Experience
This marks the first time running for any public office for Jensen, who sites her past experience as a college teacher and having four children in or about to enter the education system as preparing her for the role.

Education
Masters and bachelors degree in mechanical engineering from South Dakota School of Mines and Technology.

Family
Husband - Kristopher, four children, Coulson, 11; Myles, 4; twins - 2, Ivan and Clara.

Should Colorado expand the public school voucher program?
Yes, Colorado should expand the public school voucher program.

Should school districts continue to charter public schools, or should those charters be granted by and administered by the state education department?
School districts should continue to charter public schools.

Safety inspections in charter schools has been a concern during the past few years, what should the state education board do to ensure safe charter schools?
All schools within the district should adhere to the same building codes and safety protocols.

Should the state make it easier and more inexpensive for college graduates to become public school teachers, or do such programs weaken the public schools system?
I welcome and will promote diversity of educational achievement and professional experience within our school faculty.

Why are you most qualified for a seat on the state education board?
I am most qualified for this seat on the Colorado Board of Education because I am not a career politician and I believe that family, not government, is more often the solution to problems. Additionally, as a mother of four I personally understand that our children each have unique needs that constantly require one-on-one attention. Also, I have earned an M.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering and have applied that education to teaching in a university setting and professional employment.

In what ways would you recommend the state modify the Colorado Student Assessment Program?
My engineering based education revolved around logic and mathematical analysis, I know that there is a point at which more data points does not improve the analysis of a problem or change the results. I believe that our current assessment and accountability system needs to be examined and revised. The introduction of any system or student testing needs to be carefully weighed on the aspects of benefit, monetary cost, overhead, technical maintenance, and classroom/recording time requirements. Most importantly, accurately and completely reporting the findings of assessment and making that process transparent to our communities.

What would be your priorities during a term on the state school board?
I will actively promote educational choice for families, parental involvement, and revision of the current educational assessment process.

Does the state education board too often usurp or impede local control of schools? Should the state board have more control over local schools?
The Colorado Board of Education should not have more control over local schools. The state should carefully consider the effects of their decisions on the local systems.

What’s your assessment of the current education commissioner, Dwight D. Jones?
Commissioner Dwight D. Jones is a leader that has the vision and experience to greatly improve the standard of student education in the state of Colorado.

Is public school accreditation relevant, especially to parents?
School accreditation via an external agency that has little or no ties to the locality of the school should be far less important to parents than requiring the school to report on the content of the curriculum and performance of the faculty.

Are you a dog or a cat person?
Neither, I’m a kid person since I have four children.

What food do you hate most?
Fast food

The book you’d most like to read next?
1984 by George Orwell

The movie that made you laugh out loud the most?
I’m looking forward to busting a gut at American Carol’s release.

The “one food” you would want stuck on a deserted island?
Dark Chocolate

The person you wish would run for U.S. president?
No answer.

What personal feat are you most proud of?
The process of raising my children brings the greatest joy and pride. It’s great to see growth in another person.

What one question would you love to have answered and by whom?
No answer.

Where do you recommend people from out of town eat?
Thai Basil