Jennifer Durney

Occupation: Business insurance agent and operations manager at Durney Insurance

Public involvement: I am a member of the Hoquiam Rotary, a board member of the Hoquiam Business Association and I have volunteered for eight years as a co-captain for the Annual YMCA campaign.

There’s been a lot of discussion about whether high schools over emphasize preparation for university at the expense of trades or other career paths. What are your views on how the district should prepare students?

The district should prepare students by promoting lifelong learning skills and I feel that the Aberdeen School District does an excellent job of preparing our students for whatever path they choose, whether it is college, technical school or to move directly into a career after graduation. While we prepare our students with core academics and what is required to graduate, we also have construction, banking, photography, car care, computer technology and many other options for our students to explore. As a district, we need to prepare students for their future regardless if they attend a university, military training or a full-time job. Grays Harbor College is a wonderful resource for our students with so many options for those who cannot afford to leave town to obtain a two- or even four-year degree.

2. What ideas would you bring to the school board that would foster more success in the classroom.

As a school board member, I would want to make sure our teachers and staff are getting the support they need from administration to foster more success in the classroom. Teaching is a very stressful job and our society has become obsessed with academic performance and preparing students to pass tests that are a requirement. I want to learn more about what we are doing for our teachers and para-educators to help them be the best they can be in the classroom with our students and what support is offered personally and professionally to help our students succeed.

3. The district has a new school superintendent. What do you want her to emphasize?

I would like the new superintendent to get familiar with the area, our staff, students and create an atmosphere of partnership and respect between faculty, staff and administration. We need to give our students the best possible education and preparedness so no matter what their future, they can be proud to have graduated from Aberdeen High School.