Jeannette Kester honored with Advocate in Education Award

Jeannette Kester was honored with an Advocate in Education Award through the Saint Croix River Education District (SCRED) at their annual legislative forum on December 14th. Jeannette dedicated her career to individuals with disabilities in her role as executive director of PHASE. She has served on the East Central School Board for 32 years and has decided that is long enough. In her time on the school board she held nearly every executive role, served on nearly every committee, led the hiring of many superintendents, actively led the district through the construction of a new PreK-12th grade facility, and advocated for public education on many, many boards and advocacy groups. In 2012 she was inducted as a member of the Minnesota School Boards Association All State School Board, in 2017 she was honored with MSBA’s Arlene Bush Distinguished Board Member Award (MSBA’s highest award), and in 2019 MSBA recognized her for 30 years of service as a school board member. Jeannette possesses a dogged persistence to do the right thing for children. Her passion for early childhood learning especially can be seen in each and every interaction she has with young children. Jeannette has led with humility and possesses an excellent sense of humor, which has served her well as a school board member all these years. Jeannette has been the rock of the East Central School board as a fierce Advocate for Education on so many levels. Her contributions are many and her legacy echoes throughout. Congratulations Jeannie!