The public has chosen incumbent Shannon Wood and newcomers Monique Cotton Yancy and Katherine Valleau to represent them on the Forest Park District 91 school board, in the district’s first contested race in recent history.
With all 11 precincts reporting—the final precinct’s totals did not come in until after 10 p.m. on April 2—Cotton Yancy captured nearly 24 percent of the vote, Wood received about 17 percent of the vote and Valleau received about 16 percent of the vote. Vote totals will change slightly as mail and provisional ballots are tabulated in the coming days.
“It doesn’t even seem real yet,” Cotton Yancy said.
She said she feels passionate about special education — particularly since she’s had two children with individualized education programs (IEPs) — the district’s equity imperative, curriculum and more.
“I think people see me involved in things already so it’s kind of a natural progression to run, and just having my face and name out there doing other things,” Cotton Yancy said. She is involved in the Citizens Advisory Council, Park District of Forest Park, Diversity Commission and more.
She credits the success of Proviso Together — an incumbent slate for Proviso Township High Schools District 209 school board — for inspiring her to run.
“If they wouldn’t have run four years ago, I wouldn’t have any idea how this process works,” she said.
Valleau is currently a Forest Park business owner but worked as a D91 teacher for many years previously.
Wood and Valleau were not available late Tuesday for interviews.
“I would like to thank everyone for your support from the bottom of my heart,” Wood posted on social media after her win. “I could not have won without your support. Your encourage has meant so much. I look forward to being able to serve the next four years advocating for the students in Forest Park.” Top of Form
CONTACT: ntepper@wjinc.com
