James George Allen Jr.: 2025 candidate for Elgin Community College District 509 board

Bio

Office sought: Elgin Community College District 509 board (Vote for 2)

City: Elgin

Age: 43

Occupation: Flight attendant and legal consultant

Previous offices held: Student Trustee, Elgin Community College Board of Trustees (2021-22)

Why are you running for this office, whether for re-election or election the first time? Is there a particular issue that motivates you?

ECC changed my life. When I walked through those doors at age 39, I had no idea how transformative that decision would be. Now, I want to ensure others have the same opportunities I did.

As someone who has served as student trustee and now leads two local nonprofits, I’ve seen how good governance can open doors for students. I’m especially passionate about mental health support and making education more affordable — issues I dealt with firsthand as a student.

My current work leading the Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra and Open Door Health Center has taught me how to manage budgets and make tough decisions while keeping community needs first. I’m running because I believe in ECC’s power to change lives, and I want to help guide its future.

In tough economic times, many students (and working professionals) turn to a community college for its educational value. How do you ensure that a person’s financial sacrifice results in an educational benefit?

I was fortunate that when I returned to ECC, the pandemic’s impact on the airline industry actually created an opportunity for me to focus on my studies while maintaining reduced flight schedules at United.

But I know many students don’t have that kind of flexibility. We need practical solutions that work for everyone — like expanding our Open Educational Resources to cut textbook costs and strengthening our career programs to ensure good jobs after graduation.

During my time on ECC’s Textbook Cost Reduction Taskforce, I saw how even small changes can make a big difference in students’ lives. We need to focus on creating clear paths to either good jobs or successful transfers to four-year schools. Every dollar our students invest in their education should open doors to better opportunities.

How would you describe the state of your college’s finances? What issues will your district have to confront in coming years and what measures do you support to address them? If you believe cuts are necessary, what programs and expenses should be reduced or eliminated? On the income side, do you support any tax or fee increases?

Having served on ECC’s Strategic Planning Committee and staying involved through the Foundation’s Bright Futures Campaign Cabinet, I keep a close eye on the college’s finances.

We’re in a solid position, but face real challenges ahead. Enrollment patterns are changing, and we need to adapt. Through my current leadership roles managing budgets for both the Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra and Open Door Health Center, I understand the importance of careful financial planning.

I don’t support raising taxes as a first response. Instead, we should focus on smart partnerships with local businesses and pursuing grants. If we need to make cuts, they should start with administrative costs, not programs that directly serve students. My priority would be protecting what matters most: quality instruction and student support services.

What are three specific non-financial challenges your community college will have to face in the next four years and what are your thoughts about how each should be addressed?

First, we need to better prepare students for today’s rapidly changing job market. Serving on the Paralegal Advisory Committee showed me how vital it is to keep our programs current with industry needs.

Second, student mental health is a growing concern that we can’t ignore. I saw this firsthand as student trustee during COVID.

Third, we need to make ECC more accessible for working adults and parents. As someone who juggled work, family, and school, I know how challenging this can be. We need more flexible class schedules and better support services. These aren’t just abstract issues for me. They’re challenges I’ve lived through and want to help solve.

Describe your experience working in a group setting to determine policy. What is your style in such a setting to reach agreement and manage school district policy? Explain how you think that will be effective in producing effective actions and decisions of your school board.

I believe in listening first and talking second. During my time as student trustee, I learned that the best decisions come when everyone feels heard. Now, as board president for two local organizations, I focus on bringing different viewpoints together to find common ground. Sometimes that means having tough conversations, but it’s worth it to get to the right solution.

When I lead board meetings, I make sure everyone has a voice — just like my ECC professors did in their classrooms. This approach has helped me guide organizations through difficult decisions while keeping everyone focused on our shared goals.

What makes you the best candidate for the job?

I bring something unique to the table. I know ECC from just about every angle. I’ve been a student who returned to school at 39, served as student trustee, and now work with the college through community partnerships.

I’m still connected to ECC through the Paralegal Advisory Committee and recently served on the Presidential Search Committee. But more importantly, I understand what our students go through because I’ve been in their shoes. I know what it’s like to balance work, family, and education. My experience leading local nonprofits has taught me how to make tough decisions while staying true to an organization’s mission.

What’s one good idea you have to better your district that no one is talking about yet?

I'd love to see ECC create a program that connects traditional students with those returning to school later in life.

As someone who went back to college at 39, I know both groups have so much to offer each other. Younger students could help with technology and current study methods, while older students could share real-world experience and career insights. It's a simple idea that could make a real difference in student success, build a stronger campus community, and help everyone feel more supported. Sometimes the best ideas don't cost much — they just need someone to bring people together.