Endorsements from PARENTS AND Students
TESSA AND SPENCER STEWART-parents of three SLC School District students
Having served as both an educator and administrator at the elementary, middle, and high school levels, Jared brings an unusually broad understanding of public education—and, more importantly, the leadership experience to put that understanding to work. Jared has proven himself to be a strong, capable leader and a person of genuine integrity.
His character and leadership are grounded in thoughtfulness, fairness, and integrity, giving him the confidence to make difficult decisions, set clear expectations, and hold both himself and others accountable to high standards. Those qualities matter tremendously in school board leadership.
Our schools and students need board members who understand education from the inside, who will ask hard questions, and who have both the judgment and the courage to lead. We have every confidence that Jared will bring that kind of leadership to the board, and we enthusiastically support him.
benjamin hansen-west high class of '07
Jared taught me Film and TV Production and it was the single most impactful experience of my entire K-12 experience. It allowed me to dive deep into topics that interested me and discover new interests I didn't know I had. Doing TV West film production was a better preparation for running my own company than internships I had in college at Microsoft and Amazon. This was because Jared genuinely cared about the students, placed trust in them, made great decisions and worked really hard. These attributes, his character, and his experience are why I know he is the best candidate for School Board and there is no one else I would rather have in that position.
asher lucas- west high student body president 2025-2026
Dr. Wright will make a great addition to our school board. During my time as a student at West, I saw firsthand how much he cared for both the student body and the staff, and how he effectively led the school. I'm certain Jared will bring the same dedication, leadership, and empathy to the school board.
Caleb Ampiah-Davis-class of 2022
Jared would be a wonderful addition to the school board. His priorities are always the betterment of the community and in this case the kids in the school district.
Matthew Goold-west high class of '24
Jared was always involved in the school and didn’t just sit around but interacted and really cared about his students. He’d take time out of his (surely) busy day and sit and have a meaningful conversation with my friend and I. He remembered students by name at Clayton several years after leaving there. When we invited him to a lacrosse game he showed up and regardless of if the game was lost he still came up and congratulated us and told us to keep going. Not many teachers or administrators leave as big a positive mark on the lives of student as Jared does with all of the students he’s interacted with.
travis wright- former Clayton student
Jared is a stand up guy. He is kind, compassionate, and caring for everyone around him and makes an effort to include everyone he surrounds. He would make a fantastic board member and has shown immense passion for eduction and a commitment to helping others. GO JARED!
jared wright- former student
He was my Elementary Principal. We was so humble, kind, and fun.
Endorsements from educators
-A west high teacher
I am a teacher at West High. Jared Wright was the best and most principled principal I have ever worked with. He had an overarching vision for what West High could achieve. As teachers, we trusted him. We knew that he would always do what was best for West High faculty, staff and students and the greater West High community. We trusted that he supported us and knew that he would courageously stand up for us. I knew that I and my children could go to him with our concerns and that he would treat them with respect. The West High Clinic, for example, is a testament to his foresight and innovative thinking. He was a steadying force in a time of turbulence. Academically, I had no doubt that he cared about the education our students received. As a parent, teacher and principal, the school board would deeply benefit from his level of experience, expertise, and understanding of the nuances of board policy creation and implementation. I would personally feel safer, better heard, and more valued with him on the board. Please support us by voting for Jared.
JANE BERGSTEDT - SLCSD TEACHER
In my 28 years as an educator, Jared is one of the very best principals with whom I have had the privilege of working. As a teacher, I felt trusted, valued, and genuinely supported by him. He listened carefully, treated educators as professionals, connected naturally with students and families, created a culture of happiness and joy, and consistently kept students at the center of his leadership. Jared brings an exceptional combination of intelligence and emotional intelligence. He understands the laws, policies, and complexities of public education, but he also understands its heart. He listens well, reads situations thoughtfully, and knows how to support people while still making difficult decisions when necessary. As an experienced educator and father of five, he brings both professional knowledge and a parent’s perspective. Jared knows and cares deeply about the Salt Lake City School District. People can trust him to ask important questions, act with honesty and sound judgment, and represent families and schools exceptionally well. He would bring experience, integrity, courage, and a much-needed educator’s perspective to the school board.
