I’ve been honored to serve students, families, and staff as a Bellingham School District Director since 2017. I’m a lifelong Democrat who believes public schools have the power to transform communities.

Since being elected, I’ve helped pass budgets that invest in mental health, equity, and support for students living in poverty. I co-wrote the Board’s Race and Equity Policy, as well as the Student Safety Resolution calling for sensible gun legislation. I’ve supported the District’s efforts to improve graduation and college attendance rates, while expanding opportunities for students to earn industry certificates and take skills-based classes, like robotics and manufacturing. I strongly and actively oppose federal efforts to cut funding from school districts that support transgender students and engage in diversity, equity, and inclusion work.

I’ve spent my entire career working for our community’s well-being—for nearly 10 years I provided victim advocacy and consent education in schools—deeply connecting me with student concerns. I’m now a certified sex educator and the owner of WinkWink, where I work to create a safe, inclusive space for all people.

Today, my work also includes being a mom: my daughter has cerebral palsy and is part of Bellingham School District's Special Education Program. Through her, I’ve witnessed firsthand the importance of acceptance, accessibility, and opportunity. With your support, I’ll continue being a voice for all students and families.

My work:

Some of my proudest accomplishments since joining the Board in 2017 include:

  • Assisting in the development of the Board’s Race and Equity Policy to better monitor and build accountability in interrupting inequities

  • Co-coordinating a Board listening session on childcare system wins, challenges, and solutions for Whatcom County families and providers

  • Supporting work to improve graduation and college attendance rates, while also expanding opportunities to earn industry certificates and take skills-based classes, like robotics and manufacturing.

  • Passing budgets with continued investments for mental health, equity, and support for students living in poverty

  • Supporting the District’s position in affirming the rights and dignity of LGBTQIA+ students

Looking Ahead:

While I’m proud of the work our district has done, there is more in front of us.

Being an education leader means shaping our future. Whether students dream of being mechanics, moms, or mathematicians, we lay out the path. Sometimes we’re builders—designing programs, creating policies, and literally constructing new schools. Other times, we’re protectors—guarding our schools from threats aimed at school districts that dare to say that every student matters.

I’m ready to continue my work to make sure that our District delivers on the Bellingham Promise. As I looked ahead, I’m focused on 3 strategic priorities:

  • Protecting and prioritizing resources for key programs.
    Like many Districts, we’re still facing budget challenges due to inflation, levy limits, and State underfunding. In tough times, it can be tempting to see programs supporting inclusive classrooms, equity, and mental health as extras. They are not. I will continue advocating for all programs the make a difference in our kids’ lives.

  • Preparing students for a rapidly changing world.
    AI is here. Misinformation is here. Climate change is here. A workforce that looks nothing like it did 30 years ago is here. Education is not just about preparing our kids for right now, it’s preparing them for what’s next. That means creating courses for emerging career paths, building strong digital literacy, ensuring our schools are sustainable, and giving students the tools to thrive and lead in our new reality.

  • Standing up boldly for safe, affirming schools.
     Whether it's immigrant families, trans kids, low-income folks, or disabled students—I will not be neutral on issues that impact our kids. That means working to close gaps in graduation rates, test scores, and access to post-high school opportunities. But it also means something even more fundamental: making sure every student is treated with dignity, humanity, and respect every time they walk through the doors of our schools.

Let’s Chat

Have questions? Send me an email at jennforschoolboard@gmail.com.