Jean O'Connell for St Paul School Board

On Monday, June 29, Jean held her campaign kick-off party in Como Park. Jean and about 100 supporters celebrated the beginning of her campaign season with hot dogs and treats.  George Latimer introduced Jean and several representatives from the St. Paul Federation of Teachers were in attendance.

Pioneer Press

St. Paul teacher’s union endorses school board candidates
None of the incumbents gets union backing

By Doug Belden 
dbelden@pioneerpress.com

In the race for the three four-year seats on the board that are up in the fall, the union endorsed one candidate: Jean O’Connell, a retired 3M executive who has been chair of an advisory panel on major systemic change in the district and is running as an independent.

The union’s Committee on Political Education “found O’Connell’s mix of management experience, teacher training in college, significant school volunteering and substantive leadership in various Saint Paul Public Schools task forces a reassuring blend for the current difficulties facing the district,” according to a statement.

http://www.twincities.com/stpaul/ci_12683715

Last Friday Jean visited the Chelsea Heights Elementary School end-of-year carnival and talked with parents about her candidacy and their concerns about the changes coming to the schools in the district.

Last Saturday Jean spoke with St. Paul residents at the Saint Anthony Park Arts Festival.

Jean spoke with Saint Paul families at Grand Old Day.

On Wednesday, June 10, Jean spoke with the Parents of African American Students Advisory Council.