Jennifer Kling Aims to Make Good Decisions That Affect Community, Kids and Taxpayers

Editor's Note: As part of North Canton Patch's local election coverage, we will provide profiles of each of the candidates running for office. These profiles will offer biographical and issue-oriented details about each of the candidates to help you, the voters, make more-informed decisions at the ballot box. We also will have a short video of each candidate that will help you learn more about them. Stay tuned for more coverage of the election.

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Name: Jennifer Kling

Age: 42

Occupation: Pharmaceutical sales representative

Education: Ohio University 1991 BS Political Science/Public Administration 

Political Affiliation: Registered Republican 

Office Sought: North Canton City Board of Education  

Previous Political Office Sought or Held: None

Candidate Statement: My name is Jennifer Kling, candidate for the North Canton School Board. While obtaining signatures for my petition, citizens have expressed concerns, pleasantries and improvements in regards to the North Canton School District. Some people have ask me why school board? The bottom line is I want to be part of the decision-making process affecting my children.

School Board decisions have the single largest impact on families and students on a daily basis. Think about it. School Boards make decisions that affect student achievement, and that is something I take very seriously. I want to help create opportunities, and offer the best education possible, for all the children who attend the North Canton City Schools. I recognize the value of a partnership between the community and the Board of Education.

Speaking of the community, North Canton is an excellent place to work, live and raise a family. My husband Steve and I chose to make North Canton our home because of the well-respected community and excellent school system. We can think of no greater compliment. Our children, Ben and Chloe, have received a quality and thought-provoking education thus far, and we feel volunteering and personal involvement in their education is crucial.  Therefore, I hope to contribute to their education as a School Board member.

As a wife, mother and business professional, I possess many strengths, and I offer them to the voters. 

• Team building — as a pharmaceutical rep, I work as part of a team. So, my professional career has taught me teamwork is priority. As in any relationship, there are times of disagreement; however, communication and respect are essential. I intend to draw on my work and life experiences to work with a great team among the administration, staff, teachers, students, parents, community leaders and tax payers.

• Another strength I bring to the voters is I am a decision maker. Many decisions face a Board of Education member. What this means to voters is our schools face many challenges including but not limited to school funding, levy consideration, curriculum decisions and contract negotiations. I know I have to listen to numerous points of view to make a sound decision. Making decisions start with listening skills.

School Board members are public servants and listening to the taxpayers is paramount. School Board members’ responsibilities include oversight of debt and making sure the district is financially sound. I am not an education expert, but as a team of five Board Members, I would look to everyone’s strengths. 

• My strengths are leadership, passion, commitment, communication and I am not afraid to express my opinion. 

• Finally, accountability applies to School Board members. I promise to be accountable, most importantly, to the families of the North Canton School District, because decisions made as a Board will have a direct affect on the children, community and taxpayers.

I also promise to be accountable to the taxpayer, because the school district spends their money. 

In closing, I am passionate about serving our schools and I will work hard to continue the tradition of excellence in the North Canton City Schools. I respectfully ask for a vote, on Nov. 8, for me, Jennifer Kling.

Thank you.