Meet Jillian
"I am a lifelong believer that public education is the foundation of strong American communities. I'm an EUSD parent, a problem solver, and a policy wonk, and I believe my expertise will be a great support to the school board and our greater community.
While parenting and working full-time, I am honored to oversee our taxpayers' recent investment in EUSD by serving on the Citizen’s Bond Oversight Committee for Bond Measure Z. I am an active member of the Special Education Parent Council where I am a parent representative for the district’s local planning area.
I was a public school student in Saint Paul, Missouri before earning a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Bradley University. My career took me to Washington, D.C., London & Brussels before arriving in here in North County. I live with my daughter and my partner who has been a homeowner in Village Park for over a decade."
Jillian Cocayne - 2026 Candidate for the Encintas School Board.
Why Jillian?
Your vote decides this race — literally.
School board elections are some of the most consequential races on your ballot, and some of the most overlooked. The National School Boards Association estimates that turnout for these elections is often just 5 or 10 percent, and even when they share a ballot with bigger races, many voters stop before they reach them. Every ballot matters, and every blank line is a decision left to someone else. Fill out your ballot all the way down, find Jillian Cocayne for EUSD Board of Trustees (Listed 2nd), and turn it in by Election Day, Tuesday, November 3.
Remember, the Encinitas Union School District isn’t just Encinitas it stretches across southern Carlsbad too, so if you or your friends live in either community, this race is on your ballot.
Jillian's vision and Priorities for our schools:
Encinitas Union School District has a track record of excellence, demonstrated by strong student test scores and high staff retention rates. I plan to work collaboratively with parents, teachers, the existing board and administration to build on the strong foundation already in place while facing challenges head on. My diverse experiences, including navigating foreign education systems, have deeply informed my understanding of the challenges faced by families in the district. I am committed to ensuring that all students receive the support they need to succeed.
COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP
Parents today want to understand changes in elementary schools, such as technology in classrooms or new grading practices. Meanwhile, teachers and staff need support juggling even larger workloads in the face of budget cuts. I will be a bridge to promote understanding and help develop solutions.
TAXPAYER ACCOUNTABILITY
Well-run schools benefit our whole community. They attract and retain families into our area and support property values. Good stewardship is critically important with $158m Bond Measure Z currently being used to make major infrastructure improvements.
POLICY
EXPERTISE
I know how to read regulatory codes and interpret their impact, which will make me highly effective. My experience working with government officials will enable the school board to be more effective advocating at the local, State and Federal levels.
What can you do to help?
Remind your family and friends
Already voted? Pass it on.
Once your ballot is in, there’s one more thing you can do that makes a real difference: text your friends and family and remind them to vote in the school board race. A quick, personal message from someone they know and trust carries more weight than any mailer or ad, and it costs nothing but a minute of your time. One text from you could be the reminder that gets a ballot filled out all the way down and turned in on time.
When reaching out please remember that the Encinitas Union School District isn’t just Encinitas — it stretches across southern Carlsbad too.
Request a yard sign
Watch more Cocayne Shorts here.
Fundraising and how you can help.
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Donate to the campaign. Every dollar helps, no matter the amount. If you and your household have already donated, please consider sharing our website, jillian4eusd.com, with like-minded family, friends, and neighbors. Every contribution goes directly toward yard signs, mailers, and door flyers that help voters get to know my values and priorities.
Help by volunteering.
We need volunteers to help get the word out. Canvassing is one of the best ways to reach voters directly. You can knock on doors or simply leave door hangers, at your own pace in your own neighborhood, or team up with other volunteers on Thursday afternoons and Sunday mornings starting the week of September 14.
Reply to jillian@jillian4eusd.com to sign up.
Proudly Endorsed by:
Jillian Cocayne 2026 Campaign was awarded 2026 Moms Demand Action Gun Sense Candidate distinction
The Teachers of Encinitas Union
On the lighter side :-)
Cocayne for School Board Stand up with Scott James
