CT Patch Candidate Profile: Jennifer Jacobsen For Board Of Education

FAIRFIELD, CT — The 2025 election is heating up in Connecticut and there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.

Connecticut Patch asked local candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Candidate's Name:
Jennifer Jacobsen

What office are you seeking?
Board of Education

What town do you live in?
Fairfield

Campaign Website
https://www.fairfielddemocrats.com/board-candidates/jenniferjacobsen

Party Affiliation:
Democrat

Occupation:
Associate Consultant at the CT Training and Technical Assistance Service Center, Certified Prevention Specialist

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?
No

Previous public office, appointive or elective:
Yes. Current member of the Board of Education

Why are you seeking this office?
I am re-running for this vital role in Fairfield because I am proud of Fairfield Public Schools, continuously in awe of our students talents and achievements, ever knowing there is evolving work to ensure every student learns in an environment that supports them and provides the opportunities and resources for them to thrive into their future. Equally so for our dedicated teachers and staff who give of themselves every day. In addition, our schools are are a driving economic sector of our town, places where thousands of individuals learn, work, and play each day, and a key attraction to those looking to live in our beautiful and vibrant community. Our schools serve the families and students of Fairfield, but they also serve as shelter in a town emergency, recreation sites, polling locations in our elections, facilities that the public can enjoy, host sites of philanthropic events, points of access to other town departments such as health and social services, partnerships with our first responders, and performance centers for the Arts. I am running to continue to be a strong advocate for our students, staff, and the critical role our schools serve in our community.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:
In education, there is not a single most pressing issue, but an array of celebrations and concerns with each day and each year. In the last couple of years and currently there have been several items of focus: 1) Addressing aged school infrastructure and ensuring safe and healthy learning and teaching environments for all students and staff. 2) Identifying and addressing student needs and outcomes post-pandemic. This is inclusive of the rise in support services for mental health and special education. 3) Concerns around the use of technology in schools, social media, and how AI will influence and impact education. I have heard this a great deal at doors during this campaign and is an ongoing issue for the Board to address in our policies and practices. 4) I would be re-miss if I did not mention funding and changes that may arrive that impact our operating budget on the federal revenue side. That is an open question at this moment. Same locally and at the state levels. Fiscal oversight and responsibility is a key role the BOE plays and one I take very seriously.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
I have served as Chair, Vice Chair, on the Policy and Facilities committees, as well as Legislative Liaison. I have a particular interest in ensuring our cyber security infrastructure, as not doing so comes with great cost. I have a Master's Degree in Education, specialization in Pupil Services and experience Pre-K through secondary. I have long been a member of the Fairfield CARES coalition, which serves as our local prevention council and greatly value the cross department partnerships and collaborations it provides our community. In addition, the BOE intersects with many other town boards and commissions. Naturally, the Board of Selectmen, Board of Finance, and RTM as the appropriating authorities but also TPZ, Parks and Recreation, Health, Social Services, Libraries, Police and Fire - to name a few. I have built a history of connecting roles to our schools. Partnering and collaborating across our departments and Boards is something I very much understand and value. I was honored and humbled to receive a 2025 PTA National award this year and know that our parents and families are a powerful voice for all students. Not all of these groups may agree at all times on the challenges we confront in our respective roles, but discussion and understanding are key to pulling together for our schools and our town.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
The our district has a focus on continuing to focus on achievement of all students, and addressing identified gaps. To continue to ensure that the discrepancies in our facilities are identified and that there is a plan to address the needs at buildings across the district. That we update our technology plan and have a vision for how technology is used in our schools and in teaching and learning. That our curriculum across subject areas continues to be updated on schedule with requisite resources and tools for our educators. That opportunities exist for engagement across all grade levels that allow our students to explore their passions and also serve as key protective factors for youth. That our new school climate policy and plan fosters positive learning and teaching environments.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
Led enacted Student Data Security Law in the state of CT. Ensured strong family and community voice during the last redistricting conversation by planning several community conversations. Updated our Long Rage Facilities Plan. Updated our 10 year Capital Waterfall. Advocated for Town Planning and Zoning to include our schools in their Plan of Conservation and Development, the town's 10 year land use and infrastructure document currently being updated. The BOE also advocated for this to be added and updates inclusive of our schools were made to the draft POCD. I also have provided input on the 2023 and 2025 Town Charter proposals, with several recommendations being included. When on policy some our most important polices updates in my view such as graduation requirements and academic challenging curriculum. Analyzed ongoing need for in-district special education programming and at the state level for associated resources. Advocated for an athletics equipment and uniform waterfall to ensure we knew inventory and what our teams needed and when so we could budget appropriately for these items. You can view my submitted budget questions across years on our budget page for careful scrutiny of the dollars we request and how they those dollars entrusted to us will be used. While I believe I can handle this job, I love this job.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
Focus. Do not stray.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
On the BOE, each year comes with new and exciting opportunities, challenges to be confronted, and an evaluation of our progress. I will use my voice to ensure that we maintain a high quality school district, to remain a town where people want to move to and work in, for the lives of students, our educators and staff, and for the Fairfield I know we all hold dear.