Jess Campbell, Zone A Concord School Board Candidate

Jess Campbell

Age (as of Election Day)

40

Position sought (including district number if applicable)

School Board - Zone A (Wards 1-4)

Party Affiliation

Democrat

Family

I live with my husband, Michael, our 10-year-old, Arya (who is in 5th Grade at CMS), and our three furkids (three cats).

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

Undergraduate: BA in Anthropology, BA in Italian, Certificate in International Studies
Graduate: Masters in Anthropology and MBA

Occupation

Retail Market Manager - Retail Banking 16 Years
I currently lead 26 Retail Bank Branches across NH and ME. I have been with the same company for 16 years and have had the honor of working with teams virtually and in person throughout NJ, NY, PA, and in across Canada.

Adjunct Professor - 5 Years
Burlington Community College - Cultural Anthropology
SNHU/MBA Graduate Program - Organizational Leadership & Building Business Leaders

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

N/A

Campaign website

Jess4Concord.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

I am a passionate advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion in our schools and will work to ensure a safe, welcoming and friendly environment for all of our students and teachers.

No child, no educator, no member of our School Community should ever feel marginalized by the prejudices of another. Our Community deserves representation who will remain steadfast in furthering the Districts vision to "foster citizenship and self-directed learners to navigate their education and career paths" not on polarizing and divisive ideologies.

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The potential for a $176M Middle School is what is talked about most importantly in the community.

Our resident advocates for Green Space have deep concerns about the traffic and environmental impacts in building at Broken Ground. There is strong support for rebuilding at Rundlett. There are also reasons for the School District to be eying Broken Ground over the existing location, but what I have heard thus far, $176M is difficult for the community to absorb. I am committed to balancing our fiscal needs with our community needs.

I intend to listen – to both sides.

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

I have not threatened any member of the school staff or any School Board in the past. I do not have a criminal record. I have a personal record of being a Community Servant, an Educator, a Mentor, and a Leader- all of which make me a qualified and prepared candidate.

I believe people lean in to serve the community, here on the School Board, because they want positive outcomes for student success- not because they have a personal agenda. A message against our LGBTQ+ community, is a message against all marginalized populations. Every parent and voter should stand against hate.

I am putting myself out here understanding my opponent's strong stance against many of the ideals our welcoming community values, including my own. As a member of the School Board I will continue to hold myself to high personal accountability, servant leadership, and continuous education to be the best I can be for my Community.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

I bring my experience as a finance professional. I understand budgeting and the necessary responsibilities around fiscal management, in particular the employment side, which makes up the largest part of our School Board budget, as well as the capital expenses and day-to-day operational expenses.

Ultimately, the School Board takes on responsibility for the fiscal management of the tax dollars we are charged with. We must ensure we are providing responsible fiduciary duty and oversight.

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

Emotional Intelligence and the ability to work across the table to build consensus. I have a Masters in Anthropology and an MBA. I continue to teach in both fields and utilize the skills I have learned from my academic background to lead large teams and classrooms both virtually and in person.

Through my academic and professional experiences, I have worked with students, employees, and communities from across diverse backgrounds and ideologies. I am purposeful in reaching out to people who have different perspectives than I do to ensure I make well-rounded and insightful decisions.

As a board member, I will continue to prioritize healthy discourse and collaboration.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

I grew up in a home filled with so much love and kindness. My parents sacrificed a lot so we could live in a neighborhood they couldn't afford so my brothers and I would grow up in an award-winning School District. We eventually lost my childhood home to foreclosure and my parents lost everything living in a town outside our means. I was a child who lived through what high taxes and home costs can do to a family while also understanding the importance of a good education. I do not take this life lesson lightly.

But as hard as things got my parents would always give what they could to others in need - they stayed true to their morals of kindness and grace. They taught me that happiness is not material - it is about lifting up those around you. They taught me a deep respect for our Country, for our Public Servants, and for our Community. This is where we find fulfillment and happiness, and this is what drives me to this day.

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

I step into this election with a message of kindness. Our students today are learning to respect differences and embrace diversity in a rapidly changing world. I believe in the power of community and healthy non-partisan engagement to ensure our District continues to thrive. Hate has no place in our schools and not on our School Board.

I’ve leaned in – and I will listen.