I am supporting Jessica McGee, Yannick Koger, and Scott Pope in the upcoming CCSD 89 school board election. For me, it is critical that we keep partisan politics out of the school board room and all three candidates have committed to doing just that. Public schools can only thrive when the emphasis is on maintaining safe schools that foster student learning and curiosity. Schools should be places where children and their families feel welcome, valued, and included. I believe that McGee, Koger, and Pope will demonstrate an ongoing commitment to children, their learning and growth, and valuing each member of our school communities.

Laura Wilmarth Tyna - Briar Glen & Glen Crest Parent

As a former D89 school board member that served for 13 years in roles that included Secretary Pro Tem, Vice President, and President, I strongly endorse Jessica.

She will draw from her 16 years as an educator to work on solutions to enable student success. She will include the views from all stakeholders in the problem solving process. Her experience will be invaluable when making data based decisions that support the academic and social emotional growth of All D89 students. 

Mike Nelson - Resident and former D89 School Board Member

I have known Scott for 16 years and served with him on the D89 School Board for two years. He is student focused and approaches board business with thorough preparation, calmness and thoughtfulness. This approach leads to informed decisions regarding student achievement, finances, policy, and curriculum. As a former D89 school board member that served the district for 13 years, I support Scott Pope.  

Mike Nelson - Resident and former D89 School Board Member

In our school board, I’m looking for people who don’t play partisan politics, will respect everyone, and not try to use the position to spread their religious beliefs. I have observed Scott and Yannick be open-minded, patient, and thoughtful in their positions on the school board. Jessica has so far impressed in me her respect for everyone. I look forward to seeing what she can do. 

Rachel Jeschke - Glen Crest Parent, from Park View

"Jessica and I have been friends since kindergarten so to say she has my enthusiastic support as a candidate for the CCSD89 school board would still be an understatement. Jessica has always been smart, thoughtful, curious, kind and respectful to others. I know that these qualities combined with her professional experience as a school psychologist will make her an outstanding member of our school board. Our moms were co-leaders of our Girl Scout troop and our parents were consistently great role models for how to show up in our school and local communities. I’m so incredibly proud and grateful that she wants to use her time and talent to show up for all of the students in CCSD89 in this way. 

My history with Yannick might not go back quite so far, but it still has been an absolute pleasure to get to know him and his family through our Arbor View connection over the past 5 years. He has always come across as kind, caring, and thoughtful with a calming presence. Not every board decision will be an easy one so I value these qualities that he can bring to the discussions. His three children could not be any sweeter - brightening my day any time I get to see them - and I have no doubt that they serve as incredible inspiration for Yannick to make the best decisions possible for all students in our district. "

Jackie Sablich - Arbor View Parent

"This district has improved every year over the 20 years.  Our family has been connected to it in one way or another. It has improved because of involved, caring parents, dedicated, hard-working staff, and a well-functioning school board. It is easy to lose sight of what a gift it is to have all three.

From the perspective of a former D89 school board member, parent of three former D89 students, and former D89 substitute teacher for 3 years, I heartily endorse Scott, Yannick, and Jessica. 

While serving on the board, I saw how important it was to have guiding principles that were the foundation for all discussions and decisions. When differing opinions or ideas are brought to the board, it is vital to be able to have reasoned, thoughtful discussions and make decisions based on research, facts, and with the students’ best interest as the ever-present North Star. Scott, Yannick, and Jessica are the best candidates to ensure D89 continues to have the high-quality board of education the students and rest of the community deserve.

Jessica will bring to the board a wealth of experience from a career focused on students’ needs inside and outside the classroom.

Yannick brings a valuable background in science and community involvement to his current position on this board that has carried on the research and fact-based continuous improvement that is one of its hallmarks.

I’m friends with, and served with, Scott Pope and I saw first-hand the intelligence, professionalism, and effort he brings to his service on the board. These qualities and his invaluable experience as a two-term board member will provide needed continuity and be instrumental in maintaining the excellence we expect from the board."

Jeff Hume - Resident/former board member/parent of former students/former substitute teacher

As someone who had a public school education, from kindergarten to graduate school, I place a great deal of value in public school.  It is unlike any other- able to offer a range of services in a setting with children from a variety of backgrounds.  

I want Yannick and Scott Pope to continue to contribute to the quality of the education we offer our D89 kids every day.  

Jessica will not only come to the table with extensive experience in the educational field, but she also will work to protect our most vulnerable students and their mental health.  

Alice Plutko, MSW

Park View and Glen Crest Parent

I believe strongly as our District navigates Superintendent transition, it is critical we have experienced voices that represent the needs of our students on our board.   Yannick and Scott have centered board decisions around ensuring they focus on bringing value to our students.  Each stood up to help navigate challenges to district policies that threatened to minimize student representation.  They have analyzed data to make fiscal decisions and prioritize strategic direction.  Their calm and focused leadership has proven they are up for the challenge even when decisions are difficult!

I’ve enjoyed engaging with Jessica around ways to ensure curriculum alignment with social and emotional learning needs of students.  It excites me that she will ensure we remain student focused with our board.  She brings extensive experience and education needed to center us on making data backed decisions for the future of our district.

I’m confident Yannick, Scott, and Jessica bring the knowledge and skill we need to ensure we provide our students with the best possible educational experience for years to come.

Sarah Clarin - Park View and Glen Crest Parent

I am excited to support Scott and Yannick‘s continued effort to serve our district and eager to see what Jessica brings to the table as the newest addition to the D89 School Board. I personally know all three of these individuals and believe in their vision for the school district.

Having been a school board member in downstate District 502, I know the difficult task these individuals have in ensuring all of the district’s needs are met. I do not expect to agree with them on every issue, but I know they will have all students in mind when making decisions for our schools.

I am confident in their ability to make rational decisions that positively impact our schools and students, and I am assured they will be proactive and not reactive when faced with adversity. 

Billy Cruz - Briar Glen Parent

My wife Lisa and I grew up in D89. We have been active in the school district and know how important it is to have parents involved in our schools and I am excited to support Jessica, Yannick, and Scott.

I've known Jessica for years. She is kind and thoughtful and not afraid to step up and help out when needed. I am excited to watch her bring her work experience as a school psychologist to the school district.

I have had the chance to meet both Scott and Yannick while they have served on the school board.

Scott is a kind, helpful person and has a view of no partisan politics being a part of the school board.

Yannick is welcoming and appreciative, and I've come to know his analytical side. Calm, thoughtful responses is what I've seen from him.

These are three very different parents, who have our kids in mind when making decisions that impact their educational experience. 

Don OBrill - Briar Glen & Glen Crest Parent