Hooksett School Board

Jillian Godbout

Posted

I am running for a third term on the Hooksett School Board, where I currently serve as Vice Chair and Chair of the Facilities Committee. My work on the board has focused on one central goal: building a strong, sustainable future for Hooksett schools through long-term planning, transparency, and community engagement.

As Chair of the Facilities Committee, I have led efforts to move the district away from short-term fixes and toward responsible, long-range planning. This includes advocating for the development of a true Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and pushing for district-wide strategic planning so decisions about buildings, budgets, and programming are thoughtful, coordinated, and fiscally responsible. I strongly believe that our community deserves a clear vision for where our schools are headed—not just for next year, but for the next decade.

I have also worked to strengthen communication and public involvement. I created the district’s first committee designed specifically to include community members, helping open the door to more meaningful dialogue between the school board and residents. I currently serve on the Communication Committee and the Staff Appreciation Committee, and I have consistently pushed for clearer information, better reference materials, and a more detailed voter’s guide so residents can make informed decisions.

During my time on the board, I represented the district on the Budget Committee and served for several years on the town’s Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) Committee. In those roles, I helped modernize the budget process by inviting the Budget Committee to participate in the school board’s annual budget workshop, creating better alignment and transparency across town and school finances.

I also served on the school board during the challenges of COVID-19, helping the district navigate an unprecedented period while balancing student learning, staff safety, and community concerns. That experience reinforced the importance of steady leadership and long-term thinking, especially during times of uncertainty.

Among the outcomes of this work was helping bring full-day kindergarten to Hooksett, an important investment in early education that reflects my belief in planning ahead for student success. I have also supported staff appreciation initiatives, recognizing that our educators and school employees are the heart of our schools.

Professionally, I am a public-school teacher with 21 years of experience, many of them in public education, where I am currently teaching. I am also a mother of three, a former foster parent with the State of New Hampshire for eight years, and a resident of Hooksett for 16 years after growing up in Manchester. My children have benefited greatly from Hooksett schools, and I remain deeply committed to supporting public education and the dedicated staff who serve our students every day.