Wendi Jensen for Aspen Peaks School District
Board District 4
(Alpine, Cedar Hills, and Draper-Area within Utah County)
Get to Know Wendi
Experience in Education
- BA, History Education & English Education, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah (2004)
- History Teacher Internship, Payson Middle School, Payson, Utah (2003-2004)
- History Teacher, Findlay Middle School, Las Vegas, Nevada (2004-2007)
- Governing Board Member, Somerset Academy of Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV (2010-2011)
- Governing Board Member, Littleton Academy Charter School, Littleton, Colorado (2016-2018)
- Substitute Teacher, Alpine School District (2024-2025)
- PTA Board Member, Cedar Ridge Elementary, Cedar Ridge, Utah (2022-2025)
- Battle of the Books Program Coordinator, Cedar Ridge Elementary, Cedar Hills, Utah (2022-2025)
- Classroom Volunteer, Cedar Ridge Elementary, Cedar Hills, Utah (2019-2025)
- PTSA Board Member, Mountain Ridge Junior High, Highland, Utah (2023-2025)
- PTSA Student Club Volunteer, Mountain Ridge Junior High, Highland, Utah (2024-2025)
- Service Club Volunteer, Mountain Ridge Junior High, Highland, Utah (2023-2025)
Students
Wendi has children in public high school (1), junior high (2), and elementary school (2). She is a strong advocate for public education and its vital role in helping families provide their children with opportunities to succeed and reach their full potential as adults. She believes in emphasizing early identification of those who might need special education services along with inclusion policies that integrate special needs students with their age specific peers at each school. She also supports programs and classes that support advanced students like ALL, honors, AP, and concurrent enrollment classes. Wendi is committed to implementing policies that balance the unique needs of individual students with what is best for all students.
Teachers
Having been a teacher herself, Wendi is deeply committed to recognizing teachers as professionals by valuing their expertise, giving them competitive pay, and allowing them to be part of the decision-making process in their schools and in the district as a whole. She believes they work tirelessly and should be fairly compensated while having access to the resources necessary for success in the classroom. With the upcoming district split, Wendi is dedicated to ensuring a smooth transition for teachers, striving to secure competitive salaries and benefits for them. Additionally, Wendi is focused on reducing class sizes, allowing teachers to better address the unique needs of each student.
Community Collaboration
Wendi is dedicated to collaborating with fellow school board members and community leaders to ensure the success of the new Aspen Peaks School District. She is also committed to working with leaders from neighboring districts to address conflicts related to school boundaries, transportation, resources, and other shared issues, always focusing on solutions that best serve students and their families. Wendi believes that listening is a crucial aspect of leadership and collaboration, and she is ready to hear all perspectives and work toward effective solutions.
Fiscal Accountability
With experience managing budgets as a charter school governing board member and a PTA board treasurer, she values fiscal accountability and smart financial stewardship. Wendi is committed to responsible, transparent, and efficient use of taxpayer dollars while maximizing existing assets as we reshape the new central district. For example, the ASD school board has had a variety of study sessions addressing different topics related to the reconfiguration, such as sharing transportation services, data services, and specialty schools (e-Shore, Alpine Online, Summit, Polaris). Wendi would review the district recommendations in each of these areas to find the best options for central area taxpayers and students, whether that’s sharing these resources with two or three districts or creating independent services for the Aspen Peaks area. Wendi plans to communicate regularly with constituents and share monthly updates through social media.
Endorsements
Jennifer Dajany, Elementary School Teacher, American Fork Resident
It is a privilege to endorse Wendi Jensen for a position on our local school board. When it became apparent that we would be nominating new members to the school board, Wendi Jensen’s name immediately came to mind as a person who would be an excellent candidate.
