Nine candidates are vying for four seats on the Galesburg District 205 board of education.
That includes five candidates running for two seats in Galesburg Township. Incumbents Pamella Bess-Tabb and Rod Scherpe are running, along with challengers Robert “Bo” Irons, Jaclyn Smith-Esters, and Luan Statham.
Outside Galesburg Township, four candidates are running for two seats, including incumbents Tera Boettcher and Maurice Lyon and challengers Jamie Harter and Benjamin Yeutson.
We asked the candidates about their community involvement, educational background, and relevant skills for serving on a school board.
We also asked what issues motivated them to run for office, why people should vote for them, what they think the school district is doing well, and what they think the district could be doing better.
Here’s what the candidates had to say.
Early voting is already underway. Election day is April 1.
Note: Candidates are listed in alphabetical order under each race.
Galesburg Township (Vote for two)
Pamella Bess-Tabb (Incumbent)
Age, as of April 1, 2025: 42
Campaign website or Facebook page: Pamella Bess-Tabb: CUSD 205
Education: Master of Social Work 2015 St. Ambrose University, Bachelor Sociology and Anthropology Monmouth College 2008.
Occupation: Behavioral Health Therapist and Case Manager. Private Practice. Owner of Bess-Tabb & Associates, LLC. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker- Illinois and Minnesota, Licensed School Social Worker- Illinois and Iowa.
Relevant skills and experience: I have attained the merit of Illinois Association of School Board- Established School Board Member: 2024, Illinois Association of School Board Division officer: 2023-2025, Western Division Executive Board- Chair: 2023-2025, Vice President of Galesburg CUSD #205: 2023-2025, Illinois Joint Annual Conference Panelist: 2024, Advocacy Ambassador: 2024, Federal Advocacy Ambassador Attendee: 2023, District Delegate Illinois Joint Annual Conference: 2022. District Strategic Planning participant: 2024. Galesburg CUSD #205 School Board Member 2021-2025.
Community involvement: Future Streaks Girls Basketball Coach 2017-2023, Galesburg Athletic Boosters Club, Project 54, YMCA volunteer coach, Galesburg Public Library Foundation Donor, Run Galesburg Run Volunteer.
Robert “Bo” Irons
Age, as of April 1, 2025: 41
Education: BA in Sports administration From Williams Penn University
Occupation: Gas Journeyman for Ameren Illinois
Relevant skills and experience: Communication, transparency, work ethic, empathy, problem solving.
Community involvement: Volunteered coaching various sports and various ages, from pre-K basketball to assistant baseball coach at Knox College.
Rod Scherpe (Incumbent)
Age, as of April 1, 2025: 59
Campaign website or Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/vote4scherpe
Education: BA Business
Occupation: Retired Illinois State Trooper
Relevant skills and experience: Two terms on school board, past Vice-President and past President, Served on the Insurance Committee, the Negotiations Committee and the newly formed Teacher Recruitment, Retention and Appreciation Committee.
Community involvement: Serving on the School Board
Jaclyn Smith-Esters
Age, as of April 1, 2025: 44
Education: B.A. in Theater, B.A. in Anthropology, and a M.A. in Sociology.
Occupation: Health Care Navigator for Supportive Services for Veteran Families.
Relevant skills and experience: Well, first all I would definitely say that having school age children helps. I get to hear all about what is going on in the 3rd grade from my oldest son and soon Pre-K from my youngest. If you don’t hear about it its harder to get the full picture.
I am ready to serve right out of the gate. I have served on many boards. Some may know that I served on Galesburg City Council for two years which has given me the skills of working with a community with strong ideas and passionate hearts. From that experience I have really gotten to know our community. I still serve on boards and volunteer with non-profits when I can. With this experience I will waste no time getting things done to improve our district.
The skill set I would bring to the board is professionalism, leadership, compassion, empathy, critical thinking, and communication. I also understand our branches of government, and how each are variables in public education. This is important because it is the backbone to a school district and helps drive the decision making. I am also very knowledgeable in Robert Rules of Order.
Community involvement: Member, Board Orpheum Theater (2023-2024); Worship Committee and VBS Coordinator, First Christian Church (2023-Present); Member, Board of Directors Continuum of Care for Northwestern Illinois (2018-2021); Member, Board of Directors Downtown Community Partnership of Galesburg (2021-2023), 5th Ward Council Member City of Galesburg (2021-2023); City of Galesburg Youth Commission Member; Music and Murals Committee; Served on Knox County Truancy Board (2018-2019); Galesburg United Way Agency Liaison (2018-2019); Unmet Needs Committee (2018-Present), NAACP, United Against Hate, Knox County Human Services Committee, Volunteer at the Orpheum Theatre; Outreach Committee First Christian Church of Galesburg (2023-Present); Member Sociology Honorary Society—WIU; Past Secretary, Galesburg Community Preschool; Served on the Board of Prairie Players Civic Theatre. Illinois National Guard (1998-2004).
