Jennifer Ballerini

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Jennifer Ballerini

Nonpartisan

Elk Grove Unified School District Board of Education Trustee Area 6

Tenure

2024 - Present

Term ends

2028

Years in position

0

Predecessor

Nancy Chaires Espinoza

Report an officeholder change

Elections and appointments

Last elected

November 5, 2024

Education

Other

Sacramento City College, 1999

Personal

Birthplace

Oakland, Calif.

Religion

None

Profession

Retired

Contact

Campaign website

Campaign Facebook

Jennifer Ballerini is a member of the Elk Grove Unified Board of Education in California, representing Trustee Area 6. She assumed office on December 6, 2024. Her current term ends on December 1, 2028.

Ballerini ran for election to the Elk Grove Unified Board of Education to represent Trustee Area 6 in California. She won in the general election on November 5, 2024.

Ballerini completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Jennifer Ballerini was born in Oakland, California. She graduated from Sacramento City College in 1999. Ballerini is retired.

Elections

2024

See also: Elk Grove Unified School District, California, elections (2024)

General election

General election for Elk Grove Unified School District Board of Education Trustee Area 6

Jennifer Ballerini defeated Jacqueline Ortiz in the general election for Elk Grove Unified School District Board of Education Trustee Area 6 on November 5, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Jennifer Ballerini (Nonpartisan)	63.0	12,371
	Submit photo	Jacqueline Ortiz (Nonpartisan)	37.0	7,264

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 19,635
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Endorsements

To view Ballerini's endorsements as published by their campaign, click here. Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Ballerini in this election.

Campaign themes

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Jennifer Ballerini completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Ballerini's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am Jennifer Ballerini, a candidate for Elk Grove Unified School District Trustee, Area 6. With 31 years of experience within the Elk Grove Unified School District, I am dedicated to advocating for students, parents, and staff to enhance the educational experience for all. My diverse background includes positions as a library technician, paraeducator, and administrative assistant in various departments including Student Support, Secondary Athletics, and Facilities. During my decade long tenure as President of AFSCME, Local 258, representing district classified staff, I successfully collaborated to negotiate contracts, improve workplace conditions and salaries, balance budgets, and advocate for the community. Drawing from my experiences as an employee, union leader, parent, and grandparent, I possess a deep understanding of the current and future challenges facing our educational system.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

• I will improve school libraries because they are sometimes the only access that students have to obtain books & other electronic resources not on their Chromebook. These libraries are currently understaffed. The 15 hours per week paid for out of the District’s General Fund is not enough time. Some schools have additional hours paid for by Title 1 funds or their school’s PTA. Although this support is helpful it causes an equity issue. The Library Technicians at the Elementary schools have very little support and training. I would like to see the District hire a Credentialed Librarian specifically to support and train them. This would assure that the books would celebrate diversity, inclusion & age appropriate for the students.
• Facility equity is an issue in our district. We are a large district with varying socioeconomic challenges. I want to ensure that we have the appropriate accessible facilities and resources available districtwide, so that all students can have a greater sense of community and an equitable educational experience. Overcrowding in schools is a significant issue that can affect the quality of education, the well-being of students and teachers, and the overall effectiveness of the educational system. We also need to ensure that we have enough schools to house the growing community in their own neighborhood as much as possible.
• Absolutely, clear and thoughtful communication is fundamental in navigating any changes within the school district. My extensive experience underscores the significance of involving the community in the process. Transparent communication not only builds trust but also empowers parents, students, and staff to be active participants in shaping the educational experience. Addressing diversity, equity, and inclusion is crucial, and we need to consider these factors as part of the improvement process. In the wake of the pandemic, the social and emotional well-being of everyone involved is paramount. Providing adequate support to help the community recover and adapt is essential for fostering a positive and effective learning experience.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I want to ensure that every decision made by the Elk Grove Unified School Board is approached with rigor & thoughtfulness. My focus is on meticulous, evidence based decision making, especially in relation to budget management. It is essential that we optimize every dollar spent to maximize the educational benefits for our students, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively & efficiently to support high quality education & necessary improvements. This approach not only enhances our children's learning environment but also upholds our responsibility to the taxpayers of Sacramento County.

What is your favorite book? Why?

My favorite book is "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone". This book was magical in so many ways. My daughters and I would listen to the book before going to sleep at night. They were 8 and 12 years old. My husband was stationed in Japan at a U.S. Coast Guard base. Reading the book together helped us have a special time to connect as mother and daughters. We continued to read all of the books in the series. We even went to events at a local church and Borders book store every time the newest book was released. I was working at Harriet Eddy Middle School as a Library Technician when "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" was ready to be released. I was contacted by the Sacramento Bee to see if we had a couple of students that would be able to read the book in 4 days so that they could give a review for the newspaper. My youngest daughter was an 8th grader and had become a voracious reader. So, I asked her and another one of our students if they were interested. They were both thrilled with the idea of getting a free book and being one of the first people to read it. They both finished the book in time and were featured in the Sacramento Bee article. In the library we held Harry Potter events and more students became enthralled with the series.
I truly believe that reading the books together helped us form a special bond that continues to this day. My youngest enjoys reading so much that she completed college, earned her teaching degree, taught math for the EGUSD and then went on to earn her Master's Degree in Library and Information Science. She now teaches at Solano Community College. My oldest also completed college and has been teaching elementary students for 18 years now. She still enjoys reading out loud to her students. I am ready to start reading the books with my grandsons who are 8 and 10, to continue the adventure that is reading. Especially Harry Potter!

What is the primary job of a school board member in your view?

When you take on the role of School Board member you serve your community, accepting all of the opportunities and challenges that position affords. It would be my responsibility to be ethically and fiscally responsible for decisions that are made by the school board without any bias. During my time as an EGUSD employee, parent and grandparent, I have seen many different challenges come to light. Some of the most recent challenges have been book banning, bullying, and issues surrounding sexual orientation and gender identity. It is important to stay aware of issues or challenges that our communities are facing as well as legislation that is in the works that would affect the safe and supportive environment of our students and staff. It is also the responsibility of the school board to fully understand legislation that is enacted and be sure that it is implemented with fidelity. I feel that California school districts need to take more proactive steps to stop harassment, discrimination, and violence.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

I have been endorsed by:

Elk Grove Education Association
AFSCME Council 57
Sacramento Central Labor Council
Sacramento – Sierra’s Building and Construction Trades Council
Democratic Party of Sacramento County
Latino Democratic Club
Elk Grove-South County Democratic Club
AFSCME Local 258
UA Local 447 Plumbers and Pipefitters
Sheet Metal Workers Local 104
Elk Grove Mayor, Bobbie Singh Allen
Elk Grove City Councilmember, Darren Suen
Elk Grove City Councilmember, Sergio Robles

President and members of the Elk Grove Unified School District School Board

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Elk Grove Unified School District Board of Education Trustee Area 6

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