Meet Janei Forbes: The Passionate Nursing Student Running for Altoona School Board
Forbes, also founder of PositiviNAY, is running on increased communication, accountability, and the well-being of students in the upcoming Altoona Area School Board election.
The upcoming school board election in Altoona is an opportunity for voters to choose the best candidates to represent the interests of the community, students, and teachers. Among the many candidates vying for the position of school board director, one name stands out for her advocacy, passion, and unique perspective: Janei Forbes.
Janei Forbes is a 33-year-old nursing student who is running for the Altoona Area School Board. When asked what inspired her to run for office, she stated that her followers are her inspiration. She is an advocate for many things, including promoting self-love and body positivity through her nonprofit, PositiviNAY. “I love making people feel comfortable in the skin the have by normalizing what’s normal,” Forbes said in an Arc of Justice interview. Janei’s mission in life is to encourage people to be themselves and spread kindness and love.
When asked about the current school board and administration, Forbes gave them a C letter grade. She believes that the lack of communication, transparency, and accountability are the main issues. Forbes believes that people want answers, whether the board likes it or not:
“They [the current board] don’t communicate with staff, students, parents, or even tax payers well. They hide too much information and not transparent enough. I’m not afraid to speak up or have ‘dirt’ on my name.”
-Janei Forbes, Candidate for Altoona Area School Board
Forbes stands for unions, and she wants to be the teachers' biggest advocate with any situation or at least listen to them and come up with a plan of action. She also wants to encourage parents to start attending meetings and speaking up.
School safety and security are also a top priority for Forbes. “I will work closely with the Department of Education, policymakers, and educators to develop, review, and adjust plans,” said Forbes. Forbes believes that bullying and sexual harassment of many forms are some of the most pressing issues facing the school district. She wants to consider harsher punishments or consequences for these actions.
Forbes also believes that student mental health is an issue that needs to be addressed. She wants to see more resources for mental health and better food for the students. Forbes believes that the budget can be cut in other ways, “like the salary of the superintendent,” she said. An advocate at heart, she also commits to advocating for students with disabilities:
“The numbers of students with disabilities is growing and most of these students need one-on-one support. I propose offering better pay and benefits for their assistants. This can be done by re-evaluating the budget, cutting in other places, and starting to provide more for the students.”
—Janei Forbes on Improving the District for Students with Disabilities
Before the election, Forbes plans to get out and introduce herself and what she stands for to voters. She has ideas that appeal to both Democrats and Republicans, and will be appearing on both party ballots in the May primary. “This race is not about political party, at least it shouldn’t be. No I don’t have the money or name recognition but I won’t stay quiet. I will be the advocate and person that many people can look up to and relate to. I care about the safety and education of our students as should anyone paying taxes,” said Forbes.
In response to a question about being accessible to members of the public, Forbes emphasized her use of social media platforms, particularly Facebook and Tik Tok (where she has over 90,000 followers). She believes that she can reach a broad range of constituents and keep them informed of school board activities in this manner.
Forbes' unique perspective, advocacy, and passion sets her apart from other candidates:
“I grew up a poor, heavy set, double minority (a woman and black). I was either viewed as dirt or nothing at all. I’ve been through everything you could imagine. I’m here to let people know they are not alone; they finally have someone to vote for that has similar experiences or who looks like them. I will stand strong on their behalf.”
—Janei Forbes on her background
Forbes' “big roar,” as she coined it, may make some people uncomfortable, but she believes that too many people worry about their reputation and forget why they are trying to do the right thing in the first place. “Everyone that knows my name, will probably tell you I’m loud, but also kind and selfless,” Forbes proudly stated.
“Janei is very involved in the community, and is an inspiration to many. She would be a great advocate for what is best for kids, parents, and the district.”
— Kaleena Depp, friend of Janei
Janei is a candidate who genuinely cares about the people she hopes to represent and will work hard to make sure that their voices are heard. With Forbes on the school board, the Altoona Area School District will have a dedicated and passionate advocate who will fight for transparency, accountability, and student well-being.
“Janei’s dedication to promoting positivity and kindness in the community would make her a fantastic board member and role model for Altoona students,” said Jordan Rhone of Arc of Justice, who endorsed Forbes’ candidacy.
In today’s day and age, there’s always room for more positivity. Residents of Altoona can bring more of that to the school board by saving a seat for Janei Forbes.
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