Luan Statham
Age, as of April 1, 2025: 63
Campaign website or Facebook page: Luan Statham for Galesburg School Board 205
Education: Galesburg High School (1979); Illinois State University (B.S. in Special Education, 1988); Western Illinois University, (M. Ed. In School Counseling, 2005); Illinois State University, (Post-Graduate Cert. for Director of Special Ed., 2020)
Occupation: Retired educator
Relevant skills and experience:
- I have 34 years of experience as an educator and school administrator (30 years with Dist. 205). That experience included: 15 years as a Special Education classroom teacher; 12 years as a School Counselor; 4 years as a Special Education Coordinator; 1 year as the Assistant Director of Special Education; 2 years as the Director of Special Education.
- I spent 17 years as the Special Education Department Chair at GHS.
- During my time as a Central Office Administrator, my experiences included: I was on the team that developed the current Strategic Plan for District 205; I have gone through Threat Assessment Training, and have served on the District 205 Threat Assessment Team; I have written and monitored grants for the school district; I oversaw a multi-million-dollar budget and supervised over a hundred faculty and staff.
- I have served as a bargaining team member in the negotiation of four Collective Bargaining Agreements between the Galesburg Education Association and the Board of Education. I have had the unique experience of serving as a representative of the GEA on three separate contracts, and then serving as a representative of the Board of Education team in the negotiation of the current Collective Bargaining Agreement
- I have served as a board member for various community organizations.
Community involvement: President, Board of Directors of Thrive Community Services (formerly KCCDD); Member, Board of Directors of Camp Kidz; Volunteer, Hope House.
Questions for Candidates (within Galesburg Township)
What issues motivate you to serve on the board of education?
Bess-Tabb: As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, we are very passionate professionals who are active advocates. Advocacy is designed to help others achieve their desired outcomes. As a Social Worker we learn in graduate school the importance of empowerment, dignity and civic service to help improve standards within institutional establishments. I wanted to serve on a Board of Education after graduate school when I found out through research the connection of a student's likely success post K-12, and how the education and services received can impact several sub groups which created what we call the school to prison pipeline. Many educational institutions have a disadvantaged and or underserved population(s). I felt it was my civic duty when I moved back to Galesburg in 2017 to run for a public office. I wanted to facilitate meaningful change while improving the education of the Galesburg School District where I graduated in 2000. I have two children, a nephew, several great nieces and nephews, friends, children and staff I graduated high school with who are all attending or working in the district. I want to ensure all students have the resources needed to meet their full academic potential, through effective policy and governance. These are the things that motivate me to serve on the Galesburg CUSD School Board.
Irons:
1. Making sure our schools, and those in them, are safe.
2. Making sure our teachers, and administrators have the tools they need to be successful every day.
3. We need to listen to the frontline workers (teachers) on issues they are having. Oftentimes decisions are made without the opinions of the ones who are doing it every day.
Scherpe: I am seeking re-election to the Galesburg School Board because I am committed to ensuring our schools provide the highest quality education in a fiscally responsible manner. Over my tenure, I have worked to improve transparency, financial stability, and the overall educational experience for our students and families.
One of my top priorities has been maintaining financial responsibility without increasing the property tax rate. Through careful decision-making, we have strengthened the district’s financial position while making meaningful improvements in all school buildings. Additionally, I have been dedicated to transparency by ensuring that board documents, financial reports, and meeting archives are easily accessible to the public.
I am also motivated by my desire to continue advocating for our students and staff. During my time on the board, I have worked to improve health insurance and collective bargaining agreements for our teachers, maintenance staff, custodians, and kitchen staff. A well-supported staff leads to a stronger learning environment for our students.
Another priority is fostering equity and opportunity for all students. Through collaboration with families and the community, we must ensure that every child has the tools they need to succeed in a safe and engaging environment.
I am honored to have served in leadership roles such as Board President and Vice-President, as well as on the Insurance and Union Negotiations Committees. These experiences have reinforced my belief that strong schools make strong communities. I am dedicated to continuing this work, and I respectfully ask for your support in this election.
Smith-Esters: I would say the most pressing issue is the future of my children. I have instilled in my children the importance of education and the best way to show them that is to serve on the board. The other pressing issues would be to bring fresh ideas to the board and create a more open door policy to change. We need to create a more positive relationship with our community which involves all those having a voice at the table.
Statham: I have always been a strong advocate for public education. My husband and I, as well as both of our children, graduated from Galesburg schools. I think there is a current running through communities and politics right now that is disparaging the work that public schools do. As an educator, I am still committed to this district. I want to help keep it moving forward in the right direction, so that our students will realize their full potential to succeed in our world post-high school.
I believe the next four years are going to be a turbulent time for all public schools in Illinois with regard to finances. I think it’s important to have someone on the Board who has experience with large budgets and understands school finance issues.
This new Board will also choose the next Superintendent. During my 30 years with District 205, I worked for several different Superintendents, all of whom had completely different visions and personalities. I think my experience is valuable in helping the Board choose the next leader for our District.
Why should people vote for you?
