Meet Jenny Candando, Republican Candidate For Upper Moreland School Board

UPPER MORELAND, PA — As Patch continues its pre-election coverage, take some time to meet Jenny Candando, candidate for Upper Moreland School Board.

Take a moment to see how Candando responded to a Patch candidate questionnaire.

Age (as of Election Day)

37

Party Affiliation

Republican

Family

Married with 2 children

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

Central Bucks East HS Graduate & Longevity Wedding Planning Institute Certification

Occupation

Early Childhood Educator

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

N/A

Campaign website

facebook.com/WriteInJennyCandando

Why are you seeking elective office?

I am seeking elective office in order to serve the community. I want to help restore community trust in the school board by serving in a transparent and accessible manner.

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

One of the most pressing issues facing our board is the issue of board accessibility and restoring trust with the community. We need to take every opportunity to listen to parents and community members – they are interacting with their children on a daily basis, and know many of the struggles their children face. By listening to all voices and letting everyone know that we see you, we hear you, and we respect you, we can work together to improve our district.

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

I believe that we can accomplish more and serve our students better by taking an additive approach to inclusion and appreciate what everyone brings to the table. I believe that parents and guardians are best suited to make decisions for their children. I think encouraging students to meet academic standards is a way to build character and prepare them for challenges they will face in higher education or in their careers. I believe our special education students deserve the best possible education and we should employ best practices rather than just meet the minimum requirements.

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

I am not here to criticize the current board or relitigate the past. Although I don’t agree with every decision the board has made previously, I am here to move our district and our community forward.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Financial responsibility is important. Upper Moreland is not a wealthy community and it is difficult for some residents to see significant tax raises each year. We need to make sure we can maintain our educational programs, but we must also be careful not to waste money.

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

Although I work with children on a daily basis, I am always engaged with their parents / caretakers. It is extremely important to communicate with both students and parents – at all school levels. This experience will help me engage with parents and community members who approach the board with concerns regarding their children’s education.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Do what is right, not what is easy.

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

I would like voters to know that I will aim to be their voice, and I will put the community and our students first. Also, I am an announced and endorsed write-in candidate, so I would like to remind voters that they have to fill in the bubble and write in “Jenny Candando”, not just look for my name on the ballot like the other candidates.