Jana Blanchard: A CPA and Dedicated Educator Runs for School Board in District 12
September 11, 2025
Jana Blanchard, a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and former resident of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR), is running for the School Board in District 12 in Colorado Springs. Born and raised in the USSR, Blanchard moved to the United States in 1976 and became a citizen in 1983, proudly casting her first vote for President Ronald Reagan.
Blanchard’s candidacy is driven by her deep concern over the current state of the education system. She believes that the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic have provided a critical window into what is happening in schools across the nation. Despite District 12 being considered the best in the state, Blanchard is alarmed by the proficiency rates—60% in reading and 50% in math—and is determined to understand why these numbers are not higher.
A strong advocate for parental involvement, Blanchard emphasizes the importance of treating parents as partners in education. “We are borrowing their children and are responsible for them, but we need to work closely with the parents,” she asserts. Her vision for the district includes a renewed focus on the “3-Rs”—reading, writing, and arithmetic—to ensure that students receive a solid foundational education.
Blanchard brings firsthand experience to her campaign, having served as a substitute teacher in District 12. She is acutely aware of the challenges faced by educators and students alike, particularly the impact of testing and other events that reduce instructional time to about 60%.
In addition to her educational goals, Blanchard is set to launch her campaign with a kickoff event this Saturday at Aspen Bar and Grill at 4:30 PM. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear more about her platform and her personal journey from the USSR to becoming an American citizen.
Blanchard’s life story is one of resilience and adaptation. She is currently working on her autobiography, titled “Born American in the USSR,” which promises to offer readers an intimate look at her experiences and the journey that led her to where she is today.
As she campaigns for a seat on the School Board, Jana Blanchard remains committed to enhancing the educational experience in District 12 and ensuring that every student has the opportunity to succeed.