Bess-Tabb: I am an educated, and Established School Board Member in Illinois with 4 years of experience. Our nation is currently going through major social changes and it is imperative that Galesburg retains their most experienced and educated School Board Members. School Board experience takes at minimum 4 years to learn and retain most of the knowledge a board member will need to know to govern successfully. During this time of social change it is important that the students, staff and community know that they have strong experienced leaders sitting on their local Board of Education to help guide appropriately through policy. Established Illinois School Board Members know what School Board Governance is and can provide effective governing leadership and education to the community. There will be a lot of policies coming in from the federal and state level for the foreseeable future and it is important that the Galesburg residents retain the most competent of School Board Members. I have a proven track record of action since being elected in 2021. I am not only an active Board Member at monthly meetings. I am active and attentive when called upon for classroom visits, building visits, staff and community concerns that need resolution. I am the School Board Member who will take my time to reply to all emails and even meet in person for concerns regarding the school district. I maintain an open door policy as a school board member and enjoy sharing my knowledge and expertise. I regularly volunteer my time to the Galesburg School district, so students, staff and community know that they have a very dedicated and actionable School Board Member working for them.
Irons: I enjoy working as a team to resolve conflicts. I think it’s important being transparent, honest, and having a great work ethic. Problem-solving is an important factor being on the school board. Being creative, having empathy, and working hard is something I will bring to the table. Along with having that open dialogue with our great community! Common sense approach to common sense issues!
Scherpe: Voters should support me for re-election because I bring experience, dedication, and a strong commitment to making our schools the best they can be. Over my time on the school board, I have worked to ensure that every decision is made with the best interests of students, staff, and the community in mind.
One of my key priorities has been financial responsibility. I have helped improve the district’s financial health while ensuring that we do not raise the property tax rate. Our schools must be well-funded, but we also have to be good stewards of taxpayer dollars. I will continue to advocate for smart financial decisions that benefit students without placing unnecessary burdens on families.
I also believe in open and transparent governance. That’s why I have supported making board meetings available via livestream and ensuring that financial reports and district documents are accessible to the public. Our community deserves to know how and why decisions are made, and I will continue working to keep the board’s actions clear and accountable.
Supporting educators and staff is another priority of mine. I have worked on improving health insurance and collective bargaining agreements because I know that when we take care of our teachers, custodians, kitchen staff, and maintenance teams, we create a better learning environment for students. Strong schools require strong staff, and I will always advocate for policies that help our students and staff succeed.
Finally, I believe that every student should have access to the tools and resources they need to thrive, whether it’s technology in the classroom, safe and modern facilities, or high-quality teachers. This includes efforts to build partnerships with the community and other institutions. I am committed to ensuring that our district provides opportunities for all.
I am proud of the work we’ve done, but there is still more to accomplish. I am running for re-election because I care deeply about the future of Galesburg schools and want to continue making a positive impact.
Smith-Esters: I serve my community and that includes all. I have served on multiple boards and some that have multimillion dollar budgets. My son attends District 205 and soon my youngest will too. I believe a school district is the heart to every community. School is where lasting relationships begin. The beginning of our stories are from the halls of our classrooms. I believe that a community is only as strong as their schools.
Many of you may remember that I did serve on the Galesburg City Council and was and I still am an advocate for a community center. I believe in our youth, and I want to create the love of education. And how do I do that? By empowering and supporting those who have the passion for our children, our teachers and staff.
Statham: I went through the District 205 school system as a student from 8th grade through 12th grade. I was a parent in District 205, as both of my children graduated from GHS. I think my 30 years of working for the District has given me the knowledge necessary to be on the School Board. I know what it’s like to be a classroom teacher. I know what it’s like to work as a counselor. I have experience working with support personnel, as well as getting to know food service workers and custodians. I was active in the GEA and spent many hours listening to the struggles that our educators deal with on a daily basis. On the other hand, I also worked as an Administrator, so I can see that side of the coin as well. As an Administrator, I oversaw a multi-million-dollar budget, as well as hundreds of staff members.
I believe that I’m a very approachable person and a good listener. I would welcome input from educators, administrators, staff, parents and community members. Fostering a spirit of collaboration is very important to me. It takes everyone working together to make an organization run well. I believe I have the skills to bring people together to foster a culture of openness, collaboration, mutual respect and transparency.
What do you think the school district is doing especially well?
Bess-Tabb: In 2021, I ran on communication and transparency efforts improving in the district. I believe the school district has greatly improved in this area since being elected. The district has increased communication to the public with social media, rooms, and an interactive and informational website. Our district has been transparent on all items that can be legally transparent without violating the rights of students or families. We have a very active social media presence post COVID. The Galesburg school district has worked diligently at keeping students, staff and community more informed on the happenings at each school building in the district than in the last four years. Since improving these efforts we have seen an increase in engagement with the community.
