Me and
my Family
MEET JEFF
ME AND MY MOTIVATION FOR RUNNING FOR SCHOOL BOARD
I have lived in Nampa for most of my adult life. My mother was raised here, went to school here, raised a family of 8 kids in Nampa and Meridian, and most of my siblings graduated from Nampa schools. My grandmother passed away a few years ago at 100 years old and in the same house on the corner of Canyon and Lone Star that she lived in ever since it was "way out in the country".
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I married my sweetheart, Gretchen, almost 20 years ago and we have lived in Nampa ever since. All of our 5 children attended Ronald Reagan elementary, East Valley, and Columbia. Jordan graduated a few years ago, Quincey last year, Campbell is a junior, Sophia is a freshman, and Noah is in 7th grade at EVMS.
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My experience serving on the Nampa Planning and Zoning Commission is a role I have loved doing for the last few years and has afforded me the opportunity to listen to countless public hearings and further develop my skill of listening to everyone and all sides. The opportunity to serve Nampa in this capacity is fantastic because I see and hear so many people who are passionate, determined, concerned, and willing to step outside their comfort zone for things they believe in. It has deepened my respect and admiration for the great staff who serve the citizens of Nampa.
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I finished my education at BSU with a BA in political science, a secondary education teaching degree (completed my student teaching at Parma Middle School), a paralegal certificate, and extensive studies in conflict management. I have completed the Idaho Certified Public Manager's course and started a master's degree in public administration.
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​Professionally, I have worked for the Idaho Department of Correction for 20 years in various positions as a paralegal, contract monitor, volunteer coordinator, and manager of religious activities. I developed an innovative mentoring program, and served as warden of the female prison in Pocatello.
I have experience writing and monitoring contracts, developing and authoring public policy and procedure, creating and implementing effective and cost-saving programs statewide, worked closely with the volunteer and faith communities around the state, and I have a legal background that will assist me in understanding complex issues regarding the business of the Board.
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However, what really drives me to run for Board Trustee is the skin I have in the game - my kids. Gretchen and I have taught our kids the value of learning as much as you can and that respectful disagreement is ok. They are taught to voice their opinions and to listen to all sides but make decisions and form conclusions based on their personal beliefs, values, experiences, understanding, and realizing that they alone are responsible for how they react to and act towards someone else.
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My kids are taught and are expected to treat every individual with respect. To be kind and reach out when they can be of assistance to someone else no matter what their background, skin color, religion, sexual orientation, etc. may be. We encourage them to try new things and not be afraid of failure, to work hard - even at things that might be unpleasant. You might say we are teaching our kids social and emotional learning - at home from their parents - not the schools.
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I can't tell you how many teachers my kids have had during their years in Nampa schools that have been so influential in their lives. It warms my heart to hear them speak so fondly of those teachers and to say, so-and-so is my favorite. I believe teachers have a duty to our kids and a duty to the parents.
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I believe that parents are the final authority for the welfare of their children. They are the ones that are best to make decisions regarding their health, how they are raised, and the values that are instilled in them.
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