Worth Knowing
As Superintendent of Worthington Schools, it is with immense gratitude and profound respect that I dedicate this post to Jennifer Best, who has demonstrated unparalleled commitment to our students and community by serving 24 years on the Worthington Board of Education.
Jennifer was first elected to the Board of Education in 2001…. Her current term runs through 2025, marking an incredible six terms of dedicated service to the community.
A Lifelong Worthington Connection
Jennifer is the true daughter of Worthington. She grew up in the district, attended Evening Street Elementary and Perry Middle School, and is a proud graduate of THE Worthington High School. She and her husband, Bill, are parents to two Worthington Kilbourne High School graduates. Her family connection to the district continues today, as her daughter, son-in-law, and grandchild live within the Worthington School District. Even more extended family members—four nieces and nephews—graduated from Thomas Worthington High School.
Jennifer decided to run for the school board over twenty-five years ago. This decision was spurred by her hands-on involvement, which included volunteering in her children’s schools and serving as a PTA Officer. She was encouraged by community members to seek the board seat because she wanted to be supportive of the district while ensuring the community and staff were involved in crucial decision-making.
Expertise and Collaboration
Jennifer’s professional background has been a significant asset to the district. Holding a Bachelor of Science Degree from The Ohio State University, she works as an Accountant and is a self-employed CPA. Her accounting work provides her with a strong background knowledge for understanding school finances, budgets, and financial statements. Furthermore, her work with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio reinforces her strong passion for early literacy.
Throughout her tenure, Jennifer has been dedicated to working collaboratively with students, staff, and the community. She is proud of being part of a team that values student input and includes the community in its decisions. As a dedicated community member, she stays very involved by attending numerous school events each year and always enjoys the interactions with students. She was also a Worthington Libraries Trustee in the mid-1990s and is currently a member of the Worthington Chamber of Commerce and the Dublin-Worthington Rotary Club.
Jennifer truly enjoys being involved with the school district. She has even shared a special connection to a recent capital project: she is especially excited to see students in the newly renovated Perry Middle School, as she was a student there the year it originally opened!
State-Level Recognition
Jennifer’s outstanding service has not gone unnoticed outside of Worthington. The Ohio School Boards Association (OSBA) honored her with their most esteemed award, recognizing her as a 2022 All-Ohio School Board member. This high honor recognizes outstanding service to public education and represents the dedication shown by thousands of board members across the state. Jennifer represented the Central region for this prestigious award. As she states, “Ensuring our community provides an excellent education to all students is good for everyone”.
On a personal level, I’ll miss my pizza-loving friend. Back in 2014, she took a chance on me, and for the past 12 years, she’s been a consistent and measured voice that has been instrumental in the positive trajectory of Worthington Schools. I’m forever grateful for Jennifer’s influence in my life.
On behalf of the staff and students of Worthington Schools, we thank Jennifer Best for the dedication, expertise, and leadership she has brought to our Board for an extraordinary and longest-ever term of service in Worthington. 24 years. It has truly been an honor to work with you!
-Trent Bowers, Superintendent