The Galesburg school district has also improved in meeting more socioeconomic needs of our students and staff with the implementation of Huddle which is a virtual mental health service and the annual Thrive in 205 event. Thrive in 205 has grown substantially since its initial creation during my first term. Galesburg has a current 1.9% percentage of homelessness amongst our students, just below the 2.6% state average. McKenny Vento funding has given greater assistance to our growing homeless population of students. The Keisha Cares Van was also launched during my tenure that assists students and families with personal products at no cost to them or their family.
Irons: There are a lot of things the school district does well. Our schools are top notch, our sports facilities are the best around, and I feel we have great educators in our district. Another thing they have done well is trying to be innovative on communicating with parents.
Scherpe: One of the greatest strengths of our school district is the dedication and resilience of our staff and students. Our teachers, support staff, and administrators work tirelessly to create a positive learning environment where students can thrive. Their commitment to student success is evident in the way they go above and beyond, whether through innovative teaching strategies, building strong relationships with students, or providing critical support services that ensure every child has the opportunity to succeed.
Our students also continue to impress with their hard work, creativity, and determination. Whether excelling academically, participating in extracurricular activities, or giving back to the community, they demonstrate the values of perseverance and excellence. Their achievements in the classroom, on the field, in the arts, and beyond are a testament to both their effort and the guidance they receive from our outstanding educators.
Additionally, our district has made great strides in fostering a collaborative and inclusive culture. By working closely with families and the community, we are creating an environment where all students feel valued and supported. Programs that enhance student learning, leadership opportunities, and the dedication of our staff to continuous improvement have made a meaningful impact.
I am proud of what our staff and students accomplish every day, and I believe our district’s greatest strength is the people who make it all possible. I look forward to continuing to support and celebrate their successes.
Smith-Esters: The district has done amazing in their construction of modernizing and updating school buildings. This is definitely a grabbing point when families are thinking of moving to Galesburg. I think that athletics are moving in the right direction and that is primarily due to hiring the right leaders for our youth. I also feel that the district is trying to work with the City of Galesburg which I believe is a smart move and can only have a positive outcome. I feel if chosen to be a board member I have the knowledge to create that bridge.
Statham: Since the return to school from the Covid pandemic, I believe the District has gone to great lengths to add programs to help deal with the social/emotional issues of our students, faculty and staff. The Administration has sought out grant funds to add additional programs and personnel to help meet the ever-changing challenges that our students deal with on a daily basis, both at home and at school. For faculty and staff, they have found grant money to pay for the “Thrive in 205” event each year. This event is open to anyone who works for the District. This event offers a variety of programs and educational workshops for participants to choose from, as well as an inspirational keynote speaker.
Another area that I believe the District has excelled in is in the area of District Finances. During the 2014-15 school year, the District was in a dire financial situation and it took some drastic measures for a couple of years to get the District back on track. It’s a very hard thing to do when you have to let personnel and programs go, so that you can save money to keep operating. During the last few years, the District has tried to slowly add back in some of the programs and personnel that were let go. I commend their efforts in trying to keep the District in good financial standing.
The building projects that have been going on for several years now, have seen every building in the District basically turn into a brand new school. Having a safe, clean and welcoming environment to come into each day hopefully translates into students having less anxiety and stress so that they can focus on learning.
What do you think the school district could be doing better? How would you advocate for improvement?
Bess-Tabb: The district has struggled for several years with getting sub groups such as Black, Hispanic and Special Education students to close the achievement gap compared to their non-disabled and White peers. The district has had several targeted designations in the last two academic years at King, Lombard, Steele and Galesburg Jr. High School. Our district will receive additional funding to bring these schools out of this designation, but it’s important we do more research into why these three subgroups are struggling. We need to assess curriculum, staffing, support and other unidentified needs to better serve their needs and close that academic gap. By finding these issues, we can give those students access to the equity needed for their academic success. The underperformance of these subgroups is not new. I also mentioned it during the 2021 election cycle.
As a board member, my advocacy would be at the state and federal level for better policies and funding. My job is to follow state and federal guidelines and work for effective change through policy writing and funding. I would continue to participate in advocacy efforts at Division meetings and attend advocacy events. If re-elected I would run for a different position on the Western Division Executive Board Summer 2025, which would allow for more direct impact with resolution writing and policy implementation. That would bring more opportunities to work with state legislators on impactful change. As one of the largest rural school districts we need the most educated, experienced and strongest voices to address our unique needs.
In a second term I would like our Board to foster better working relationships with our union and staff. Our district has gone to arbitration more frequently than I would like. I would like for the Board, Superintendent and union to work better together to reduce the need for attorneys. I believe this can only be done with proactive and improved communication alongside relationship building between everyone.
Lastly, I feel there should be a more concerted effort of accountability at the school board level for elected members. The more Established School Board Members a district has, the more stability it can provide with better policy making, knowledgeable action, and greater fiscal responsibility. For a board to govern at its highest capacity all board members must be dedicated and willing to go through the four-year rigor of attaining the merit of an Established School Board Member.
Irons:
1. Teachers and administrators need to have more support. They need to be able to teach in an environment that not only allows them to be successful, but more importantly the kids being successful. Oftentimes the lack of discipline creates a chaotic learning environment. Accountability and discipline need to be enforced.
