Patch Candidate Profile: Jennifer Werely For Stamford Board Of Education

STAMFORD, CT — Election Day on Nov. 4 is fast approaching, and there are a number of key races on the ballot.

Patch reached out to candidates for office to get more information on their campaigns and the issues that are facing the city.

Candidate's Name:
Jennifer Werely, MD

What office are you seeking?
Board of Education

What town do you live in?
Stamford, CT

Campaign Website
https://www.jenwerely.com

Party Affiliation:
Democratic Party

Occupation:
Physician, Neurologist

Family:
My husband and I have 3 boys, aged 14, 12, and 10 who are currently in the Stamford Public Schools. We also have a dog named Dash.

Their support through this campaign process has meant everything to me.

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

Previous public office, appointive or elective:
No

Why are you seeking this office?
As a mother of three children currently enrolled in Stamford Public Schools at the elementary, middle, and high school levels, I believe it is essential to have a parent’s perspective on the Board of Education. Parents experience firsthand the impact of policies, such as the new 4x4 schedule, and their voices must be included in the decision-making process.

As PTO president at Turn of River Middle School in 2024, I led the effort to address significant challenges in the school affecting students and teachers. I brought together parents, teachers, administrators, and the Board of Education to create meaningful change. Through that experience, I demonstrated the ability to collaborate effectively, communicate concerns constructively, and advocate for decisions that put students and teachers first. I want to bring that same dedication and problem-solving approach to the Board of Education to help strengthen our schools for every child.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:
The single most pressing issue is the lack of parent representation, with kids currently in the school system, on the Board of Education. This is why I have decided to run.

This is a pivotal year for the Board of Education with the hiring of a new superintendent. I would like to see a superintendent who is a true collaborator with a track-record of managing large school districts, who will lead with a commitment to both academic excellence and equity across a diverse student body. A strong superintendent must also be able to withstand political pressures and make decisions that directly enhance student learning in a safe and inclusive manner. They must have a strong financial background as well.

When decisions and policies are made that directly impact our children, it is essential that parents have a seat at the table to ensure their perspectives are heard.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
1) I am a mother of children actively enrolled in the Stamford Public Schools at the elementary, middle and high school levels.

2) As PTO President, I led an initiative that brought meaningful change directly impacting the entire Turn of River Middle School community.

I have demonstrated that I can work with the Board of Education, administration, teachers and parents to solve problems.

3) I am a practicing neurologist who has dedicated my life to caring for people. I rely on data, experience, and compassion to guide my decisions.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
The new 4x4 high school schedule must be carefully evaluated for its effectiveness. It remains unclear what specific problem this schedule is intended to solve, who truly benefits, and who may be negatively impacted. This has been a significant change at the high school level, and it must demonstrate that it improves academic outcomes for all students.

I have heard firsthand from many concerned parents and teachers about the scheduling challenges that have arisen. We must listen to those directly affected in order to understand the impact and determine the best path forward.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
I have built and managed a neurology practice taking care of individuals with complex neurological conditions. I solve complicated problems every day. I am a collaborator, working with families and colleagues. I listen and use experience, empathy and data to guide my decisions. I will bring these qualities to the Board of Education.

What is most important is not my accomplishments in medicine or training, rather my role as a mother.

I ask you to vote for me to serve as a voice for parents, teachers and most of all, our children.

My Background:
I graduated from Cornell University with a double major in both Neurobiology & Behavior and Applied Economics & Management.

Upon graduating, I served in an Americorps program called City Year. I was invited to the White House as a City Year representative that very year.

I went to the University of Buffalo School of Medicine (Go Bills!) where I graduated with high honors and was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society. I was also inducted into the Gold Humanism Honor Society, earned the Maimonides Medical Society of Western New York Academic Excellence Award, and won the John Paroski, MD Memorial Award for compassion and excellence in patient care.

I performed my neurology training in New York City at NYU where I spent countless days and nights at Bellevue Hospital, the oldest public hospital in the United States. At my very first job I won the award from residents for "Teacher of the Year."

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
Recently my youngest son gave me some great advice:

"Mom, hang out with people who support you. They will keep you going."

THANK YOU to all my supporters.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
I believe deeply in the value of public education for both our children and our community. Public education plays a critical role in preparing students not only academically, but also socially and emotionally, giving them the tools they need to succeed in life.

With parent representation on the board, we have the chance to address challenges at hand and support all the wonderful things that our school system has to offer.