User:BryanDJensen1969

Hello, my name is Bryan Jensen and I'm running for Duluth school board. First let me tell you about my self. I'm 36 years old I live with my wife (Raquel) and son (Val). I was born in Sioux Falls SD and grow up in Cloquet MN. Being the youngest of 5 siblings and the only one with a disability, I went to school in Duluth. (Back then the schools in Cloquet weren't physically or culturally accessible to students with disabilities) Some of my fondest memories of growing up in Cloquet are going with my family to watch my oldest brother play hockey at the old barn. After graduating from high school I went on to Courage Center in Golden Valley MN to learn Independent Living Skills. Soon after leaving Courage Center I moved to Duluth and attended the University of Minnesota Duluth for two years. About this time, I was introduced by a friend. to the Center for Independent Living of Northeast Minnesota where I worked for Ten years. I decided to run for public office because I believe anybody and everybody has a chance to participate in this thing we call democracy. Also I care very deeply about education and think that providing a education is the most important thing we can do for our kids. Moreover I believe Duluth is one the most progressive cities in Minnesota. I believe that being on the school board is about making decision that effect students, schools and naborhoods positively. Yet, I realize that an issue like declining enrollment makes it hard to make positive decisions. I think there needs to be more options for families when educating their students in the public school system, for example if a family wants to home school their stutent(s) in a subject(s) they should have that option. This would benefit both the family and the public school system, by keeping the funding for that student, and by giving the family a greater role in edgacating their stutent(s). I want to use my years of advocating and improving our community, serving on boards (Housing access center) and commissions (Duluth commission on disabilities) when serving on the school board. Sincerely Yours Bryan Jensen