2. The other thing I feel the district could do better is be more proactive on maintaining our facility and school grounds. Let’s keep it looking nice.
The way I would handle these issues is very simple, just like other issues that pop up. It starts with a conversation, solution, execution.
Scherpe: While our district is making great strides, there are always opportunities for improvement. Strong communication and engagement with families and the broader community are essential. Although transparency has improved, we can do more to ensure that parents, students, and staff feel heard and informed about key decisions. I will continue to advocate for more accessible and proactive communication efforts, ensuring that families have a voice in shaping our schools.
Competitive salaries and benefits are essential, but just as important is fostering a work environment where staff feel valued, supported, and heard. We must ensure that our district remains a place where educators want to build their careers by providing strong professional development opportunities, mentorship programs, and a culture of collaboration. Advocating for these improvements means prioritizing staff support in every decision we make. I will continue working to provide fair compensation, professional growth opportunities, and a positive work environment that helps us retain the outstanding educators and staff who make our schools great. Our students deserve the best, and that starts with ensuring we have the best people in place to guide and support them.
Advocating for improvement begins with listening. I believe in working closely with students, staff, and families to understand their concerns and push for meaningful change. I will continue to ask tough questions, hold the district accountable, and support initiatives that lead to real improvements in student learning and staff support.
Our schools are on the right path, but we must remain committed to progress. By maintaining a strong focus on student resources, communication, and teacher recruitment, we can build an even stronger future for Galesburg schools.
Smith-Esters: I would advocate for more impactful support tools for grades K to 2. We have very large classes and even more in the coming years. We need to find innovative ways to create support. We have amazing teachers who decided that they wanted to empower our youth with a wealth no one can take away. This comes from passion. A passion that is becoming harder to find.
I feel that the district would really benefit from going to other districts in our own and neighboring states to see their approach to education. Again, needing to think out of the box.
I also believe that to really make our students successful is including them in the education process. Yes, teachers are with curriculum but including those who are on the other end of that might bring vital information that would aid in the success of our youth. I really believe that if a student has great memories, felt safe, felt wanted, and empowered in school they are more likely to succeed. Those are all very big emotional concepts, and we cannot try to understand them without including their voice.
I would like to see our district engage more with life skills. I have been a social worker for eight years in this and surrounding communities and I feel situations that some individuals are experiencing are due to not having life skills. Education can change lives.
And lastly, I would advocate for our students to get work experience opportunities in our community for high school students. I would love to see a career mentorship to be created in our community. This might look like students working alongside an engineer, marketing director, social worker, veterinarian, military recruiter, hospital administrator, a police officer, a firefighter, and so on. This would advocate for a work experience committee to create this opportunity for our youth as well as our community.
Statham: Obviously, there needs to always be a major focus on the academic growth of the students. Having sat through many School Board meetings and listened to the presentations by the principals, I know firsthand that they are trying their best to come up with new ideas for increasing student engagement to help increase their academic scores. As a special education teacher, I also know that students learn in a variety of ways, so there is not a one-size fits all solution to increasing academic scores. There must be room for teachers to be creative in their classrooms so that they can reach every student.
After the pandemic, it was difficult for many of our students to get back into the flow of going to school again and having to study for long periods of time. I think getting parents more involved with their students’ learning is key to their academic success. Learning can’t just take place in school; it needs to extend into the home as well. To that end, I would advocate for more opportunities for parents to come into the schools so that they can develop important relationships with the educators and learn how to help their child at home. I know in recent years, the schools have hosted Family Reading Night, Family Game Night, etc., to try to draw more parents into the schools. I would advocate for more of these types of events and more opportunities for parents to volunteer at their child’s school. I would also advocate for events that teach parents more about how children learn, how best to deal with difficult behaviors, how they can support what’s going on in the classroom and how the teacher might support them.
Outside Galesburg Township (Vote for two)
Tera Boettcher (Incumbent)
Age, as of April 1, 2025: 48
Campaign website or Facebook page: Tera Boettcher: For Galesburg CUSD 205 School Board
Education: AA - Carl Sandburg College; BA - Bradley University; MSW - St. Ambrose University
Occupation: Human Services Casework Manager for the State of Illinois - Family Community Resource Center
Relevant skills and experience: I am a social worker and previously licensed LCSW. I have previously been licensed for School Social Work. I have decades in the social service field with a child welfare and mental health background. I have 4 years of Board experience and insight to bring to a new term.
Community involvement: With 2 young children, my community involvement is limited to my work with the Galesburg School Board and my children’s educational activities and school functions. My Community involvement revolves around my 2 kids and niece and nephews involvement in activities within the community. A big part of our time is devoted to the Future Streaks and other sports activities throughout the summer.
Jamie Harter
Age, as of April 1, 2025: 47
Campaign website or Facebook page: Jamie Nichols Harter
Education: High school diploma with some college credits
Occupation: Secretary for Mable Woolsey Elementary School District 202 (Knoxville)
Relevant skills and experience: I began as a Paraprofessional for District 205 and I currently work for District 202. Working within a school gives me first-hand experience of the needs of the students and the staff.
