Jennifer Holden (Tamalpais Union High School District, At-large, California, candidate 2024)

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Jennifer Holden

Nonpartisan

Candidate, Tamalpais Union High School District, At-large

Elections and appointments

Last election

November 5, 2024

Education

Bachelor's

University of Pennsylvania, 2000

Personal

Profession

Business founder

Contact

Campaign website

Campaign Facebook

Campaign Instagram

Jennifer Holden (also known as Jenny) ran for election to the Tamalpais Union High School District, At-large in California. She was on the ballot in the general election on November 5, 2024.^[source]

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

Biography

Jennifer Holden provided the following biographical information via Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey on October 13, 2024:

• Bachelor's: University of Pennsylvania, 2000
• Gender: Female
• Profession: Business Founder
• Incumbent officeholder: No
• Campaign website
• Campaign Facebook
• Campaign Instagram

Elections

General election

General election for Tamalpais Union High School District, At-large (2 seats)

A. Ray Chaudhuri, Jennifer Holden, Amos Klausner, Nicholas Ondrejka, and Ida Times-Green ran in the general election for Tamalpais Union High School District, At-large on November 5, 2024.

		Candidate
	Submit photo	A. Ray Chaudhuri (Nonpartisan)
		Jennifer Holden (Nonpartisan)
	Submit photo	Amos Klausner (Nonpartisan)
	Submit photo	Nicholas Ondrejka (Nonpartisan)
	Submit photo	Ida Times-Green (Nonpartisan)

---

	Incumbency information for this election was not available.
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Endorsements

Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Holden in this election.

Campaign themes

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Jennifer Holden completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Holden's responses.

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

As a proud mother of three children, all of whom have attended or are currently attending schools within the district, I understand the challenges and opportunities our students face.

I have been deeply involved in our public schools for nearly 15 years, volunteering in various capacities since my children were in elementary school. Some of my roles included being a member of the Parent’s Association, serving on the Superintendent’s Round Table, and being a member of the Racial/Equity Task Force. Currently, I am serving my third year as a Board Member of the Archie Williams High School Falcon Foundation, focusing on securing the resources our students need to thrive.

In addition to my volunteer roles with the District, I own and operate a small business here in Marin County.

My candidacy is grounded in my experience as a dedicated community member and parent. I am passionate about creating and supporting an education system that not only focuses on academic standards but also nurtures critical thinking and intellectual growth for all students. Our schools must be equipped with the necessary resources to support our outstanding teachers and implement programs that meet the diverse needs of all students districtwide while being fiscally prudent.

Let's work hand in hand to build a brighter future for our children and our community.

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?

• Transparency & Communication: Our schools and school board need to reflect our community. Transparency and communication are essential to building trust, fostering collaboration, and ensuring that the voices of students, parents, teachers, and community members are heard and valued. Together, we can make informed decisions that reflect the needs and concerns of the community while ensuring accountability.
• Improving Academic Performance: I believe that every student deserves access to a high-quality education that nurtures critical thinking and prepares them for the future. To do this, I will work tirelessly to implement evidence-based strategies that enhance academic achievement, empower teachers with the resources they need, and ensure ALL students have the tools to reach their full potential.
• Fiscal Responsibility: Our schools must be financially sound to provide the best education possible. I will advocate for transparent budgeting processes, prioritize spending on programs that directly impact student learning, and ensure that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently and effectively. Responsible stewardship of our financial resources is essential to building and maintaining a strong educational system.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Community Engagement, Teacher Support, Academic Enhancement, Assessment and Accountability, and Resource Allocation.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Some of the most important characteristics of an elected official include integrity, transparency, accountability, strong communication skills, and empathy. Elected officials must be committed to serving constituents and being open to collaboration and diverse perspectives.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I possess strong collaboration skills and value diverse opinions, which enable me to work effectively with others. My commitment to prioritizing the best interests of students, teachers, and the community drives me to advocate for their needs. Additionally, my strong work ethic ensures I stay focused on achieving positive results, fostering a supportive and productive environment for all stakeholders.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

A Board Trustee plays a vital role in establishing a clear vision and goals that prioritize the needs of students and teachers while representing our community. Trustees serve not only students and educators but also the broader community, ensuring that our actions are rooted in fiscal responsibility. By focusing on programs that best support our students, we can create meaningful impact. Collaboration with fellow Board members, district staff, and community stakeholders is essential for success. Moreover, effective communication about our decisions—explaining the rationale behind them—is crucial to building trust and transparency within our community.

What is your favorite book? Why?

While I often find myself drawn to different books as my favorite, lately I’ve returned to an old favorite: Olive Kitteridge. This novel captivates me because of its rich character development and exploration of human relationships. The interconnected stories provide a deep, honest look at life’s complexities, showcasing both the struggles and beauty of everyday experiences. Olive's complexity as a character resonates with me, making her journey both relatable and profoundly moving.

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

A Board Trustee plays a vital role in establishing a clear vision and goals that prioritize the needs of students and teachers while representing our community. Trustees serve not only students and educators but also the broader community, ensuring that our actions are rooted in fiscal responsibility. By focusing on programs that best support our students, we can create meaningful impact. Collaboration with fellow Board members, district staff, and community stakeholders is essential for success. Moreover, effective communication about our decisions—explaining the rationale behind them—is crucial to building trust and transparency within our community.

How would you support the diverse needs of your district’s students, faculty, staff, and community?

I will continuously seek insights from teachers to understand which existing policies are effective and where improvements are needed.

Schools are uniquely qualified to support diversity in ways that can be impactful and truly resonate with students, while also providing enhanced educational experiences. By adopting an inclusive curriculum that reflects diverse perspectives, students will have the opportunity to learn, grow, and connect with material that broadens their worldview. This curriculum should feature books, poetry, essays, and historical accounts from a wide range of voices and experiences.

By embracing this holistic approach, our diversity initiatives will cultivate a student body that is more informed, empathetic, and understanding.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Organizations

Marin Independent Journal

Marin Professional Firefighters Local IAFF 1775

Marin Women's Political Action Committee



Elected Officials (current and former)

Annelise Bauer, Former RVSD Trustee, Co-Founder, Executive Director & Board President, Children for Change

Steve Burdo, San Anselmo Town Council

Scot Candell, Mayor, Town of Larkspur

Brian Colbert, San Anselmo Town Council

Cathryn Hilliard, Board Member, Southern Marin Fire Protection District

Leslie Harlander, President, Tamalpais Union High School District

Rachel Kertz, San Rafael City Council

Rachel Litwack, Board Trustee and President Ross Valley School District

Joan Lubamersky, Former Mayor of Larkspur

Bruce Raful, Past President, San Rafael School Boa

Describe your ideal learning environment for students.

My ideal learning environment for students is inclusive, engaging, rigorous, and collaborative. It encourages creativity and teamwork, access to diverse resources, and a supportive atmosphere where every student feels safe and valued. Additionally, it promotes hands-on, experiential learning and can cater to different learning styles.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

Financial transparency and accountability are key for building trust with the community. Clear and accessible financial reporting allows stakeholders to understand how resources are allocated and ensures that funds are used effectively. Accountability measures, such as regular audits, program assessments, and public reporting are necessary for ensuring that officials are held responsible for their decisions.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

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Tamalpais Union High School District, At-large

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