Legacy of Learning and Leadership

Meet JISD's New Board President Jenny Arnold

By Charlotte Kovalchuk • photos courtesy Jenny Arnold

One of Jenny Arnold’s favorite memories of the 1916 Building is sitting in her classroom on the second floor and enjoying a view of the whole campus. “We would be upstairs in class, and we could lean out the window. It was fun to watch your classmates at baseball games and football practices on the fields.”

For more than 80 years, the 1916 Building was the only schoolhouse in Jarrell, serving K-12 students. “I was in second grade and my brothers were in junior high, all in one campus. We all got to matriculate through this building,” Jenny says. In 2024, the building underwent renovations and reopened as a school district center with a new board room, meeting space, conference room, and staff training and development areas. “This was the heart and soul of our district, and it still is. Seeing it rehabbed and turned into such a thriving part of the district makes my heart very happy.”

Sitting in the new board room for an interview with My Jarrell, she reflects on another fond memory. “Where we’re sitting right now, when I was in elementary school it was an auditorium. Then it became our high school library, and I came here to do research papers. There are so many memories I have here,” she shares. “The memories you make when you go to school in such a small community — they don’t leave you. I love that we’re a growing district but we still have that small-town value of ‘We want everyone to succeed, we want everybody to have the best and do the best.’ ”

Education Advocate

Having served three terms on the board, Jenny calls her experience in the education world eye opening. “As a parent who is not in the field of teaching, I didn’t know the ins and outs of school business. It’s a labor of love and you need to be dedicated to learning.”

Together, the board’s seven-person team manages policy and budget for Jarrell’s growing school district and spends countless hours navigating information to make decisions based on data and recommendations. “The flip side to that is we spend countless hours witnessing great things happening in our district! The academic gains, expanding curriculum, the growth of extracur- mom’s and brothers’ memories. “I was raised by hard working blue-collar parents, Brian and Gloria Woodbury, here in Jarrell. My brothers and I attended school at Jarrell since 1985. I wanted to do something because I don’t want them to be forgotten. I want to make sure that even when I’m done with school board, I want there to be a mark here that will make my kids proud.”

Legacy Of Learning

As newly elected board president, that commitment drives Jenny’s vision for the district’s future. “I feel I have so much to continue doing. I plan to continue being a voice for our students and community.” ricular activities, new and necessary facilities, witnessing the community approving bonds for future growth. Seeing students flourishing in the classroom, band, athletics, theater, AG Shop, barn — makes me excited!”

Starting the annual Woodbury Scholarship for high school students pursuing higher education has been another way for Jenny to help students thrive while honoring her

Over the rest of the school year, she hopes to see an even more successful district. “I want our teachers and administrators to know they are supported and trusted to educate America’s future. I want parents to know that everyone is doing their best to provide a safe learning environment for our children to learn and grow. Growth is going to continue to happen for our community, we can’t change that. What we can do is embrace it, do our very best to ensure we meet the needs of every student who walks through the doors at Jarrell ISD, and provide them with the tools to feel successful in their future.”