Meet the Candidate
Who is Jenny Steadman, anyway?
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 wanted 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
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.
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.
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
Shaker has never been afraid to lead — in equity, academics, student wellbeing and civic engagement. But that leadership needs to be protected. With public education under attack and funding constantly in flux, I’m running to stand up for our values, make sure every student feels seen and supported and reconnect the school board with the community it serves.
My Priorities
Transparency & Trust: Bring the board into the public eye by sharing information clearly, communicating proactively and meeting people where they are. The entire Shaker Heights community should feel informed, respected and included in the decisions that affect their tax dollars.
Inclusive Schools: Protect every student’s right to feel safe, affirmed and celebrated, regardless of race, gender, identity, ability or background, because belonging is the foundation of learning.
Support for Teachers & Staff: Ensure the people who show up every day for our kids have the tools, time and trust they need to do their jobs well, and feel valued for the essential work they do.
Smart, Responsible Decision-Making: Use data, experience and deep listening to guide decisions, always keeping students’ long-term success and the community’s values at the center.
Keeping a Watchful Eye on Columbus: Monitor legislative efforts, policy shifts and funding changes at the State House — and be ready to speak up, advocate and protect Shaker schools whenever necessary.
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 chat about what’s working in our schools and where we can do better 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.