Fairfield Candidate Profile: Jessica Gerber For School Board

FAIRFIELD, CT — The 2019 municipal election is heating up in Fairfield and there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.

Fairfield Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will continue covering the races as Election Day draws near.

Jessica Gerber is running for Board of Education as a Democrat. She has two children — a college senior and a high school senior — and has been a member of the board since 2011.

Are you running for office in Fairfield? Contact Anna Bybee-Schier at anna.bybee-schier@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate's profile and submitting campaign announcements to Fairfield Patch.

Candidate responses appear as they were received and have not been edited by Patch staff.

The single most pressing issue facing our town/district is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Funding. I intend to continue to advocate for the BoE budget with the other town bodies and look for any additional efficiencies not already implemented that will allow the district to stay strong, competitive and forward-thinking.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

Other than Mrs. Maxon-Kennelly, I am different from all other candidates in the length of time that I have been on the Fairfield BoE. For 8 years I have worked tirelessly to advocate for our schools, to share information with the public and to ensure that our students and staff are supported in their needs. My communication skills also set me apart. I take a tremendous amount of time sharing district information with parents, the other town bodies and the general public, through social media, through PTA visits, and through communication that shares important, relevant updates and info regarding the achievements of our schools, staff and students.

List other issues that define your campaign platform:

Working with the Board to support our new Superintendent.
Helping to develop a revised Long Range Facilities Plan.
Participating in the development of and approving the new District Improvement Plan.
Reviewing, approving and advocating for a responsible operating budget that supports our staff and students.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

My experience speaks for itself. Eight years on the BoE. Eight years as BoE Secretary, which is voted on each year by my fellow Board members. I have served as Liaison to the a) FLHS Building Committee, b) OHS Building Committee, and c) Mill Hill Building Committee, so I have extensive knowledge regarding the school building committee process. I have also served for eight years as Liaison to the Parks and Recreation Commission, working with members on plans for our marina, for Penfield Pavilion, for our numerous recreation programs, among other responsibilities. I chaired the BoE's Communications Committee in 2012-13, and developed an extensive plan for improving and expanding the Board's communication with all Fairfield stakeholders. I have been a parent of FPS students for 17 years now, so that personal experience has helped me in my role as a BoE member. I strongly believe in the value of public education and will continue to do everything in my power to ensure that FPS will continue to thrive as a district and as an essential component of our wonderful town.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

Always take the time to respond to phone calls and emails from parents, staff, students and Fairfield citizens. Be respectful of their perspective and make sure to explain your perspective, which you should be able to back up with facts and data. Listen and think before you speak. Try to find common ground.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I have been blessed to be a part of the Fairfield community for 23 years now. Living here and having my family be part of the Fairfield Public School District has been a privilege and a gift that I can never fully repay, but through my service as a PTA volunteer and now a BoE member I have tried, and will hopefully continue to try, to make our town and our schools a better place.