After nearly eight years of dedicated service, Jonathan Russell is concluding his tenure as Secretary of the Harrisburg CUSD3 Board of Education. As he prepares to step down, Russell reflects on his commitment to education and the programs he helped champion during his two terms.

"I wanted to be an advocate for the students," Russell explains when asked why he initially ran for the school board. "I take the position of Board of Education seriously—with 'education' being the main word of that position."

Russell's connection to Harrisburg schools runs deep. During his 26 years as a resident, he's had five children graduate from the district and has hosted six exchange students who attended Harrisburg High School. This personal investment fueled his passion for improving educational opportunities for all students.

As a staunch supporter of the arts, Russell proudly notes that all his children were involved in theater, and most of his exchange students participated in either theater, music, or sports. He particularly praises Harrisburg's speech program, which he believes provides students with "a good foundation to go out into the world."

One of Russell's proudest accomplishments has been advocating for the return of vocational education to the district. "We're so focused on getting all these kids to be college-bound, and there's a lot of children who just aren't geared for college," he says. Recognizing that many college graduates don't return to Harrisburg due to limited opportunities, Russell emphasizes the importance of training students in trades like automotive repair, plumbing, electrical work, and construction.

"We need people who can fix cars, do plumbing, electrical, build a house. Those people want to build their lives here, stay here, and we need those services," Russell explains.

His dedication extends beyond regular board meetings. Early in his tenure, fellow board member Tom Daniel invited him to an Illinois Association of School Board meeting, which sparked Russell's deeper involvement. He now serves as the division chair for the Association's Shawnee Division and has been a delegate for at least four years.

Russell also highlights several programs that showcase the district's commitment to student success. The Matrix program at the high school provides crucial support for at-risk students, offering in-school mentoring, tutoring, and advocacy to help them graduate. "There are so many students that had no chance of graduating," Russell notes, emphasizing how the program has changed outcomes for vulnerable youth.

Another initiative close to Russell's heart is the Saline County CEO program, which pairs seniors from all Saline County schools with community mentors to develop business plans. Students learn about local businesses through tours and presentations, gaining practical knowledge about entrepreneurship while being encouraged to create opportunities in their home county.

"It brings the community and the students together," says Russell, who has personally served as a mentor in the program.

Russell praises Superintendent Dr. Amy Dixon for her community engagement efforts, particularly her series of meetings that brought diverse community members together to discuss what they need from local schools. "It really opened up the dialogue," he says, "and I was really proud of Dr. Dixon for jumping in."

As he prepares to move on to "new things," Russell hopes more community members will understand the challenges many Harrisburg students face. "People would be shocked at the poverty within our school, the challenges that our children face with their family situations," he says, noting the importance of programs like school meals and mentoring.

After eight years of service, Russell leaves the board with pride in the district's accomplishments and optimism for its future, having truly gone the extra mile for Harrisburg students.