroom, and I want to see kids learning out there every day, not just once in a while.
A school board works best as a team, and it's been an honor to help move these priorities forward:
Board service extends beyond monthly meetings. I serve on the Policy Committee and the Gifted and Talented Committee, and represent Mahtomedi to the Minnesota School Boards Association, a commitment that includes two meetings a month and the state conference each January.
The best way to understand what's working in our schools is to see it firsthand. Through regular board walk-throughs in all four school buildings, I've watched our teachers at work at every grade level and seen students engaged in learning. That includes the Passages program, where our oldest learners prepare to live and work in our community.
For decades, Mahtomedi high schoolers have been able to take courses at Century College and Northeast Metro 916 during the school day, discovering skills and careers that don't always require a four-year degree. That path means a lot to my family. My brother chose it in high school, went on to serve in the Air Force, and today leads six auto body shops, built on skills he first learned at 916. Every student deserves a path that fits them.
For the past eighteen months, I've co-chaired a community effort to improve the outdoor rinks at the District Education Center on Briarwood Avenue. The project is funded entirely through private donations, with no taxpayer dollars. Once complete, a new refrigeration system and chiller will provide reliable ice for months of public skating and youth hockey. Thanks to generous neighbors, we're nearly halfway to our goal.
Six commitments guiding how I'll approach every vote on the board.
Outdoor, hands-on learningTurning our schools' hardwood forests into everyday extensions of the classroom, not once-a-year field trips.
Strong family-school communicationKeeping teachers, parents and district staff connected at every grade level, K through 12.
Joyful early childhood experiencesMaking a child's first years of school caring, playful and memorable — the kind you never forget.
A real voice for parentsInvolving families in decisions that affect their kids from their earliest days at Wildwood and beyond.
Social-emotional balancePairing top-notch academic excellence with real support for the whole child.
Community & volunteer partnershipsBuilding on the relationships — in and out of school — that help kids grow.
My husband Chris and I are proud to be raising our three kids in the Mahtomedi school district. As a 4th-generation Minnesotan, I get to watch my own kids become second-generation Zephyr graduates, right alongside their cousins.
I've taught our youngest learners for over twenty years throughout the St. Croix Valley, including here in Mahtomedi, so I've seen first-hand what it takes for a family-systems approach to teaching and learning to work.
I'm running again to make sure parents have a real voice in the decisions that affect their kids from their earliest days at Wildwood and beyond, and to bring my passion for outdoor, play-based learning to the table.
Our family shows up for Mahtomedi kids — in school and out of it.
Jenny truly understands the importance of educating the whole child. She doesn’t just talk about supporting kids and families, she gives her time and energy to make a difference. From establishing an after-school cribbage club to founding an annual neighborhood kids triathlon, her commitment to creating opportunities for kids to learn, connect, have fun and grow is exactly the kind of heart and perspective I value in a school board member.
Jenny is one of the most committed people I know. Whether she’s pitching in at school activities or volunteering at church, she shows up consistently and gives it her all. She is a cheerleader for everyone, bringing warmth and enthusiasm to lift up those around her. And with kids currently in 3 of Mahtomedi’s schools, she understands what our students and families need.
Jenny brings unwavering support to all Mahtomedi Schools. As an educator herself, she understands the joys and struggles of our Mahtomedi teachers. As a mom of students and athletes, she strives to bring out the best for our children, through new discoveries and adventures, both in and outside the classroom.
Jenny listens, brings people together and approaches important decisions with thoughtfulness and care. She is exactly the kind of community-minded leader our schools need.
Jenny understands that great schools depend on strong relationships. She is practical, collaborative and committed to doing what is best for students.
Jenny cares about our schools and our community. She asks thoughtful questions and brings a steady, positive perspective to the work.
Thank you for the trust you've placed in me. I'd be honored to earn it again.
Get in touch to ask a question, share your thoughts on our schools, or find out how to help before election day.
Look for the sign around Mahtomedi
