Candidate Q&A: Jennifer Vail, BOE

Several weeks ago, Stafford Free Press sent questions to the Selectmen, Planning & Zoning, Board of Education, and Board of Finance candidates via the Democratic Town Committee and the Republican Town Committee. We gave them a deadline of August 31 and a promise not to edit their answers (even for grammar and spelling). Now, we're sharing the answers we received.

Here are the answers provided by Jennifer Vail, who is seeking election to the Board of Education.

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Q: Why have you decided to run for the Board of Education?  

A: As someone who grew up in Stafford, attended school and raised a family here, I find it difficult to sit back and watch the community lose sight of the importance of paying it forward for our kids. I benefited from a great education in Stafford, and every child deserves to have the opportunity to thrive and be provided with the education they deserve.  

Q: Have you previously been involved with the schools in any capacity? 

A: My involvement with the schools has been primarily as a parent of two amazing children. I also volunteer, doing what I can to help support the schools and the students. I take a lot of pride in showing up in different ways, and over the years I have chaperoned field trips and dances, donated classroom supplies, volunteered at fundraising events, sponsored field trips for students, and attended various assemblies and sporting events to name a few. I am excited about the opportunity to serve the schools and the Town of Stafford in a new way by joining the Board of Education this fall.

Q: Stafford’s schools are faced with many challenges- what do you believe is most pressing and how can BOE help address that challenge?

A: From my viewpoint the Town of Stafford has lost sight of the importance of a strong education system and the role it plays in the success of a community.  The Board of Education has the platform and the obligation to stand up for our kids and be their voice in the community.  Especially to residents who feel they should not have to pay taxes because they don’t have children in the school district.  We were all in school at one point in time. If you attended public school, it was because generations before you paid their taxes so you could have an education. Pay it forward.

Q: How can the BOE and the town collaborate to enhance outcomes for students?

A: Rebuilding operational relationships with the other Boards in town is of utmost importance. Working collaboratively for the greater good of the community and schools is the mission of every Board and we should be partners with the Boards of Selectmen and Finance to accomplish that goal. If you want a village, you must be a villager!   We must be open to compromise and to finding a happy medium, knowing that everyone will not be satisfied all the time.  Stafford has wonderful people in it who genuinely care and are trying to make change. Working together is the only way we will be successful.  #TeamStafford.