Name: Alice Jensen
Age: 75
Hometown: Innsbrook
Occupation: Retired RN and nursing professor
Position sought: Wright City R-II School Board
Previous political experience: Served nine years on Wright City R-II School Board; currently serving on Innsbrook Village Board
Why are you running and why should people vote for you?
I believe that a well-run democracy needs educated voters. At the same time, the government has a responsibility to provide the public with that education through public schools. I served on the Wright City RII School Board for nine years; I believe I still have a lot to offer. First, I have 30 years of experience as a college professor. During that time I earned seven teaching awards both local and statewide. I am the only candidate or current board member with experience in education. I know what good teaching looks like and I also understand accreditation, assessment, and evaluation. I have written education policy, published in nursing journals, and given professional presentations including two at the Missouri School Board Association (MSBA). In fact, I already achieved Masters Certification from MSBA.
Second, as a Registered Nurse with specialties in Mental Health and community health nursing, I understand the issues that impact our children and I was part of the teacher group that implemented RULER for emotional learning. I know that children need to be healthy and fed in order to learn. I am proud of our school nurses and support their work, especially their dedication through the difficult COVID school years. I am glad that I was on the Board during that difficult time and I believe my nursing knowledge was particularly helpful.
What are your goals if elected?
Sadly, one of my greatest concerns is the defunding of public education and attacks on the public education system in Missouri. Part of my duties as a Board member will be to advocate for public education funding including support for teachers. Another goal is to be sure our schools continue to teach all students; this includes students from varying backgrounds, religions, and languages. I will advocate for small class sizes and individualized instruction as much as possible. Fiscal responsibility is an important issue, especially during this period of rapid growth in building and student numbers and I take the fiscal oversite duties of school boards very seriously. Effective communication with teachers, students, administrators, parents, and community members is a goal that is constant. Lastly, my goal is to support not only the Board members but the staff and especially the children in the district. After all, that's what it's all about -- the students.
What issues are most pressing for your constituency?
I think I expressed my concerns in the above section along with my goals. But to be precise the three most pressing issues are: rapid growth, fiscal support and fiscal responsibility, and individualized learning for all kinds of students.
