meetjon

MEET JON

Throughout my career, I have worked to improve education policy, strengthen public school systems, and fought to address educational disparities – which not only exist in our country, but our state and district. All children – no matter their zip code, color of their skin, language, identity, or ability – should have the same opportunities and supports necessary to be successful in school, career, and life. This means continued support of the prevention and mitigation strategies that keep our students safe and in school during COVID-19.

Though I have had many roles in education: teacher, program manager, advocate, researcher, and policy advisor - one constant has been a desire and willingness to fight to ensure that schools, communities, and systems provide ALL children with the resources and opportunities to be successful in school, career, and life. The breadth of my experience working with children and students, families, educators, and policymakers has provided me with a deep understanding of the interconnected nature of the programs and policies that – together – create the infrastructure of 197’s prenatal to college and career education system.

Early in my career, I worked as a college and career coach with some of Boston’s high school seniors who had been told they ‘weren’t college material.’ The program I worked for helped empower these students to push through and open doors that had previously been closed. Working to counter the cumulative shortcomings of a city’s education system led me to Washington, DC to study policy. While in DC, I worked for the Children’s Defense Fund, DC Public Schools, Senator Biden, the Obama-Biden Transition Team, and the US Department of Education. Though I have had many roles in education: teacher, program manager, advocate, researcher, and policy advisor - one constant has been a desire and willingness to fight to ensure that schools, communities, and systems provide ALL children with the resources and opportunities to be successful in school, career, and life.

We thrive when we support the success of ALL students. One way to support our students’ success is to ensure that diversity, equity, and inclusivity are discussed and addressed when making policy and program decisions. We should not just “return to normal.” We should look ahead and recommit to ending educational disparities while drawing on the lessons we have learned the last two years to make our education system work for ALL students.

Jon’s Foundation

I am a (proud) parent of two Mendota Elementary students. My wife, an ISD 197 graduate, deserves full credit for introducing me to Minnesota and Mendota Heights. She is Physician Assistant working for a public health department in a student health clinic in the Twin Cities. I am incredibly grateful for her background in and knowledge of public health while we have navigated COVID-19.

I am a product of public schools (Kentucky and Maryland) and have been active in the Mendota Elementary Parent Teacher Association, the 197 Parent Ambassador Network, and am a youth soccer coach. You are likely to find me out and about walking our dogs in our neighborhood – regardless of rain, sleet, or snow. On a fair weather day (and even some tough weather days) – you may catch my family and neighbors playing pick up soccer or whiffle ball in our yard.

As a former kindergarten teacher – some of the ways I brought equity, diversity, and inclusivity into my classroom was to talk about community, kindness, empathy, and respect for others. We explored how people are more similar than different. I incorporated books that had characters like my students and exposed them to different kinds of people and cultures. I worked hard to affirm the identity and experiences of my students. Whether it’s teaching kindness and understanding or wrestling with difficult current events, our students - ALL of our students - deserve to learn and grow in safe, respectful, and supportive environments.

Jon’s Experience

Throughout my career, I have worked to improve education policy, strengthen public school systems, and fought to address educational disparities. Those experiences have informed my top three priorities: (1) 197’s response to COVID-19, (2) making equity, diversity, and inclusivity central to all conversations and policy decisions, and (3) strengthening transparency and access to decision making.

The breadth of my experience in education – including time as a teacher – will allow me to hit the ground running and be a thoughtful, constructive, and collaborative member of the school board. As a state, Minnesota has some of the greatest disparities in the country in terms of outcomes for our students and families of color. Unfortunately, these disparities exist in our district too. COVID-19 has likely only deepened these disparities. At the same time, equity, diversity, and inclusivity appear to be gaining more attention and traction following the tragic murder of George Floyd.

Our educators and leaders have gone to exceptional lengths the past two years to educate, care for, and support our students and families through a very difficult period. Just as educators are constantly working to improve their instruction – our students, educators, families, and community deserves someone who will bring the same passion and desire to the work of the school board. While the district is making equity a critical part of its strategic plan, I would like diversity and inclusivity to also be included. Embracing diversity, equity, and inclusivity can bring other important stakeholders to the table in order to support the success of ALL students in 197.

Jon’s Vision

I will fight for the resources and supports our students need and deserve. I firmly believe it is the responsibility of adults to work together to support student success, and that is a commitment that I would take very seriously. My experience, including time as a teacher, will allow me to hit the ground running and be a thoughtful, constructive, and collaborative member of the school board.

I want us to work together to make our educational system more positive, responsive, inclusive, and accessible for ALL students.

Prepared and paid for by the Vaupel for ISD 197 School Board Committee

PO Box 50686

Mendota, MN 55150