MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Jennifer Hagerty has spent 22 years working in public education and believes that experience will benefit her as a member of the Monongalia County Board of Education.
Hagerty is running in the Central District among a field of five candidates seeking three seats on the school board.
“Because of my value of education and my experience I want to work hard and listen to understand everybody’s needs and try my best to make the best decisions for students,” Hagerty said. “I’m running for the board of education so I can continue to support the Mon County students.”
Hagerty, who has a specialization in early childhood development has worked at nine schools in Monongalia County, with experience at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. She has served a variety of roles including teacher, academic coach, technology integration specialist, and assistant principal.
According to Hagerty, advising and supporting the superintendent of schools is among the board’s top priorities along with making decisions that are in the best interests of students, teachers, and community members while considering educational best practices and what students need.
If elected, Hagerty wants to revaluate the impact of positions that were added with temporary coronavirus relief money. She said now is very much a transition period and care should be used before personnel decisions are made.
“We’re still venturing into some unknowns. We need to evaluate each position going forward and if it’s deemed vital then look for funding sources to continue the positions or shift the funding to other areas of need,” Hagerty said.
Hagerty knows there will be debate, some vigorous, but she is confident the well-being of the students is a unifying reason for all board members.
“Even if we aren’t going to agree on everything I feel like together we can toward the best interests of students,” Hagerty said. ” Ultimately, it’s a majority decision and I would support the decision of the majority, but I would make my opinion be heard.”
Re-emerging from the pandemic is among the many challenges facing the district. Hagerty believes students need a great deal of support to help them catch up on what was lost over the last two years.
“Even from a normal summer transition takes time,” Hagerty said. “But, after being out of school because of COVID it’s impacted students’ socialization, communication, and routine- our students need support in that transition.”
Hagerty is married with two daughters, who are graduates of Monongalia County Schools and West Virginia University. Hagerty works as a realtor and the Director of the Morgantown Board of Realtors and is a member of the Cheat Lake Rotary Club.
There are five candidates running for the Monongalia County School Board. Dan Berry and Jennifer Hagerty are running in the Central District. Incumbent Mike Kelly along with Cristy Moats and Brandon Myers are running in the Western District.
Voters can choose up to three candidates. The three candidates receiving the most votes will win seats on the board. Although, no more than two board members can be elected from each district.