Wendi’s commitment to our community and her experience in education make her highly qualified to be a member of the school board. Over the years, she has consistently demonstrated her dedication to students by volunteering in the classroom in any capacity she was needed. She has served tirelessly on multiple PTA organizations in various roles. It is not uncommon for Wendi to be the first to volunteer her time and talents to the numerous undertakings the PTA sponsors for students and teachers.
Most importantly, Wendi is known for her collaborative nature. She listens attentively, values diverse perspectives and works tirelessly to the benefit of her community. Wendi’s ability to work well with others is exactly what we will need to continue the drive for excellence in education, ensuring that educational policies serve the best interests of all.
I am confident that with Wendi Jensen on the school board, we will see effective leadership in the new district.
Sarah Beeson, Alpine School District Board Member, Board District 4
I am happy to endorse Wendi Jensen as a thoughtful, principled candidate who brings integrity and compassion to everything she does. As a committed parent and active community member, Wendi leads by example—always showing up, listening carefully, and seeking meaningful solutions to the challenges we face.
She approaches every decision with a steady, principle-based mindset, and her ability to consider diverse perspectives makes her a powerful advocate for both families and the broader community. Wendi doesn’t just talk about making a difference—she lives it. I have full confidence in her character, her commitment, and her capacity to lead with wisdom and heart.
Janis Aden, Westfield Elementary, Timberline Middle School, and Lone Peak High School Parent, Alpine Resident
I’ve had the privilege of observing Wendi serve on two different PTA boards, and I continue to be incredibly impressed by her work ethic, dedication, and deep knowledge in every position she takes on. This year, as I stepped into a new role myself, I had the opportunity to meet with Wendi and another board member to go over some of the treasurer responsibilities. Wendi took the time to walk us through the rules and procedures, and I was struck by how well she knew the ins and outs—even covering details we hadn’t thought to ask about.
Her background as both a teacher and an experienced PTA leader gives her a unique and valuable perspective. I believe she would be an excellent asset to our new school district, and I fully support her as a candidate.
Yolanda DuJardin, Deerfield Elementary and Mountain Ridge Junior High Parent, Cedar Hills Resident
I had the privilege to work with Wendi Jensen when my kids attended Cedar Ridge Elementary. We both served on the PTA, and I was always impressed with Wendi’s dedication and support of public education. Besides the countless number of hours I saw her serve, she also took the time to learn about local matters to do with education. Wendi’s thoughtful and thorough manner will benefit us all as we create this new school board. Wendi gets my vote because I know she will always listen to input from parents and put what’s best for our children first.
Annie Sundwall, Cedar Ridge Elementary Parent, Cedar Hills Resident
Wendi is my go-to when I have questions. She is knowledgeable and stays informed on current issues. She is involved in our schools on a very personal level. When I ask Wendi questions I appreciate that I get a level-headed, pragmatic response. I trust that she will represent our students and community with her characteristic down-to-earth approach.
Jill and John Hughes, Alpine School District Employees, Alpine Elementary and Lone Peak High School Parents, Cedar Hills Residents
Here are a few things we have learned about Wendi Jensen over the last 6 years. She looks at all sides of the issue and weighs different points of view with an open mind. She is knowledgeable, studying the issues thoroughly, asking questions, and not pushing her own agenda. She serves students by participating as a PTSA Board Member, being a PTA board member, and substitute teaching on a regular basis. She understands the needs of teachers having been a junior high teacher herself. She is approachable, easy to talk to, and an excellent listener. We put our full support behind Wendi as she will no doubt put students first as she considers policies and budgets, and she will work together with other board members to reach a common goal as a team.
Heather Vlaardingerbroek, Deerfield Elementary, Mountain Ridge Junior High, and Lone Peak High School Parent, Cedar Hills Resident
I am proud to endorse my friend and neighbor, Wendi Jensen, for a position on our new local school board. I have known Wendi for six years and have seen firsthand her deep commitment to our schools and community. Wendi is always well-informed about the decisions that impact our students, teachers, and families, ensuring that every choice is made with careful consideration. She brings a thoughtful, common-sense approach to every issue and is dedicated to making our schools the best they can be. I have no doubt that Wendi will be a strong, fair, and passionate advocate for our children.
