Jennifer Zhao
for Niskayuna School board
Submit absentee ballot by 5pm june 9, 2020
As a Niskayuna resident of 15 years, and mom of a Craig Elementary 3rd grader, kindergartner, and a 2 year old, it's been my honor and privilege represent your voice. The past 3 years has been a rewarding experience filled with learning, collaboration, and success stories. I look forward to serve our community as we shape the future of our schools together.

welcome
As a Niskayuna resident of 15 years, and mom of a Craig Elementary 3rd grader, kindergartner, and a 2 year old, it's been my honor and privilege represent your voice. The past 3 years has been a rewarding experience filled with learning, collaboration, and success stories. I look forward to serve our community as we shape the future of our schools together.
Focus Areas

EQUITY
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Supported New Homework Guidelines to create more equity across elementary schools. (January 2019)
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Supported addition of Chief Equity Officer
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Developed and adopted the district Equity Policy 7500 (January 2020)
Next Steps: Continue to support equity training and diversity in workforce to reflect diverse student population.

FACILITIES
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Supported addition of building safety measures including visitor sign-in procedure and surveillance cameras.
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Listened to teachers and community input to support new middle school model improving student experience and maximize efficiencies.
Next Steps: Shape infrastructure improvements with long-term financial and environmental sustainability.

WELLNESS
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Supported adding 3 social workers, 2 at elementary level, and 1 at middle school level since 2017.
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Adopted Mental Health Policy 8212 (June 2019).
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Uncovered food service deficiencies, revamped the program to provide more healthy, local ingredients as well as improving revenues.
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Developed and adopted the Wellness Policy 5661 (December 2018).
Next Steps: Advocate for a delayed start time at Niskayuna High School. Increase fresh, local, diverse dietary nutrition options across district.

FINANCIALS
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Under the tax-cap budgets for two consecutive years: 2.64% (2018) and 2.35% (2019)
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Pushed for alternate bids for service contracts to get best price for taxpayers' money
Next Steps: Seek grants, donations, and partnerships to maximize revenues. Scrutinize spending and improve efficiencies to alleviate local tax burden.
Or view recordings and minutes from previous meetings
My Background
Business Leadership
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Lead engineer at GE Global Research developing technology for solar energy, biomedical devices, and overseeing facilities projects and budgets (2015-2017)
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Executive MBA Quantic School of Business and Technology (2018)
Passion for Education
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Improve literacy as Educational Services Representative at Usborne Books and More
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Associate Member of IECA (Indedependent Eduational Consultants Association)
Community Involvement
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YWCA of NorthEastern NY Board Member
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Craig PTO Member and Classroom Volunteer
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Active Member of Niskayuna Moms Group