Bonnie Jensen

Why are you running?

I’m running because I have two young children that are currently attending Gastineau Elementary and I feel like my budget and governmental state statutes and regulations experience can be useful on the board and would ultimately benefit my children.

Most pressing education issues

What do you think are the most pressing issues facing education in Juneau?

We don’t really know what budget we’re going to receive in the coming years, and I strongly believe that we need to keep extracurricular activities, special education. And so I want to put in my input if someone were to propose that we cut those activities or services.

Uncertain funding and the future

Amid uncertain state funding for K-12 education and a downsizing of the University of Alaska system, what can the Juneau School Board do to prepare our students for the future? What advice would you have for a current Juneau high schooler about their future?

I would strongly encourage any student to attend college, whether it be in-state or out-of-state, they should look at all options. If they do not want to attend college, then at least finish high school and look at trade schools or some sort of activity that they enjoy doing, whether it be dance or music or sports. I think that our school board needs to ensure that we encourage the community and teachers and students to have a good relationship with each other. Drugs are a huge issue, and just with the town in general. I feel like education could play a positive role with reducing that problem.

Early education

Should the Juneau School District do more to expand and improve early education opportunities? If so, how?

Yes, they should. But with our budget constraints, I don’t know what options would be available. It would be something that I would strongly look into. With my personal problems — I almost had to quit my job because I could not find daycare for my infant. And it would also help with reading. Well, reading levels all throughout grade school.

Indigenous language policy

The Juneau School District recently adopted an indigenous language policy that affirms the district's commitment to supporting Tlingit language revitalization. How would you hope to see this policy put into practice?

This is something that my children have already started, and they love it. So starting that at a young age I think is extremely important. And it should be followed through. There should be options for middle schoolers and high schoolers as well. I don’t know how the Juneau School District will be able to put it in place, that would definitely be a conversation that I would like to collaborate with the board on.

Student safety

Should the Juneau School District do more to ensure student safety? If so, how?

I don’t know how the school district will be able to do that. I think that would be more of a statewide issue with gun laws. But maybe we can propose legislation or talk to community members or, you know, just have it on the forum for public testimony. But I think that we do need stricter gun laws.