Fifteen Minutes with Jennifer Wiltermood

Editor's Note: Please note this is not an endorsement by the Patch for this or any candidate. We are giving the same questions and opportunity to all candidates so that they may express their thoughts to our readers in an attempt to get to know them better and what they think is important.

Jennifer's background includes being a community volunteer for the past 15 years. She has also been part of the PTA, Advisory Committee for the City of Rohnert Park, Project Graduation, and Rohnert Park's 50th Anniversary Committee. Additionally she is a member of the Chapter of Realtors and a past member of Rotary.

Why are you running for the school board?

I am running for School Board Trustee because we need a fresh, creative perspective for the educational challenges facing our students.  As a business owner, I know the importance of making sound financial decisions.  As a parent, volunteer and community leader, I’ve helped raise money to purchase the tools our children, teachers and parents need to succeed.  I feel it's time for a change. Every child deserves the best education possible in their own neighborhood school. 

What do you hope to accomplish?

I would like to create a marketing campaign that outlines what great educational, vocational, musical, and sporting programs our schools have to offer. I believe this would be a giant step forward in helping to educate the community and retain more of our local students.

I believe in our schools and I believe in offering choices to our parents and students.

I would like to see a clear vision created for our district that is embraced and followed by everyone.  I would like to bring back reading programs, among others, and find new programs for our schools.

Why should people vote for you?

I will do my best to help our children and district succeed. I currently have a child in the district at the elementary level. I possess the drive, passion and courage to stand up for our children's educational needs. I have served on multiple boards and committees which has given me extensive leadership experience.   I know how to listen, absorb information and make my own decisions.  Bottom line is; I care about our community and our schools.

What qualifies you?

As a Realtor® in this community for the last 15 years, I have honed my negotiating and people skills.  On a daily basis I educate and advise people on what may be their largest purchase or sale of their lives.

As the President for the Cotati-Rohnert Park Council PTA I oversee each of the PTA/PTSA school sites in our district. This has given me a better perspective as to what we need in our schools. 

My involvement in Measure D gave me an insight to the inner workings of the school district, and gave me the thirst for more knowledge. I will always be available, and approachable, for questions and or information. Being a new trustee I won't always know the answer, but I know how to research and obtain the necessary information.

What else would you like to share?

 As a parent and community member I have a vested interest in the education of all our children.  I want everyone to recognize the value and importance of parents, teachers, and community members working together.

I was raised in Rohnert Park and graduated from Rancho Cotate High School.

I'm from a family that continually gives back to our community, whether it is benefiting schools, cities or seniors. In some way or another, we are all connected. Those connections are what make a community, and when we blend the connection’s that's when we succeed.

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Editor's note: Ammended article to show as past member of Rotary and not current.