Erin Grygla, Cedar Ridge Elementary, Mountain Ridge Junior High, and Lone Peak High School Parent, Cedar Hills Resident
Wendi has been a Cedar Ridge Elementary PTA volunteer for many years. Wendi is a gem of a human being. She is a fabulous mom, wife, volunteer, and human. We truly have been lucky to have her help us at Cedar Ridge. She heads up Battle of the Books, works as our treasurer, volunteers in classrooms and helps with anything we do as a PTA. Wendi has taken hours of her time to learn rules and procedures that we need to make sure we stay compliant with PTA rules. Not only does she know the ins and outs of being a treasurer, but her other experiences help us to stay organized. Wendi takes time for everyone, making sure they feel seen and appreciated.
FAQs and Upcoming Events
FAQs
What about the Deerfield Elementary boundary with Pleasant Grove?
The Aspen Peaks District school board will have to collaborate with the Timpanogos District school board to resolve this issue. There are a few different options available, but both school boards will have to agree on a solution. Cedar Hills or American Fork could try to annex some of the closest Pleasant Grove neighborhoods surrounding Deerfield, but this is a costly process (legal fees, infrastructure upgrades). Or both school boards could agree to transfer certain neighborhoods by a 4/5th vote of both school boards. This option does not require a public vote. Another option could be to gather signatures from 15% of registered voters in the affected areas, then place a proposal on the ballot for a public vote in the applicable areas (Utah State Code 53G-3-501). Regardless, I am committed to working with the Timpanogos District school board on a solution to this critical and challenging situation for Deerfield students living in Pleasant Grove.
What is your position on DLI (Dual Language Immersion) and ALL (Advanced Learning Lab) programs?
DLI and ALL programs are very important to their school communities. As the new district leadership and school board evaluate these programs, I will advocate for the schools in my area and will listen to school leaders as we work on creative solutions that will allow these programs to remain in place.
What is your position on book banning in schools?
Alpine School District has a clear process for reviewing and removing books from libraries when parents or community members raise concerns (see ASD Policy 6161, Utah Code § 53G-10-103 – Sensitive Materials in Schools, and Utah State Board of Education (USBE) Rule R277-628 – School Library Materials.) I support the current ASD policy and the related Utah code and USBE rules. Books that violate these standards should not be in school libraries. At the same time, I am a strong advocate for literacy and believe in providing students with a diverse selection of quality, age-appropriate books. For the past few years, I have overseen the Battle of the Books program at Cedar Ridge Elementary, reinforcing my appreciation for well-stocked libraries that support student learning. Access to a wide range of age-appropriate books helps students expand their perspectives, develop critical thinking skills, and gain a deeper understanding of the world around them.
What is your position on Social and Emotional learning (SEL) in the classroom?
I support Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) in schools as long as it aligns with Utah State Board of Education Rule 277-100-2. SEL helps students develop healthy relationships, supports positive emotional growth, and plays a key role in reducing bullying by teaching students how to process their emotions constructively. It also fosters accountability, helps students meet high academic standards, and encourages meaningful connections with others.
What is your position on Critical Race Theory (CRT) in schools?
Critical Race Theory (CRT) is not part of the K-12 curriculum in Utah schools. As a former U.S. history teacher, I believe in teaching history accurately, ensuring students understand different perspectives and experiences while fostering unity, respect, and critical thinking. Utah’s State Board of Education Rule R277-328 makes it clear that CRT is not included in state educational standards. A legislative audit of Utah’s core educational standards in 2022 found zero instances of CRT, confirming that its components are not part of the curriculum and should not be taught in our schools.
Upcoming Events
Cottage Meetings
Meet and Greet
July 21st, 6:30pm
Q & A session
Location-TBD