Tired of Feeling Disappointed, AJ Cecil-Starlin Resolves to be Change She Wants to See
AJ Cecil-Starlin announces her candidacy for the Sioux City School Board.
She served for several years on the Board of Directors (including time as Board President) for La Leche League USA, a nonprofit that provides human milk feeding support. She currently works in finance as the Accounting Manager for a youth-serving nonprofit organization in Iowa. Over the past 22 years, Cecil-Starlin also dedicated much of her time to raising three children, two who of whom have graduated from East High School and one of whom is now in 6th Grade.
Says Cecil-Starlin, "I decided it was time to stop feeling disappointed and instead be the change I wanted to see. Our School Board can benefit from fresh faces and new ideas, and I believe in bringing a common-sense, compassionate approach to the table. My top priorities include addressing staffing shortages, attracting and retaining the best educators, improving transparent communication between the School Board, families, and the community, and fostering community collaboration so all students can thrive."
Says Cecil-Starlin, "I decided it was time to stop feeling disappointed and instead be the change I wanted to see. Our School Board can benefit from fresh faces and new ideas, and I believe in bringing a common-sense, compassionate approach to the table. My top priorities include addressing staffing shortages, attracting and retaining the best educators, improving transparent communication between the School Board, families, and the community, and fostering community collaboration so all students can thrive."
Cecil-Starlin comes from a family of teachers—her grandmother, aunt, and uncle were public school educators, and her daughter is completing her last semester of student teaching. She wants every student to have the same opportunities for success that her own children have experienced in our public schools. She wants teachers to feel supported and respected, just as she hopes her daughter will be when she begins her teaching career. Finally, she wants families to feel heard and valued, just as she wants to be.
Supporters can donate through her DonorBox site, connect with her on Facebook, or email her directly.
The school board election is Tuesday, November 4, 2025. There will be three full-term (4-year) open seats for this year's election, with each term expiring in November of 2029. Cecil-Starlin is one of seven candidates competing for a seat.