Amherst School Board Candidate Jason White

Jason White

Age (as of Election Day)

41

Position sought (including ward or district number if applicable)

Amherst School Board Member (three-year term)

Family

I am lucky to be married to Leigh, my amazing wife; together, we have one daughter aged six.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

bachelors of arts English from Fairfield University
masters of arts teaching from Sacred Heart University
masters of English from Fitchburg State University
masters of education leadership and management from Fitchburg State University

Occupation

Fifth grade special education teacher

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

I do not hold any elected office in government. I ran for this same position last year but was defeated. I am, clearly, hoping for a better result this year.

Campaign website

https://jasonforamherstsch.wixsite.com/j4asb

Why are you seeking elective office?

I am seeking elective office because I believe in public education. I believe public education needs to be defended. Also, I represent a missing voice from the board, the voice of an educator. My expertise is education.

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

There are so many issues facing the board. Most importantly, I am interested to see the new schools be approved by the town. Similarly, budget appears to be foremost in the minds of constituents. I would like to educate and provide information to constituents about the budget process and why so much money comes from local property taxes. I would like to have NH School Funding Fairness Project provide a presentation(s) for our constituents to better explain how schools get funded and how such funding could and should be improved.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

The difference is that I am an educator. I know what it is to be in the classroom every working day helping students. I understand the pressures in education, and I am constantly immersed in education policy and practices.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

My campaign platform is about doing what is best for the students of Amherst. Moreover, I believe in protecting public education. There is an effort nationally and in our state to undermine and degrade public education. We must communicate the value add of public education. Without it, we have an ignorant citizenry which is dangerous for all of us. Public education is powerful, necessary, and must be protected. Additionally, I am a believer in having difficult conversations. We need to be able to disagree respectfully and come to a reasonable conclusion to help our students. Students should not be used as political pawns to promote one agenda or another.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I am a leader. I am a union officer and engage in district-level conversations about policy and practice on a regular basis. Furthermore, I have a background of leadership. I served in active combat as squad leader. There is little that is more stressful than being responsible for the lives of those in your charge.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

My main position is that we need to promote smart education policy. We need to put students first. We must be honest about the value public education provides.