Linda okabe, retired SLCSD teacher & associate director at my hometown
I taught for 26+ years, mostly in the Salt Lake City School District. During that time I had the privilege of working with Dr. Wright as a liaison. Dr. Wright was the Principal at Dilworth Elementary. He was then (as he still is today) kind, friendly, warm, approachable, down-to-earth, and a problem-solver. He listens carefully to everyone's concerns and calmly gathers the facts. He really cares for what's best for the students as well as his faculty and staff. I am now retired and wish Dr. Wright was on the Board when I taught. He knows everything in the classroom and behind the scenes. He is an educator, a life-long learner and will be the best advocate as a Salt Lake City School Board member!
OLOSAA SOLOVI- coach
Jared Wright understands that leadership is about far more than holding a title—it’s about serving people. He leads with integrity, compassion, and respect, always putting students, staff, families, and the community first. He listens, builds meaningful relationships, and works to bring people together with a shared purpose. His commitment to serving others, along with his genuine care for those around him, has earned the trust and respect of many. Jared’s leadership is rooted in action, humility, and a desire to make a lasting, positive difference for the entire community
JOSHUA BELL- former slcsd principal
Education attracts many of our community’s most talented and thoughtful people, making it difficult for any one leader to truly stand out. Yet, throughout my years in education, Jared has consistently proven himself as an exceptional leader. In meetings with brilliant colleagues, he shines, always placing students at the center of the conversation. He balances high academic standards with profound care for every child’s well-being. As our schools face changing administrations and mandates, Jared serves as an unwavering guardian. He ensures we are compliant, but never at the expense of our shared goal: ensuring every student succeeds. I truly aspire to replicate the kind of lasting, positive impact Jared has had on our community
SARAH THOMAS- teacher, athletic director and administrator
The best part about working with Jared Wright was that every conversation centered around doing what is best for our students - their safety and their learning. As a Board Member, Dr. Wright will expand that mindset district-wide: How we, as a community and a school district, assure our students in Salt Lake City are as a safe and provided the best learning opportunities possible.
stephanie hunt- teacher at west high
I have known and worked with Jared Wright for over 16 years and in that time I have watched him engage students, value families and community, create a place where teachers can devote themselves to their craft, build bridges with all stakeholders and make the school community stronger. Students and families love him for his openness and dedication. Jared accomplishes this through a working partnership with students and parents, creating a true educational collaboration. This is evident in the U of U Health Clinic he worked tirelessly to establish at West High School. This unique, groundbreaking clinic brought health care access to many of underserved students and their families. Jared’s sense of caring for those in his community and his ability to really listen has helped innumerable students and families in crisis. Jared values their voices. Having been a student, teacher and administrator in the district, his perspective helps all stakeholders. Jared knows school and district policy. Teachers trust him. Jared brings parties together and can make a difference for everyone! I wholeheartedly endorse Jared Wright.
casey jackson- retired teacher and coach
Jared was by far my favorite Principal to work with in my 53 years of Coaching and Teaching. He is Honest, Kind, Fair, and Friendly. Being a principal in the SLC school District he understands the needs of the district. He worked WITH the students, Teachers, and Parents!
NANETTE KEARL-TEACHER CLAYTON MIDDLE SCHOOL
Jared is an exceptional educational leader whose intelligence, experience as a teacher, commitment to students and educators alike make him an outstanding school board candidate. As a principal, he built a culture of trust, empowering teachers and staff with the autonomy and support to thrive! His thoughtful decision-making, empathy, and ability to listen and understand diverse perspectives enabled him to connect with students, families, educators, and community stakeholders. Jared brings people together around a shared commitment to student success and understands that strong schools depend on collaboration and meaningful community relationships. I am confident he would serve the school board with integrity, wisdom, compassion, and effective leadership. Although I feel retaliation could be possible against me I will be putting a sign in my yard for Jared Wright for School Board.
TONY FA- west athletics
Jared is an exceptional leader, one of the best that I have ever had the privilege of working together with. He is genuine, he is considerate, and he is passionate about everything he does. He has an ability to lift and inspire others around him to elevate their performance and standards. He’s a winner, which is why people are drawn to him. Having Jared as a member of the Salt Lake City School Board will truly elevate and enhance the experience of all students and adults who who are part of this District.