Meet the Candidates

Kandice Cooley-Jones

As a dedicated advocate for education and a proud member of the Morton Grove community, I am running for a position on the  District 219 School Board to help ensure our schools provide a high-quality education for every student. My commitment to fostering an inclusive, innovative and student-centered learning environment drives my desire to serve.

Currently, I  am Sr. Price Analyst with a manufacturing company and have experience in finance, community service, and leadership. My role as Vice President of District 69 school board has given me a strong foundation in decision-making, budgeting, strategic planning, and working as a team in filling our communities’ needs. I plan to bring this to the District 219 Board of Education.

As both a Niles West alum and parent of two children—one of whom attends Niles West, I understand firsthand the needs and challenges faced by students, parents, and teachers. I am committed to advocating for:

  • Academic Excellence: Supporting strong curricula that prepare students for college, careers, trades, and life.

  • Equity and Inclusion: Ensuring that ALL students, have access to  all needed resources and opportunities.

  • Teacher Support: Valuing our educators by providing them with the resources and respect they need to succeed.

  • Community Engagement: Encouraging open dialogue between the school board, parents, teachers, and students to create a transparent and collaborative atmosphere.

I am passionate about making our schools a place where every student can thrive. Together, we can build a brighter future for our children.

I respectfully ask for your vote in the upcoming school board election.

Lindley Wisnewski

As the owner of Skokie small business., My Gym Children’s Fitness Center (with husband, Jason) and mother of two children, I have worked for the last 20 years to improve the lives of our future generations. My Gym focuses on children’s overall well-being while developing their physical, emotional. and intellectual skills through love, understanding, and positive reinforcement. 

Residents of Morton Grove for over 15 years, our two children are products of District 69, with one of them still at Lincoln in 7th grade and the other now a freshman at Niles West.  We have seen firsthand how important it is to have access to an equitable, safe, outstanding public school education.   For the last four years, I have sat on the District 69 Board of Education.  Before that, I served on the My Gym Children’s Fitness Center Franchisee Advisory Board, Evanston Youth Hockey Association Board, and the Ethiopian American Kids Community b\Board. 

I deeply believe every student deserves equitable access to all programs and academic offerings. As a result, I will work tirelessly to lift up community voices with a commitment to each and every of our district’s diverse cultures, and ensure each D219 student’s ability to live their authentic lives in and out of school.