Meet Jillian
I am Jillian Cocayne and I’m running for School Board Trustee for the Encinitas Union School District. I am a lifelong believer in the importance of public education and also a parent of a child currently attending a school in the District. I am running to build on the success of the existing board and to ensure it continues to be an asset to our entire community.
I was raised in Saint Paul, Missouri, where I attended local public schools before earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science from Bradley University. My career has spanned telecommunications and intellectual property policy, including international roles with BT and Qualcomm.
My diverse experiences living abroad, 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 and opportunities they need to succeed.
Why I'm Running for School Board
I believe deeply in the value of public education and am committed to ensuring the continued success of our district's schools. With a strong board of trustees and administration in place, I am eager to contribute to their efforts and support our community.
Who I am
As a single mother with a child currently enrolled in La Costa Heights Elementary, I will offer a unique perspective on the Board. Having navigated significant life changes since becoming a parent I fully appreciate the vital role schools play in supporting families. I am familiar with the special education system and have firsthand experience with the challenges that come with integrating into an educational system as an immigrant.
Priorities if Elected
Supporting
Teachers and Staff
I aim to ensure our educators and staff receive the support they need to thrive, recognizing their essential role in our students' success.
Enhancing
Student Support
My goal is to build on the district's achievements by maintaining a strong focus on student well-being and educational excellence.
Fostering
Inclusion
I am dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for all students, especially those from immigrant backgrounds, ensuring they feel welcome, supported, and able to thrive.
Collaborating
with the community
I will work to ensure our schools are an asset to our local community and that the District does its part to support the climate action goals of our local cities of Encinitas and Carlsbad.
Vision and Goals
Continue the Success
Encinitas Union School District has a track record of excellence, demonstrated by strong student test scores, positive community surveys, and high staff retention rates. I plan to contribute to this success by working collaboratively with the existing board and administration, building on the strong foundation already in place. I have a strong relationship with the existing school board members and am proud to have their endorsements. I am honored that these leaders trust me to help the district stay on track and headed in the right direction for the sake of our students, parents, and faculty.
Center Students
Inspired by my experiences abroad, where children's rights to education are explicitly recognized, I aim to prioritize students' needs and ensure they receive a high-quality education. Today’s students are the next generation of citizens in our communities and I want to make sure they all have the best opportunity to be successful adults.
Foster Inclusion
Drawing on my experience as an immigrant parent for the first 6 years of my daughter’s education in Belgium, I am committed to making our schools safe and welcoming for all students, regardless of their origin. This includes strong support for the district's dual immersion programs. I also believe that children should be given the space and freedom to express themselves and learn in a supportive environment.
Enhance the Community
Our School District should be an asset to our community making it an attractive place for people to move. It also has a role to play in helping both the cities of Carlsbad and Encinitas reach their wider goals.a supportive environment.
ENDORSED BY:
ALL EUSD TRUSTEES:
Jodie Williams, Tom Morton, Marlon Taylor,
Emily Andrade and Marla Strich