Jan Burrell highlights career as educator, networks in Weber School Board District 2 race
Photo supplied, Jan Burrell
Jan BurrellJan Burrell is a candidate for the Weber School Board District 2 seat. Below are her responses to a six-question survey sent to her by the Standard-Examiner. The Standard-Examiner made an attempt to contact each candidate involved in a competitive race in Weber and Davis counties.
1. Why is the position you are running for important?
Our students ARE the future of our society, and the decisions made by the School Board help shape that future. The opportunities we provide, the resources we allocate, and support we offer have a direct and lasting impact not only on students, but also on their families, neighborhoods and the broader community.
2. What unique qualities, attributes, skills, and experiences do you possess that make you the best candidate in this race?
As a career educator, I bring a deep understanding of public education, the needs of students and teachers and how those needs concern our communities. My years of experience have given me both perspective and practical understanding of the challenges and possible solutions facing education today. I am also well-networked throughout our community and have developed strong relationships with parents, community leaders, educators and other stakeholders who care about the future of our students. Most importantly, I am community-minded. I am fully dedicated to our students and the community I represent.
3. Please explain your priorities if elected, as well as why you believe you are uniquely capable of achieving those priorities.
Students always have been and always will be my primary focus. Providing the best possible educational experience for every student requires sound policy, appropriate resources, and thoughtful decision-making. School boards have a responsibility to adopt policies that protect students, support learning, and create the conditions in which both students and educators thrive. That means recruiting and retaining exceptional teachers, providing relevant curriculum and current technology, and maintaining safe, effective and efficient learning environments. I bring experience, a willingness to listen and engage with stakeholders, and a growth mindset that keeps me open to new ideas and better ways of serving students. If elected, I will continue working to secure adequate funding, encourage proven best practices, responsibly allocate resources and keep students first and foremost in every decision we make.
4. Please describe how you view the importance of compromise in politics and provide an example from your own experiences that highlights your perspective.
I believe compromise is important in public service, but collaboration is often more productive. Compromise may require each side to give something up, while collaboration can lead to a stronger shared solution. In education, I have experienced this through Professional Learning Communities, where educators share data, exchange ideas, develop effective practices, and strategically plan together to improve student outcomes. Those experiences have reinforced my belief that listening to different perspectives, finding common ground, and working collectively often produces the best results.
5. How will you balance the views of the vocal public, your political party, and your own understanding and knowledge as an elected representative?
School board positions are nonpartisan so party politics should not play a role in decision making. While many broader issues facing government can affect our students and schools, they are often outside the direct purview of a school board. My responsibility is to listen carefully to the public, remain fiscally responsible, and accountable to taxpayers, and thoughtfully consider concerns that impact students, families and schools. I continue to balance public input with my experience, knowledge, available data, and the responsibility to make decisions that best serve students and the long-term interests of our community.
6. What is the best way for readers to contact you and/or get more information about your platform?
My contact information is public and can be accessed through the Weber Election website, as well as Weber School website. votejanburrrell@gmail.com