Community involvement: I have organized travel sports that require a lot of fundraising. I participate in community and school fundraisers for multiple purposes. I believe in supporting local businesses and locally owned family restaurants.
Maurice Lyon (Incumbent)
Age, as of April 1, 2025: Age 72 or as the historically minded will note, one week before Dwight Eisenhower was elected for his first term.
Education: BA Psychology Carleton College 1974; MA Educational Administration, Northern Arizona University 1980; Ed.D. University of Illinois, Champaign/Urbana 1995.
Occupation: Retired from education. Currently the CEO(Chief Errands Officer) for Cornucopia Natural Market & Deli, Galesburg.
Relevant skills and experience: I began teaching third grade in 1975. The experiences in four districts before arriving in Galesburg allows for perspective on our practices. I have been attending CUSD 205 Board meetings since August 1985. I bring institutional memory of the district practices. Having worked as an administrator I understand school finances, grant processes and school policy application.
Community involvement: Founding board member of Galesburg Youth Athletic Club and Discovery Depot; Past board member of Teen Court; Past child advocate for Knox County CASA; Longtime board member and religious school teacher at Temple Sholom; Active member in the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Celebration Committee
Benjamin Yeutson
Campaign website or Facebook page: Ben Yeutson for CUSD 205 School Board
Education: Attended Sandburg College, Associates in Information Resource Management from the Community College of the Air Force (CCAF), Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from DeVry University (2006), Masters Degree in Public Administration from University of Illinois – Springfield (2025), Certificate in Public Procurement from University of Illinois – Springfield (2025).
Occupation: Active Duty Military: Air National Guard Base Contracting Officer for 26 years.
Relevant skills and experience for serving on the board of education: Skills and experience include writing contracts, providing legal contractual reviews, managing multi-million dollar credit card programs. Previous employment held in insurance industry and medical field claims processes. Additionally, I bring firsthand experience navigating the individual education plan (IEP) process through my own children’s education.
Community involvement: Volunteer leader for Monmouth Community Thanksgiving Day Meal; Galesburg FFA Alumni and Supporters President; prior Galesburg Youth Baseball coach, prior Gale Elementary PTO volunteer, and lifetime member of the National Guard Association of Illinois.
Questions for Candidates (outside Galesburg Township)
What issues motivate you to serve on the board of education?
Boettcher: Four years ago I was motivated to run for the school board because I had 3 family members and many friends that were educators in the district. These teachers desired a voice and a direct, trusted link to the school board. My children and niece and nephew attend this school district and I wanted to be a part of the decisions involving their school experience and future. The same motivations hold true today. I want to be in a position to be able to advocate for appropriate and needed services. I want to be part of a team that ensures the best possible educational experience for all of our students.
Harter: One of the motivations I have to run for the Board is that I am seeing decisions made from a personal agenda and not what is for the good of the District and the community. I think it is very important to remember when decisions are voted on, that you are representing every family, every student, and every staff member. Another issue I have noticed over the past few years is the disconnect between the District and staff. I have a strong understanding of the staff’s needs. I plan on building bridges so we are working together as a whole.
Lyon: While all boards attempt to positively influence the learning and behavior of our students, it is necessary for us to do that in an equitable manner. The current board has some initiatives in place for all children and they need to be continued and supported. As an elected officer our most important role is to hire the superintendent and to hold him/her accountable for the operation of the district. During this next term the current superintendent is scheduled to retire so I feel my experience with the district, our current goals, and superintendent responsibilities makes my serving this next term very valuable.
Yeutson: The three main issues that have driven my involvement are communication, community engagement, and curriculum.
Communication. There are various communication platforms I encountered in the district. The actual communication is inconsistent and irregular. While volunteering within the Galesburg school district I encountered low enrollment in agriculture courses at Galesburg Senior High School. While working with the FFA Alumni, I noticed communication and organizational processing issues within the district that created unnecessary friction. Purchasing processes in the district are not transparent, and approval procedures for purchases are complicated and confusing all users. Open communication is something we need to better support students. When trying to resolve communication concerns, there is no direct focal point that resolves all issues within the district.
Community engagement is another significant concern. While the school district provides helpful documents and links about local business and community partnerships, these resources don’t always match up with information in school board meeting reports. Through my campaign efforts, I’ve encountered many Galesburg residents dissatisfied with district decisions. Some of those include construction priorities, anti-bullying policies, individualized education plans, conflicts of interest, and staff turnover. A school department and appointed district representative should be designated as the official point of contact for all community-related concerns, including partnerships, parent feedback, and issues raised by current and former staff. Community members seem willing to partner with the school district but don't know how to achieve that partnership. I would love to serve as a bridge to help build partnerships between the community and the school district with the many volunteer, alumni, and booster club organizations.
