Kevin McAllister has deep roots in Cairo, Illinois. “I was born and raised here,” he says simply. “And I’m still here.” His life, like his community, is steady and grounded—a blend of history, loyalty, and love for the people who share it.

Kevin graduated from Cairo High School in 2006. Today, he and his wife, Iveana, are parents of three—two daughters and one son—all enrolled in Cairo schools. His oldest daughter is in seventh grade, his son is in third, and his youngest is in Pre-K. “I’ve got a big investment in these schools,” he says. “Not just because I went here, but because my kids are here now too.”

That investment is personal and practical. Kevin serves as Secretary on the Cairo School Board, a position he holds with pride and a sense of responsibility. “This is actually my second term on the board,” he explains. “I served for four years, from 2019 to 2023, during which he served two years as the Vice President. Serving on the Board is a family legacy – his father, Carlandus Mallory also served.

“I felt like there was still work to do,” he says. “We have new leadership, a new team on the board, and I am glad to be part of it.” This year, the board welcomed four new members, and Kevin describes the group as united and focused. “We’re a team,” he says. “Our main goal is to keep the focus on the kids and their education, while also handling the business side of things. You’ve got to do both.”

His vision for Cairo’s schools is clear. “By the end of my term, I hope to see us in a better economic position as a district,” he says. “I want our schools fully staffed with certified teachers, and I want to see our kids thriving—really learning and growing.”

Kevin’s connection to the district runs deep. Like many Cairo graduates, his memories stretch from the classroom to the band room to the baseball field. “I played bass drum, and back then, we did at least two parades a year. He also played baseball for a few years.

After high school, Kevin began his career in the Street Outreach Program, transitioned to serving as his father’s caregiver until he passed, and moved on to being a school bus driver in the school district. Now Kevin works for the Illinois Department of Transportation. The hands-on nature of his work carries into his approach as a School Board member—measured, realistic, and grounded in everyday experience. “It’s not just about sitting at a table and talking policy,” he says. “It’s about listening to people, understanding what they need, and finding real solutions that make sense.”

Kevin’s pride in Cairo is evident in every word. He believes the community’s strength lies in its unity and perseverance. “We’re passionate, driven, loving people,” he says. “We have pride in our city and our school, and we’ll fight for it to the end.”

That pride also shows in his family life. His children’s education is both a personal and civic responsibility for him. “When I see my kids in the same hallways I walked, it means something,” he says. “It makes the work we do as a board feel even more important. I want them—and all our kids—to have every opportunity possible right here at home.”

For Kevin, serving on the board isn’t about recognition—it’s about ensuring Cairo continues to move forward. “We’ve got a lot of positive momentum,” he says. “The key is staying focused and not losing sight of why we’re here: the students.”

He welcomes input from the community and encourages residents to stay engaged. “If someone has concerns or ideas, we’re open to hearing them,” he says. “People can come to board meetings and talk with us. We’re here to serve the public, and we take that seriously.”

Kevin’s sense of purpose is steady, much like the quiet rhythm of Cairo itself. As he talks, the hum of his work truck underscores his words—another reminder that service, for him, happens in motion.

“Cairo’s always been home,” he says. “I’ve seen hard times and good times here, but the people always find a way to keep going. That’s what I love about this place.”

And as a father, alumnus, and School Board member, Kevin McAllister is doing his part to make sure that legacy continues—one thoughtful decision, one school year, and one student success at a time.