About Jenny
I’m Jenny Steadman, a Shaker Heights parent, neighbor, communications professional and longtime believer in the power of community.
My husband and I chose Shaker because we want our kids to grow up in a place where public schools are celebrated, differences are embraced and neighbors look out for one another. Our two kids attend Shaker schools, and over the years I’ve watched how a classroom, and a community, can shape not just a student’s education, but who they become.
Community Leadership & Experience
Organizer with Hope in the Heights: Co-organizer of the TroubleNation group formed to fight extremism, protect democracy and empower neighbors to take meaningful local action to keep our community informed, safe and engaged.
Personal trainer, group motivator and community director: Five years at Burn Boot Camp Beachwood brought me the experience of commanding a room while understanding the personal needs of each individual in it. Active listening and community building make it a safe space for everyone.
Co-creator of Onaway’s Annual Fall Family Harvest Picnic: Launched a free, no-barriers community picnic that brings together more than 500 students, caregivers and staff each year around locally sourced food and a seat at the table for everyone. Watching families connect with teachers and each other right on the school lawn reminded me how powerful it is when we make space for community.
Advocate for healthier, greener cafeterias: Successfully pushed for the introduction of salad bars, recycling and composting at Onaway. This pilot program became a district-wide initiative that has helped students learn to make healthier choices and reduce their environmental impact.
Founder of Macaroni Kid Cleveland East: Created Ohio’s first Macaroni Kid site to help caregivers discover local events, support neighborhood businesses and ease the mental load of planning family time. Under different leadership, the site continues to serve thousands of families across the east side today.
Communications professional in the nonprofit sector: Spent the majority of my 10 years at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum managing internal communications and international public relations, experience I now use to lift up voices, strengthen institutions and build trust through transparency.
Why I’m Running
I’m running for school board to strengthen communication, protect progress, and ensure thoughtful decision-making for Shaker schools. Families deserve true two-way communication, not just announcements—so I will work to make information more accessible and create clear opportunities for feedback. At the same time, I will stay vigilant about harmful state and national policies, complying where necessary but always prioritizing the safety, well-being, and education of our students. And in a time of shrinking funding and heightened political pressures, I will be at the table to ask the tough questions and make the decisions that protect and strengthen our schools.
In the Community
You’ll find me volunteering at school events, walking our two dogs through the neighborhood or grabbing coffee and ice cream at Van Aken. I’m always ready to discuss what’s working in our schools and where we can improve together.
I believe the school board should feel less like an institution and more like a neighbor. I’m running to listen, to lead with integrity and to keep Shaker moving forward, with all of us at the table.