Milford 2014 Candidate Profile: Jennifer Parson, Milford School Committee

Editor's Note: The following profile is part of a series highlighting the candidates running for seats in contested races as part of this year's town election, which takes place on Tuesday, April 1. Milford Patch has reached out to all candidates in the contested races to showcase why they're running and what they hope to bring to the board. Check back leading up to the election for more profiles on the candidates.

Jennifer Parson is running for the Milford School Committee along with Joseph E. Callery, John W. Erickson and David Levine. For the full preliminary ballot for this year's election, click here.

Why are you running for the Milford School Committee?   

I am an elementary school principal in Northborough and the mother of two children in the MIlford Public Schools. I want to use my experience as an educator and my perspective as a mother to contribute positively to the Milford Public Schools.  

What do you hope to accomplish on the committee?  

I would like to support the work that is taking place in our schools each day. As a school committee member, I will immerse myself in the District's strategic plan, in policy discussions, and in ways we can balance the critical needs of our schools with our available resources. My role as a school committee member will be to develop a solid understanding of the relevant issues and topics and to communicate clearly with all constituencies. 

What do you see is the most pressing issue facing Milford right now in relation to the seat for which you're running?  

The most pressing issue is truly the number of new initiatives in public education, combined with the growing needs of our students and the competing demands for our limited resources. The adoption of the Common Core is an example of this. Educators need training, materials, and time to remain current and proficient in their field.

What do you think you could do to help resolve this issue?  

I can listen carefully and use my experience to help identify solutions that work for our community and that align with the District's Strategic Plan. I can advocate for clear priorities to be set, and for budgets to be created with the District's priorities in mind.

Name one unique idea you would like to bring to the table if elected in April. 

While I can't say that this idea is terribly unique, I would like to bring open and consistent communication with families to the forefront of our conversations. The more involved and informed our families are, the more they will be able to partner with our schools for the benefit of our students.

What is one thing voters might not know about you? 

I accepted my first fourth grade teaching job in Atlanta, Georgia in 1992. Looking back on that first year teaching experience, I realize that I learned just as much from my students as they learned from me!