About the Coalition
A Community-Driven Team, Focused on Kids—not Politics
The Support Our Schools Coalition is a team of South Lane local leaders—Jeff Gowing, Colleen Valley, Diane Hicks, and Sherry Duerst-Higgins—running for the South Lane School Board with one shared purpose: to put students first.
Together, we bring decades of experience in education, small business, local government, mental health, and civic leadership. We’ve served as teachers, mayors, veterans, board members, and parents—and we’re united by the belief that public education should be a place of learning, not division.
We are a nonpartisan slate, endorsed by the South Lane Education Association and supported by educators and civic leaders across the political spectrum. Though we each bring unique backgrounds, we’re aligned on four core values:
Educational Excellence: Every child deserves a high-quality education, no matter their background or path in life.
Student-Centered Focus: Our priority is student learning—not partisan agendas or political distractions.
Preparation for the Real World: Whether college-bound, trade-focused, or entering the workforce, students need skills that translate into success.
Collaboration Over Conflict: We believe in working with teachers, families, and statewide partners to solve real problems—together.
This is a critical moment for our schools. With the right leadership, we can create safe, supportive, and stable learning environments where all students can thrive. We’re stepping up because we love this community—and we know that our kids deserve better than dysfunction or division.
Meet the Candidates
💼 Jeff Gowing
Retired Tradesman | Former Mayor | Current School Board Member
A U.S. Army veteran and lifelong Cottage Grove resident, Jeff brings a deep understanding of Career and Technical Education and over a decade of public service. He’s president of the Cottage Grove Community Foundation and co-chair of the American Legion Scholarship Program. Jeff is committed to equal opportunity, practical skill-building, and community-rooted education.
🧠 Colleen Valley
Mental Health Specialist | Small Business Owner | Current School Board Member
With degrees in psychology and a passion for student well-being, Colleen brings a focus on safe, connected learning environments. She champions balanced budgets, hands-on programs, and inclusive extracurriculars that help all students thrive—academically and emotionally.
🍎 Diane Hicks
Retired Educator | 35 Years in South Lane Classrooms
A lifelong Cottage Grove resident and teacher, Diane knows what it takes to help students grow. She’s running to bring an educator’s voice to the board—focused on reducing class sizes, enriching student experiences, and ensuring stable school funding.
🏠 Sherry Duerst-Higgins
Real Estate Broker | Veteran Education Leader | Current School Board Member
With over 30 years of public service—including leadership in the Oregon School Board Association and OSAA—Sherry is a collaborative problem solver. She’s committed to transparent leadership, safe schools, and graduation-focused student support.