Curriculum needs more focus. Truancy, tardiness, and test scores gets abundant attention. We need to look at what truly matters. We need curriculum that engages students but also meets the state education standards. The school district has a decent dual credit program, but we must build a dual credit program that targets Galesburg as a regional hub. We need partnerships between Sandburg, Blackhawk East, ICC, Spoon River Community College, WIU with the Galesburg CUSD 205. I realize we are in the Sandburg community college district, but we can work with state legislature to find better ways to synergize all of the community colleges within our region. Additionally, we can build partnerships between Galesburg private education institutions such as Costa Catholic Academy and Galesburg Christian School. Galesburg CUSD 205 curriculum needs to be set up to help reach full student potential.
Why should people vote for you?
Boettcher: Experience. I have both school board experience as well as decades of social work experience. I have been on the board for four years. I have learned a lot and will hope to continue that knowledge and experience with another 4 years. Having experienced board members on the Board helps facilitate the process of board work and ensures needs and goals are fulfilled. This is not to say that new board members cannot accomplish these goals as well, but that having experienced, knowledgeable Board Members accelerates the process. There is much involved in making decisions for our school district — legislation and laws, funding, and guidance governing how we can make decisions that affect our community and school environment. Navigating through this takes commitment to research, education, and general willingness to be open-minded and considerate of all involved. I have and will continue to educate myself on issues pertaining to our school district and will consider the impact of such decisions on our staff, students and families, and the community. I have and will continue to listen to all sides before making decisions that will impact our children, staff, and community. I can vote against my OWN opinion if it is in the best interest or our children, staff, and school district as a whole. Because, effective school boarding is about making decisions for the whole and not for the individual. I am invested in ensuring a quality education for my children, as well as your children in our school district.
I am an experienced social worker who brings decades of experience to our board. As a social worker, I make decisions utilizing the core principles of social work values: social justice, the importance of human relationships, integrity and competence to name just a few. Social workers advocate and empower and both characteristics are beneficial in the role of a School Board Member. I value equity and equality for our students and staff. I value transparency and communication. I will ensure as a board member that these values are reflected in the decisions I make.
Harter: The community should vote for me because I will be the only Board Member that brings every angle to the table. I am an employee of a school district and I was a previous employee of District 205. I am also a parent of a current student-athlete in District 205 with two other children who graduated from District 205 in 2020 and 2023.
Lyon: For those in the community who have watched any board meetings know that I come prepared and ask probing questions. We are doing the peoples' business and it needs to be clear and our actions transparent. My dedication to the elements of student progress and board accountability should convince the public to return me for a third term. The current board has made difficult decisions over the time we remodeled schools and closed some. Some of the actions were not popular with everyone but the end result has been good for the children. The example which comes to mind is the GHS auditorium. Some in the community and on the board wanted to keep the 2,300 seat "barn." We moved forward with a smaller performing arts center in which students can be heard and a large enough student eating space (commons) where the students are not on top of each other...definitely humane environments!
Yeutson: I have a lot of experience with my career background that allows me to understand the inner workings of a school system to include contracts, construction, insurance, etc. I am an easy person to get along with. I enjoy working together with others to find conflict resolution. My main objective is to provide the best school experience that benefits our community and students.
As a member of the Galesburg FFA Alumni and Supporters, we assisted the Galesburg FFA students at the agriculture fair, I met a student that was petting a calf. He stated, “Can you really see me working on a farm? I don’t know anything about it.” I told him that the only person that can stop him from doing something is himself. I am here to say any of our students in the district can accomplish anything they want to. It would be my job to ensure that as a school board member, we remove any obstacles that may stand in our student’s path for success. Every student should have as many opportunities as they are willing to strive for.
Just as I volunteered for the military, I am volunteering to be each and every person in the district’s eyes, ears, mouth, and heart. For parents, I want your kids to be successful. For teachers, I want your career to be successful. For our community, I want the Galesburg School district to be successful. We need refreshed points of view and that is something that I am willing to provide and work alongside the other board members.
What do you think the school district is doing especially well?
Boettcher: We have established board goals for our district and set up various committees to ensure these goals are being met. Many of our staff and community members are a part of these committees and are committed to working together for the betterment of our school district and community. Although we are still in the early stages of this, we have made progress towards these goals.
Transparency and communication were a big concern when I first ran for election. I feel that as a district we have improved upon both. I feel that we make an attempt to explain more and there is a consistent effort to make sure the public is aware of the reasons behind the decision-making process.
Harter: District 205 is doing a wonderful job on recognizing the social and emotional well-being of our students. With the direction our society is taking, the district has recognized that this changes the needs of our students. Our students cannot learn unless they have this support. The online counseling service the district has provided recently shows how important the students are to the district.
District 205 a few years ago decided to support their own special education department and part ways with Knox Warren Special Education. I think this was a very wise decision and I am watching the district’s special education department become stronger and stronger. Having proper decisions in place for a student’s success should be the number one priority and District 205 has done just that.
I have recognized over the years that the district makes staffing changes to further support our needs. Recently they introduced interventionists outside of the classroom. These certified teachers have small group settings to work closer with students that need extra support. It is proving to work and this is another example of how well the district understands that the priority is for the children to be successful.
