Washington State Board of Education to Welcome Jen Chong Jewell As New Member

OLYMPIA, WA – The Washington State Board of Education (SBE) is pleased to announce the election of Jen Chong Jewell as its newest member, effective January 2025. A dedicated community advocate with a strong background in public service, Jen was elected to serve as the Board’s Western Washington Position 4 representative following a runoff election administered by the Washington State School Directors’ Association.  

Jen was chosen by local school board members from the west side of the state and will succeed Patty Wood, who has served in the role since January 2017. Jen will officially join the Board on January 13, 2025 and be sworn in during its February 12 meeting. Her term will run through January 2029.  

“We are thrilled to have Jen join us on the Board,” said Bill Kallappa II, chair of the State Board of Education. “Her history of advocacy and passion for this work will make our Board stronger and better prepare us for the work to come.”

Jen brings a wealth of experience to the Board. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education, Sociology, and Social Studies from Grand Valley State University in 2003 and a Master’s in Counseling Psychology from Northwest University in 2007. She also holds a leadership certificate in Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities from the University of Washington.  

She currently serves as the Transition Resource Coordinator for Snohomish County where she is fostering inclusive communities that empower individuals with developmental disabilities to achieve a full life through participation and contributions to all aspects of community life. Her leadership extends to her roles on OSPI’s Special Education Advisory Council and the Board of Directors for the Washington State Coalition for Language Access.  

“I am honored to be elected as a member of the State Board of Education," Jen said. "We have amazing work to lean into, together, to ensure that every young person is Future Ready with the tools they need to thrive in our changing world. Our youth, their families, and the communities they represent have so many strengths. Together, we can make accessibility and equity a reality for every scholar." 

Click here to learn more about Jen.

Please Direct All Media Inquires To:

Colton Kaltenfeldt, Communications Manager