Jackson School Board: Jamie Pfefferkorn Nipper

Name: Jamie Pfefferkorn Nipper

Age: 35

Place of birth: Cape Girardeau, MO

Spouse, children's names: I am married to Christopher Nipper. Our children's names are Andrew, Ava, and Alise Nipper.

Occupation: Pediatric Occupational Therapist

Employer: Powderly & Associates

Businesses owned, all or part: Nipper Trucking, LLC

Previous offices held or sought: This is the first office I have sought.

What is the most important issue facing the Jackson Public Schools and what can be done about it?

The people of Jackson have lost their voice in the district. We need to get our school board back to its original purpose: a checks and balances system to protect the people. Board members must be willing to have meaningful discussion at our meetings and engage in two-way conversation with the community. We must work together to establish goals and objectives for our superintendent and keep a watchful eye on our budget. Go to VoteJamie.org.

What in your background or education makes you qualified for this office?

I am a mother of three young children. Their achievement in education will be my passion for many years to come. I am a school-based occupational therapist. I work with administrators, teachers, and parents to improve the student's level of performance in school. Parents must be involved. I understand people of all walks of life and have a genuine empathy for struggling learners. I will be a fierce advocate for our students, parents, and teachers.

Where do you stand on the issue of Common Core standards?

I have researched. CCSI takes away local control and is not teacher led. In states further along with the implementation, it has proven to tie the hands of the teachers, decrease parent involvement, share 400+ data points on students with outside agencies, and decrease student engagement. Our governor signed MO up prior to the standards being written and without proper legislative procedure. I am concerned for our students. Please visit http://commoncoremovie.com/ to learn more.

Do you think the Jackson School District is a good place for teachers to work? Why or why not?

The Jackson school district is known for top achievement and is a great place for teachers to work. Jackson's continued success in academics and a variety of programs is a direct reflection of the quality of teachers we have in our district. Our teachers strive for excellence. Jackson is a great environment for teachers to emerge due to the professional development opportunities at their disposal. Our teachers are constantly initiating new programs for our students.