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Jen Mitchell’s enthusiasm for serving on the Collier County School Board is infectious and it’s with that same degree of excitement that voters should elect her to the District 3 seat on Aug. 28.
Mitchell comes well-prepared to step into the role of a board member and is so well-versed in issues facing the district that it’s almost as if she is an incumbent facing re-election.
In reality, incumbents both in this district and District 1 chose not to seek re-election. Even so, the new board wouldn’t face much of a learning curve considering Mitchell’s firm grasp and the addition in District 1 of Jory Westberry, an experienced teacher and school administrator who worked for the district for a quarter century before retiring. There was no challenger in District 1.
The sole opponent in the nonpartisan race for District 3 is longtime Collier educator Kathleen Ryan, now retired, who likewise could step into the position as a ready board member. With two District 3 candidates, the race will be decided Aug. 28; there is no potential for a runoff in November.
Mitchell gained much of her understanding of district operations through volunteering in her children's’ classrooms and serving on parent-teacher organization boards. Three children attend Collier County Public Schools and a fourth graduated in 2016. That’s important parental knowledge that can help maintain the current board’s balance, considering both incumbents not running for re-election have school-age children.
Mitchell’s prior involvement doesn’t stop there. She importantly was chosen in 2011 to join a district advisory panel to increase parental involvement and communication. From there, she became involved in the “Connect Now” initiative with Champions For Learning and the precursor to the district’s strategic plan.
Now, as a Realtor, she would add to the board another voice with a business perspective. A real estate professional certainly understands how vital it is for our economy to have top-notch schools. It shows as Mitchell speaks passionately about a quality Collier County education system.
“It’s not perfect, but it’s darn good,” she says of the district.
An advocate of local control, she says having school choice is a plus but that it can’t come at the expense of traditional public schools.
Another factor that tips our endorsement to Mitchell centers around our quizzing both candidates about where their allegiance rests. Votes often have split along 3-2 factional lines during the past four years. Ryan unabashedly said she’s been with the three. Mitchell pointed to an example of where she instead would have sided with the two who from the start wanted the board to have a risk assessment review done on district contracts, not another topic. She’s right; a board majority eventually reached that decision.
Mitchell described herself as an independent thinker who will take each issue as it comes. We see that and value its importance going forward. With the two like-minded incumbents not seeking re-election, there is a responsibility to appropriately challenge the administration and other board members’ positions. In our view, Mitchell has the savvy to distinguish when that’s necessary but won’t be combative if it arises.
Although we endorse Mitchell, we’d be remiss not to acknowledge Ryan’s valuable contributions on district committees, such as reviewing textbooks. It would be the district’s loss if Ryan didn’t continue.
After four contentious years for the Collier School Board, resulting in some morale-damaging communications for district employees, we’re encouraged by what this new board might accomplish. With Jen Mitchell on the board, we’re not just encouraged about it, we’re excited — enthusiastic in fact, as is Mitchell.
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