Jennifer Nelson

Board Development Specialist

Bio

Jenn Nelson joined the Oregon School Boards Association (OSBA) in April 2022, bringing extensive experience in board and local government operations. In 2006, Jenn relocated from her hometown in Pennsylvania to Oregon and began her career as an administrative assistant with the City of Newberg, quickly advancing to deputy city recorder before accepting the role of municipal clerk in Carlton. Transitioning into education, she worked as a substitute and special education assistant, later becoming secretary to the board of directors at Newberg Public Schools. Jenn was promoted to Board Development Specialist with OSBA in July 2024.

 

Jenn believes board members, chief executive officers, and administrative professionals must work together with a balanced governance approach focused on students and the belief that each one can and should succeed. She also holds that administrative professionals, such as board clerks, secretaries, or assistants, play a crucial role in supporting school boards and leadership to achieve effective governance. These professionals bridge leaders and their communities, providing indirect leadership and creating neutral spaces for communication. Jenn is dedicated to empowering these administrative professionals alongside their board members and executives through professional development, best practices, and networking opportunities. She has been instrumental in working to establish a sub-association and accreditation program for school board clerks and administrative professionals within OSBA. Jenn’s commitment to education and governance drives her to advocate for the essential role of this leadership trifecta in shaping student and school success.

 

Jenn’s educational background includes studies at Gettysburg College and Arizona State University, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in English literature. She also holds certification as a municipal clerk through the Northwest Institute of Municipal Clerks.

 

Outside of her professional life, Jenn enjoys reading, writing, jewelry-making, theater, singing, and mixed-media arts. She takes pride in balancing a career while happily raising three children with her husband and partner of 25 years.

Check out our social media feeds

Facebook

OSBA Staff Meet and GreetMonday, July 7, 12 p.m.Join OSBA staff to learn about services and resources that can assist your work for Oregon’s students. OSBA directors will introduce their department’s services and answer your questions. Our staff has the experience you need, from legal advice to legislative advocacy to comprehensive board training and more.Webinar link for registration: us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Hyfe7ncGSF-o1EKtzB0vkQ#Oregon #education #publicschools #Webinar #osba #schoolboard #SchoolBoardMember #legislativeupdate #publiceducation ... See MoreSee Less
View on Facebook

5 days ago

Oregon School Boards Association
Amazing, innovative and heroic stories take place in Oregon’s schools every day. OSBA wants to share some of the work that shows public education is #OregonStrong. Today we have a story from Northwest Regional Education Service District: Seaside Student's Artwork Featured in How to Raise a Reader ToolkitsRead more: www.nwresd.org/Home/Components/News/News/1294/59#oregonstrong #Oregon #publiceducation #StudentSuccess #educationmatters Northwest Regional Education Service District - Official ... See MoreSee Less
View on Facebook

2 weeks ago

Oregon School Boards Association
Amazing, innovative and heroic stories take place in Oregon’s schools every day. OSBA wants to share some of the work that shows public education is #OregonStrong. Today we have a story from Northwest Regional Education Service District: When Do Kids Start Learning to Read? It’s Not Kindergarten (Nestucca Valley School District)Read more: www.nwresd.org/Home/Components/News/News/1289/59#oregonstrong #oregon #publiceducation #studentsuccess #educationmatters Northwest Regional Education Service District - Official ... See MoreSee Less
View on Facebook

X

Today we have a story from Northwest Regional Education Service District:
When Do Kids Start Learning to Read? It’s Not Kindergarten (Nestucca Valley School District)

Read more: https://www.nwresd.org/Home/Components/News/News/1289/59

#OregonStrong #oregon #publiceducation #students #educationmatters @nwresd

Today we have a story from Jewell School District:
School Attendance is a Family Affair

Read more: https://www.nwresd.org/Home/Components/News/News/1323/59

#OregonStrong #oregon #publiceducation #studentsuccess #educationmatters @jewellschool

The Dufur School District’s long-standing commitment to creating healthier and more efficient school facilities has drawn national attention along with a helpful grant.

Read more: https://www.osba.org/dufur-sets-national-example-for-healthier-and-more-efficient-schools/

#oregon #education #publicschools #Dufur #grants #safeschools #seismology

Load More

Partners