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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

All students achieving their highest potential

Facilities

Prudent planning for future-ready instruction

wellness

Nutrition and scheduling that promotes health and well-being

financials

Responsible oversight to get most out of taxpayer money

Equity

EQUITY

  • Supported New Homework Guidelines to create more equity across elementary schools. (January 2019)

  • Supported addition of Chief Equity Officer

  • 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

FACILITIES

  • Supported addition of building safety measures including visitor sign-in procedure and surveillance cameras.

  • 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

WELLNESS

  • Supported adding 3 social workers, 2 at elementary level, and 1 at middle school level since 2017. 

  • Adopted Mental Health Policy 8212 (June 2019). 

  • Uncovered food service deficiencies, revamped the program to provide more healthy, local ingredients as well as improving revenues. 

  • 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

FINANCIALS

  • Under the tax-cap budgets for two consecutive years: 2.64% (2018) and 2.35% (2019) 

  • 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​

  • Lead engineer at GE Global Research developing technology for solar energy, biomedical devices, and overseeing facilities projects and budgets (2015-2017)

  • Executive MBA Quantic School of Business and Technology (2018)

Passion for Education

  • Improve literacy as Educational Services Representative at Usborne Books and More

  • Associate Member of IECA (Indedependent Eduational Consultants Association) 

Community Involvement

  • YWCA of NorthEastern NY Board Member

  • Craig PTO Member and Classroom Volunteer

  • Active Member of Niskayuna Moms Group

Background

CONTACT

me

518-894-8766

JenniferZhaoSchoolBoard@gmail.com

2175 Foxhilll Drive,
Niskayuna, NY 12309

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