Election 2021: Jennifer Dzen For Ellington Board Of Education

ELLINGTON, CT — Republican Jennifer Dzen, 51, is running for the Ellington Board of Education.

Occupation: Bookkeeper & Farm Assistant

Family: Husband, Donald; three children in the Ellington School system Steven(15), Elizabeth(13) and Nicholas(13) ; two dogs, Wyatt (German Shepherd) & Sledder (Husky)

Experience: Currently, Chair of the Board of Education. Previously, Vice Chair and Operations Chair as well as Curriculum, and Policy and Finance Committee member.

Family in government: No

The single biggest issue in town is ______, and I plan to do this about it:

The single most pressing issue facing the town and the school district is navigating the COVID-19 pandemic. As I have since the beginning of the pandemic, I will continue to work with national, state and local officials, district administrators, staff, and students and parents to determine the best course of action to ensure the health and safety of our students and staff. It is also important to monitor where and how the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Funds (ESSER II) are being spent and utilized to ensure the most successful outcomes for our students.

Critical differences between me and my opponents:

I am sure that all the candidates share the same passion for wanting to serve their community and create policy that will ensure positive outcomes for students and staff. I believe differences will be what make us stronger as a Board. It is important to listen to all voices so you can gain perspective. You do not have to agree with an idea to find merit in it. I stand for open dialog and transparency as well as being fiscally prudent.

Accomplishments:

I have been Director of Sales and Marketing for Sheraton Hotels responsible for a $2.5 million budget and 30 staff members before opening my own event management business where we traveled nationally to manage corporate events with upwards of 2700 attendees. Those past experiences have taught me organization, time-management, fiscal responsibility, cooperation and strong communication skills. Since closing my business to start a family I have volunteered my hours to the school system as a kindergarten parent helper, PTO event coordinator, holiday gift wrapper, surprise reader, and assistant coach. Since being voted onto the Board of Education in November of 2017 I have been a part of administrative hiring, building project, reopening, restructuring, budget, and and negotiation committees. All of which have yielded positive results for Ellington Public Schools.

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