Lindsey Gau
Hello, Cook County Community and fellow District 4 residents. My name is Lindsey Gau and I am running as a write-in candidate for the District 4 ISD 166 School Board position in the election this fall. I want to introduce myself and share why I would be a good addition to the school board.
I moved to Cook County over five years ago with the intention of living closer to the wilderness, a place I love dearly. I ended up falling in love with not only this land, but with the community of Cook County. I value the hardworking, creative, resilient, strong, passionate, and caring folks that call this place home. I appreciate and respect the wisdom of the longtime locals and the passion of the newcomers that meld together to create a diverse community. After moving to Cook County, I worked in a variety of jobs such as housekeeping, maintenance, outfitting, serving, and wilderness guiding. I eventually made my way back to what I am truly passionate about by accepting a job as an advocate at the Violence Prevention Center (VPC), where we work from the belief that everyone has the right to live free of violence. I have worked for the VPC for the past three years and became Director at the end of February this year. Becoming Director has taught me a great deal about effective leadership, teamwork, finances, grants, fiscal responsibility and so much more.
I grew up attending Minnesota public schools. I understand what it is like to struggle in the school system as well as to thrive. I understand the importance of a safe, supportive, and inclusive school environment with caring staff to help students learn and grow. Growing up, I struggled in school due to the effects of an unsafe home environment while also navigating learning disabilities. I had an Individualized Learning Plan (IEP) all throughout elementary and high school. I am so incredibly grateful for the support and care I received from teachers and paraprofessionals that supported me. I honestly do not know where I would be today without their understanding and patience. I went on to attend the University of Minnesota where I obtained my Bachelor’s degree in Family Social Science with a minor in Family Violence Prevention. I also attended the University of Wisconsin Stout and earned my Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. Before moving to Cook County, I worked for a large nonprofit as a therapist working with individuals, couples, families and adolescents; I specialized in supporting people who were healing from domestic and sexual violence.
Over the past few years, I have become involved in the ISD 166 community, supporting students and staff by facilitating groups and creating learning experiences within the school. These include the 6th and 7th grade girls’ groups, “Safe Dates” for high schoolers, “Safe and Strong” for elementary children, presentations for school staff, and the “Common Grounds Summit.” All of these experiences are focused on intervention and prevention of violence and the fostering of healthy and safe relationships. These experiences inspire my desire to become more involved within the school community.
The future of our community and world depends on the support and education younger generations receive right now. I decided to run for the school board position to support the aspirations of students, school staff, parents and caregivers, community members, as well as the past and current board members. I believe ISD 166 is doing amazing things for its students: “Youth Frontiers”, “Wisdom Retreat”, “Common Ground Summit”, “Seeds of Change”, student government, “Knowledge Bowl”, “Positive Behavior and Intervention Supports”, Anishinaabe Academic Center and more. If elected, I plan to continue to support these amazing endeavors.
I also hold in my awareness the current situation of COVID-19 and the difficulties the pandemic brings to our community’s education system. I recognize that there are valid concerns not only for the safety of people’s lives but also the economic impact COVID-19 will have on our education system. Furthermore, I am conscious of the modern day civil rights movement and the undeniable need for equity and justice for black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) as well as other marginalized populations. I recognize how the current lack of equity and justice affects staff and students and our community as a whole. I am prepared to address these issues and act.
If elected, I would be a good addition to the school board because I am a person who listens to and considers many different perspectives. I enjoy learning from others, considering all sides of a situation, and carefully researching a topic before making decisions.
My goal is to support the current administration, staff, students, parents and caregivers, and community in ensuring ISD 166 is a safe and inclusive environment for all. I want to support opportunities, programming, and policies that foster cultural awareness and the mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing of all who attend and work at ISD 166 so that all staff and students can learn and thrive together.
I am open to conversation, so if you wish to speak with me regarding my school board candidacy, please contact me at lindseymariegau@gmail.com. Please vote for me, Lindsey Gau, as a write-in candidate this fall for the District 4 ISD 166 School Board position.
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