Lyon: Our district has provided students and students with bright, welcoming classrooms. We continue to enhance the physical plant offering and we are currently constructing a long overdue permanent home for our wrestling program(s).
We also are willing to recognize where there are problems and instead of making excuses we attempt to come up with new solutions. For a school district our size we have a very broad offering of extracurricular activities. We want our students to find their comfort space and thrive!
Yeutson: I have heard many glowing reviews of the Bright Futures Pre-K program. Elementary education is successful. The elementary schools’ presentations during the school board meetings were very informative. Student of the month programs help to build the something of young students. The Galesburg Senior High School band continues to excel and I love how they include the junior high band members in continuing their legacy. The newly renovated Galesburg Area Vocational Center is continuing to grow. In October, the GAVC saw almost 100 additional enrollees from the previous year.
The Shine in 205 is an excellent program that highlights the staff within the Galesburg CUSD 205 school district. We need to find more ways to identify and promote a culture of both excellence in education and gratitude for the hard work our educators and support staff provide.
What do you think the school district could be doing better? How would you advocate for improvement?
Boettcher: In our current environment, it continues to be a challenge to staff our district with competent educators and support staff. Although our district has taken steps and measures to improve this and make this a priority, it continues to be a big challenge to our district.
Our board has established a goal and a committee targeted for the recruitment and retention of staff that I am grateful to be a part of. Galesburg CUSD is committed to this goal and continues to find unique ways to accomplish this. Additionally, celebration of staff is part of this committee. The district needs to value our staff and show appreciation for the dedication and commitment they show every day.
Special Education Services are important and necessary for many of our students in our school district. As a district, we are not quite where we need to be in this area. The district has cut our support staff down in our special education rooms despite our teachers' concerns and pleas to reconsider. This is not only a disservice to our staff, but also to one of our most vulnerable populations. Without our educators and support staff doing the hard work every day, we would not be where we are today. I would continue to work within this committee and continue to emphasize the importance of this goal.
I will continue to educate myself on current legislation and best practices and will advocate for these to be considered in our decision making and accurately reflect in our decisions. I will continue to be the voice of our educators and staff, as well as children and families. I am proud of our district and hope to have the opportunity to be a part of the growth I know we are capable of.
Harter: I haven’t been a part of decision-making when it comes to the budget or how funds are sourced throughout the district. It would not be fair of me to judge but as an outsider, I would like to see more funds go toward staffing. Watching $80,000 to $90,000 being used for a new attendance system doesn’t seem necessary when I know we could use more staff.
I would like to see the district have a stronger approach with discipline. The common theme I am hearing is “this happens everywhere.” Children do make poor decisions and yes, we do see this behavior in every school. It is how it is handled that is the difference. We have to guide the children to be successful in the real world.
The district seems to battle with the union on things that are quite frankly, a waste of time. Fighting over if teachers can have their children go to their own personal classroom at the end of the day after school is dismissed is just not necessary. It sends a message that we do not believe the teacher can complete their job with their own child in the room but we believe they can teach other children throughout the day and complete their job. Situations like this put a damper on the staff. These little concerns discourage others to apply to the district. I want our district to be known as the place you want to work for. I want us to be thriving and I believe I can make that happen.
Lyon: Too many students are still not being successful. Without lowering student standards we need to challenge ALL students and then have them leave every day excited to come in the next day. While that sounds like a utopian answer we must aspire for greatness for all of our students.
How do we improve? We are still paying for the problems left from the pandemic shutdown. We need to move away from the 24 hour reliance on digital media and embed substantive interpersonal dialogue in all classes. There must be active learning!
Part of this challenge is finding the engaging teachers we want for all of our children. During these days of teacher shortages it has become very difficult. We need to address the housing and salaries concerns of incoming teachers. I came to work in this district almost forty years ago and do not regret it.
Yeutson: Budgetary policies and procedures need some review and clarification. Budgetary review needs to occur to see if we are attaining all of the potential grant or loan opportunities from both public and private entities. It would be beneficial to provide a better communication website that explains some of the common state and federal mandated programs that the school district is required to follow. For example, Title IX, School Infrastructure Fund, property tax breakdown for each taxpayer are just a few informational website ideas that may require some initial research from the school district but could go a long way in the district becoming more transparent to the Galesburg school district taxpayers and parents.
Infrastructure. A lot of attention has been pushed towards infrastructure and realigning the district’s assets over the past several years. We need to ensure that we have reviewed sustainment, repair and maintenance requirements for our facilities. This is again information that provides buy-in for the community.
Curriculum. As stated above, this is an area of huge growth that we can provide for our students and teachers.
Disciplinary actions within the district need a review for students. While the number of incidents has diminished slightly this year. The parents and teachers deserve a review of different options available then what is currently happening. Students and teachers shouldn’t have to worry about their safety from student altercations. The district needs to provide improved information on what they are doing to keep our kids safe?
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